Lesane Parish Crooks

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he·ro / noun 1. a person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

I think one person who fits this description is Lesane Parish Crooks. But most of the world knows him as Tupac Shakur. Pac was born June 16, 1971 in the city of New York. He is the child of Billy Garland and Afeni Shakur who were both Black Panther activists. Growing up, Tupac moved frequently between the boroughs of Brooklyn and the Bronx; both having areas of low income but being rich in diversity. Tupac attended the Baltimore School for the Arts where he studied acting and dances like ballet. He soon discovered rap and began his hobby of MCing in New York. In the 80's he and his family moved to California where he dove deeper into the rap scene when he joined the West Coast based group "Digital Underground."

In 1991 Tupac debuted as solo artist under the name 2Pac and within the next four years had songs and album that reached multiple chats. Around the same time he started his acting career and stared in films alongside famous actors like Queen Latifah, Samuel Jackson and Janet Jackson. His music was known for violent lyrics and soon, his musical platform would become his reality. Tupac faced multiple criminal charges for violent crimes during the 1990's and fell victim to a mugging where he was shot five times. While recovering from the injuries he was sentenced to four and a half years of prison.

CEO of Death Row Records, Suge Knight, was able to pay a 1 million dollar bond for the release of Tupac after serving only eight months. After being released Tupac quickly began making music again and was dominating the rap scene. He landed several more roles for movies like Gang Related and Gridlock'd.

Tupac wearing all white (www.pintrest.com ())

On September 7th of 1996 Shakur was planning on attending a Boxing Match in Las Vegas, Nevada. That same night he was shot six times while riding with his label record's CEO Suge Knight. Tupac was taken to a hospital where he stayed for six days before dying of his injuries. His recent albums where he spoke of a possible early death had become a reality.

Many people criticize Tupac Shakur for his violent and vulgar lyrics. Many admire him for those honest words. Many see him as nothing but a thug but I see him as a hero. What comes to mind when I think of the late Tupac Shakur is a man who turned his hobby into a career; the ultimate goal. I see a man who gave hope to generations of young men and women who are born into poverty and hardship. He spoke of how men should treat women and gave the women of poverty an encouraging message with the song Keep Your Head Up. He gave the world cinematic masterpieces that are still admired today like Juice and Poetic Justice. Most people praise him for his violent side but I praise him for the things he had accomplished and the more reflective side that he showed.