September 13th, 1996 - September 13th, 2002.
Today marks the 6 year anniversary of Tupac's death.
I remember it like it was yesterday.
That was the only instance in which a celebrity died that when I heard of his passing, I wept.
Often misinterpreted and misunderstood, he was one of the most controversial, passionate, influential, and powerful artists of a generation.
My generation.
In my opinion the greatest artist of the era, and many share my opinion.
Undoubtedly a legend in his own time.
A poet, lyricist, political and social activist, like most shining stars that illuminate so brightly that they blind all who glare at it.. he was snuffed out at a young age.. and far too soon.
A conflicted soul, the passion, suffering, and desire for change in this world was ever present in his lyrics, and no current artist has been able to match that power of expression.
Many theories abound as to what really happened that fateful night in Las Vegas.
The recent article in the LA Times proposes that his archrival, Christopher Wallace, aka The Notorious B.I.G., of Bad Boy Records, with whom he had an ongoing feud at the time, was directly responsible for his murder.
Others believe that Suge Knight was the mastermind behind the offense.
Yet others think that he is still alive, for indeed many coincidences and gaping holes in facts surround his shooting and autopsy.
I could delve into theories and my own opinions of what happened... but I do not wish to detract from the purpose of this post.
Some say music is food for the soul, and can aid someone in getting through troubled times in their lives or in coping with stress and depression. I believe that, and 2Pac helped me through some hard times in my life, even recently.
Irregardless of what critics or opposers say, his music and poetry are what live on, in my heart, and in the hearts of millions.
R.I.P. Tupac.