Under the Narration of Tupac Shakur, Research Paper Example

The film Tupac: Resurrection takes an introspective look at the life, music, and thoughts of Tupac Shakur. With the controversy surrounding Tupac, as he is often referred to in short, the documentary is of particular interest. Not only does it provide a background to his life and music, but it takes a deeper look into the philosophy and existence of Tupac that is revealed in his music and the things that he represents. Narrated by Tupac himself, Tupac: Resurrection allows the viewer to see what Tupac stands for, believes in, and has dedicated his life to in the revealing documentary.

The Film and Life of Tupac

There has been more than one documentary on Tupac. Indeed, fans of Tupac will note that there have been several, with emphases such as the music and even the shooting that ended Tupac’s death. Of course, there is one important detail that sets Tupac: Resurrection apart from all others: the film is narrated by Tupac himself.

The effect of the film has been noticeable. To date, it is the 19^th-highest grossing documentary of all time, with over $7.7 million grossed over its lifetime (Box Office Mojo 2012). In 2004, Tupac: Resurrection was nominated for Best Documentary Feature by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, at the 77^th Academy Awards (New York Times). As it will be demonstrated throughout the present analysis, the film narrated by Tupac has had a resounding impact on fans and viewers of all types. It certainly goes beyond accolades and money made during its run. As an analogy to his music and his life, the documentary from Tupac is worth more than face value.

The influence of Tupac can be seen on many levels. As of 2007, he has sold over 75 million albums, making him not only one of the best-selling artists that is deceased, but bringing him into the topic of all-time best selling artists (Goldman and Paine, 2007). It could also be argued that there are few names in the world of music that are as synonymous as Tupac and rap/hip hop. It would be hard to imagine many more stronger associations, such as Elvis with rock. Tupac is truly a giant in the genre of rap and, as the documentary elaborates upon, it is not only due to his music.

A brief overview of Tupac’s life is important to assert. Growing up in New York, New York, the rap legend started off as an actor and MC in the New York and Baltimore areas. In 1991, he became a solo artist and quickly emerged in rap and hip hop circles (Biography.com 2012). His explicit and violent lyrics depicted life and gangs, and he was no stranger to that himself. Tupac was sentenced to four and a half years in prison for sexual assault, got involved in assaults and problems with the law, and was engaged in a feud. The feud between East and West Coast rappers ultimately led to his death, when he was shot in 1996. Tupac was pronounced dead six days later.

Tupac on His Life and Music

Tupac: Resurrection could arguably paint a picture of Tupac’s music or his life. More accurately, it is both due to the inextricable link between both of these aspects, as well as the beliefs that are so deeply integrated into both. Not only does his music and life speak to fans and anyone that has found interest, but the resounding beliefs and philosophical undertones in the documentary are quite revealing.

Early Life and Influence

One constant in Tupac’s music is the characterizations of life in the ghetto, gangs, and other related conceptions (i.e. “the hood”). This has been a subject of controversy, as there is a general bias against rap music due to this perceived glorification. While this analysis will not attempt to ascribe right or wrong to either side, Tupac: Resurrection elaborates upon the reason behind these themes.

Tupac’s early life could be seen under the light of determinism. In the documentary, Tupac acknowledges the ties to the Black Panthers and how he was involved early in less-than-optimal situations: “My mother was a Black Panther. So, all of my roots to the struggle are real deep” (Tupac: Resurrection 2003). Other members of his family were tied the Black Panthers, creating an environment that led to such a dangerous lifestyle. His stepfather could even be found on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for a few years.

What would have happened if Tupac wasn’t in this environment? While such a question is impossible to answer with any level of certainty, Tupac gives an interesting quote of what he believes: “When I was young, I read a lot, I wrote poetry. I would have been a different person if I wasn’t exposed to these things” (2003). What occurred in Tupac’s music and ambition in life certainly adhered to his upbringing and propensity towards poetry and literature.

Transition to Musical Influence

Tupac’s life and upbringing could be seen as an indicator to his music. Looking at his difficult early life and upbringing, it is unfortunately no surprise that he became involved in conflict. As it will be explored later, this played a role in his success and legacy – as well as his fatal flaw.

From Tupac’s point of view, he wanted to speak out against the drugs, violence, and life that have affected so many African-Americans in difficult parts of the United States. Speaking out against these unfortunate presences in America, Tupac took a very direct route to what he wanted to accomplish, stating: “I’m gonna show the most graphic details, and hopefully they’ll stop…” (2003). He certainly took a powerful route to both parts of the phrase.

The music spoke out against injustices with an explicit nature. Pointing to Tupac’s poetic background, songs like “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” a song that describes a young girl’s decision to throw away her incest-conceived baby in a dumpster, certainly created an explicit pedestal to speak out. Poverty, police brutality, social injustice, and more can be found in the songs of Tupac, along with albums containing actual poetry.

Not all of his music was celebrated my society. Some of his music can have an aggressiveness and explicit nature that, to many, goes too far. And while it is not a perfect of completely correct response, the most recent quote from Tupac: Resurrection certainly puts his motives into perspective. While some may say that he was glorifying the life of gangs and other issues, Tupac was attempting to bring awareness and play a hand in stopping violence and other issues.

