2pac, also known as Tupac Shakur, was one of the most iconic rap artists of all time. Even today, kids who were born after he died are aware of the legacy 2pac left the world. Though much of 2pac’s life has been put on display – especially since his death – there are still some things that many people do not know about him. With that in mind, here we present our list of 15 things you probably didn’t know about 2pac. Check out part one below, and stay tuned for part two, coming soon!
Number Fifteen: He Was Born Lesane Parish Crooks. Though many people assume 2pac’s birth name was Tupac Shakur, in reality when he was born, he was named Lesane Parish Crooks. His mom changed his name to Tupac Amaru Shakur shortly after he was born.
Number Fourteen: He Was in Jail Before He Was Born. 2pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, was active in the Black Panther party. Just one month and three days before 2pac was born, Afeni was acquitted of charges; however, she was indeed in jail while she was five months pregnant with 2pac.
Number Thirteen: He Was an Actor. When 2pac was just 13 years old, he played the character of Travis Younger in a reproduction of A Raisin in the Sun. The play was performed at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem.
Number Twelve: He Was a Ballet Dancer. 2pac attended Baltimore School for the Arts, and it was there that he began to take ballet classes. He even danced in a reproduction of the Nutcracker, and he played The Mouse King.
Number Eleven: He Was Good Friends With Jada Pinkett. Though the two were not romantic, they had a very deep platonic friendship. His poem titled “Tears in the Cupid’s Eyes” from his book, The Rose That Grew From Concrete, is actually dedicated to her.
Number Ten: He Was a Backup Dancer. 2pac was a backup dancer for The Digital Underground in 1990 – this was the beginning of his career in entertainment.
Number Nine: He Completed The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory in Seven Days. 2pac was going by the stage name of Makaveli when he wrote The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. He wrote and recorded the songs in three days, and he was able to mix the album in another four days.