okaypimpn said:

Tupac had all that, plus the rhythm. Jay-Z and Nas seem lost on the beat too often. Their lyrics are great, but they don't have enough of the old-school rhythm. Never really in the pocket, whereas Tupac was just naturally tight. I can't say that Tupac was the greatest, though, and all three have talent.

And did someone really say Dre could outrap Tupac? Seriously?

Tupac was not the best MC BUT he is and possibly always will be the best poetic lyricist in the business. The man spoke knowledge. He enlightened us about the ghetto, the slums, welfare, teenage pregnancy and thug life without being gangsta about it. There was always a big difference between him and other rappers who wanted to be gangstas. Others always spit shit that was hard to believe and he was always so easy to believe. Maybe cuz he did not always rap about himself but people in general.

IMHO 2Pac was 1 of a kind. I thought he was the best at what he did. U listen 2 these rappers 2day,they wish they had 2Pac's talent. I listen 2 his music when am depress sometime. Brother had skills when it came 2 rapping. What really set him apart was his voice and lyrics. His deep voice and beautiful smile was way 2 sexy. Indeed he was a poetic and a good one at that. I brought the book Inside a Thug's Heart by Angela Ardis. It's a good read. It's about the letters and poems they wrote 2 one another when he was incarcerated. 2Pac was very smart and a great writer. It's sad that he bacame a victim of Thug Life as he called it. When you're brought up in the streets like he was, u see things a lot different then those on the inside looking out. He spoked openly on the life he lived. LOL RIP 2Pac
[Edited 10/14/04 20:29pm]

pennylover said:

Wasn't he real good friends with Mickey Rourke? I heard Mickey wrote a movie for them to be in but it went straight to video.

rainman1985 said:

he was also good friends with Tony Danza.


And 2morrow poem by Tupac

Today is filled with anger fueled with hidden hate scared of being outcast afraid of common fate

Today is built on tragedies which no one wants 2 face nightmares 2 humanities and morally disgraced

Tonight is filled with rage violence in the air children bred with ruthlessness because no one at home cares

Tonight I lay my head down but the pressure never stops knawing at my sanity content when I am dropped

But 2morrow I c change a chance 2 build a new

Built on spirit intent of Heart and ideals based on truth and tomorrow I wake with second wind and strong because of pride 2 know I fought with all my heart 2 keep my dream alive.
[Edited 10/15/04 5:56am]

2pac, "all that"? Sure, in some aspects. He had great poetic talent and a raw, unique voice (nevr to be confused with another). He was definitely skillful in the way he was able to utilize those gifts. He was a good story teller. Especially, if what he was saying, was actually the way he was feeling. But I don't feel that he was "the best ever". But I'm not really the kind of listener that gets too caught up in the poetic/political aspect of a rap song. I consider myself to be 'Old School' and prefer to hear a 'clever rhyme' that is not to be taken too seriously. Party Jams!!


[/i]"...I wonder why we take from our women, why do we rape our women
do we hate our women,
I thinks it's time to kill for our women, be real to our women..."[i]

"Keep Ya head Up" -2pac

...then 2pac gets arrested for sexual assault and sodomy! I've always had a problem with that...
[Edited 10/15/04 9:01am]
[Edited 10/15/04 10:30am]

alright guys i'll take your word for it, but what about Melle Mel? he gets no props! highly under rated in my opinion.

dancerella said:

ABSOLUTELY! A perfect example of what i mean by 'Old School'. What him and 'Duke Bootee' did on "The Message" is a classic jam and a masterpiece both lyrically and musically! "White Lines" as well! But, I prefer the party jams like- "Freedom", "Girls Love The Way He Spins", etc..
[Edited 10/15/04 10:29am]