Turmoil in His Life, Legacy

Caught in feuds between East and West Coast rap circles, along with other legal problems, Tupac is believed to have been killed due to this turmoil. In the narrations of Tupac: Resurrection, Tupac gives interesting perspective of his dealings with the strife. It certainly goes a long way to viewing how he approached being a voice for those living amongst poverty and violence.

Tupac dealt with a great deal of criticism for his perceived glorification of violence. Tupac mentioned that “I felt like a target” (2003), when society tried to single him out for his explicit music. When Tupac got in trouble with the law, it only increased.

Much of the dissension came from the influence that Tupac could have on society. After all, in the eyes of society, young people could see his music as a glorification that would lead them to gangs, violence, and other dangerous concepts found in his music. As Tupac mentions in the documentary, “Half of my fans are white, they listen as much as the black fans” (2003), where he acknowledges his listening base and influence.

An interesting part of the documentary sheds light on Tupac’s views of himself. In an interview, he responds to a question of whether he thinks he’ll ever live a happy, normal life: “No. But, I have to make the life that I live as happy as I can and try to do the best with what I have” (2003). The interesting response gives a level of insight, leading listeners to believe that Tupac recognizes himself almost of a sacrifice of sorts.

Discussion

Tupac: Resurrection contains a great deal of introspective looks into the mind of Tupac. Indeed, he was in a way a product of his upbringing. It is hard to deny that the trials he suffered were, in part, explanatory for the mistakes that he made. From what he stood for to the music that he produced, his impact has certainly captured what he set out to do – for better or worse.

Earlier the current analysis looked at Tupac’s development. Interested in poetry and literature, it is no surprise that he is considered one of the first major rappers to integrate such meaning into his songs. Compared to other artists that are more driven on melody, and possibly make a more compelling case to the glorification of negative issues, Tupac remains a rapper that has consistently directed his attention to his targets. He set out to change the world: “I don’t guarantee that I’ll change the world. But I will guarantee that I’ll spark the brain that will change the world” (2003). His powerful lyrics certainly confirm the latter guarantee.

During the tumultuous years in which Tupac battled the media, rappers, and other critics, Tupac stayed true to his roots to serve a greater good. He was able to speak out against violence, poverty, social injustices, and other negative concepts that were particularly relevant during his time. It is no wonder that some experts view him as a poet and a social analyst of sorts, as there are powerful points to be unearthed from his many songs and poems.

However, it would not be fair to ascribe only goodness to Tupac and his works. There is a measure of reason in the voice of critics, as young people could easily be drawn to less-than-desirable pursuits that are characterized in Tupac’s songs. However, when Tupac and his music are properly understood, perspective can be gained from which to view both. This may, in the end, however, be a difficult task for the “average person” who listens to music that is driven by such deep and powerful concepts.

As Tupac asserts in the documentary, only he knows the whole story of his life (2003). He did get into legal troubles, feuds with others, and ultimately suffered a tragic death (likely due to these troubles). Tupac had flaws that made their way into his life and his legacy, and surely he would acknowledge that he is not perfect.

Thus, the picture of Tupac’s strengths and weaknesses can be seen against the background that Tupac gives. His dedication to speaking out and inciting change in the world was – and still is – impressive. His integration into the life that he speaks out against is unfortunately one that led him to his untimely death. In a way, his greatest strength came to be his greatest flaw, as he provided insight into what he spoke out against in a way that only one cane who has experienced it.

Conclusion

Tupac: Resurrection is a narrative documentary from Tupac himself, giving a profound level of insight into his life. Speaking out regarding his life, his music, and who he is as a man, Tupac allows the viewer to see things from his perspective. He certainly succeeds in providing viewers with a no-holds-barred look at the artist and man.

One of the more interesting topics is how Tupac considers himself. Acknowledging his victimization from others, he explains his plan all along. Seeking to create change in the world, he is a social activist of sorts, and not an artist who is attempting to glorify violence, drugs, and the thug life among other things. His approach to some topics is deeply poetic, moving, and has affected many people and artists since.

There is a measure of understanding to the criticism as well. With an almost tragic flavor to the story, Tupac was a product against the background that he wanted to expose and change with his music. He also was drawn into legal difficulties of a serious nature. Of course, and without note to blame, some of these items led to his untimely death.

Tupac: Resurrection is a starting point for understanding the music and life of Tupac Shakur. However flawed, Tupac reveals his motives and aspirations regarding his life. Indeed he has succeeded in changing the landscape with his music. He also has taken on a legend-like status. Tupac: Resurrection provides must-see introspection into the deep lyrics, motives, and drive behind a rapper whose efforts changed society. A proper understanding is essential for any fan or anyone with interest in rap music.

Works Cited

Documentary Movies.” Box Office Mojo. n.p., 2012. Web. 26 April. 2012.

In Pictures: Top-Earning Dead Celebrities.” Lea Goldman and Jake Paine. Forbes, 2007. Web. 26 April. 2012.

Tupac Shakur’s Death Certificate Details.” Cathy Scott. Las Vegas Sun. 1997. Web. 26 April. 2012.

Tupac: Resurrection. Lauren Lazin. Paramount Pictures, 2003. Film.

Tupac: Resurrection (2003).” The New York Times, n.d. Web. 26 April. 2012.

Tupac Shakur.” Biography.com, n.d. Web. 26 April. 2012.