Born on this day: Tupac Shakur.
On June 16, 1971, Tupac Amaru Shakur was born Lesane Parish Crooks — and the world would later know him as 2Pac, Makaveli, a rapper, actor, poet, and one of the most influential artists hip-hop has ever seen.
Pac’s legacy was built on more than records. He gave the world pain, truth, rebellion, love, and social commentary in a way few artists have ever matched. His music spoke to struggle, survival, injustice, ambition, and hope — which is why it still connects with fans across generations.
In 1996, he topped the charts with “How Do U Want It / California Love,” and his Greatest Hits album remains one of the best-selling rap collections in U.S. history.
Though Tupac passed away on September 13, 1996, his voice never really left the culture.
