ATLANTA (AP) – Tupac Shakur’s mother has donated a collection of the rapper’s writing to the Atlanta University Center’s main library.
Afeni Shakur has handed over more than 150 of her son’s items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge (shugh) Knight and Death Row Records.
The rapper’s collection will be part of the archives at the Robert W. Woodruff Library on the campus of the Atlanta University Center.
The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection at Morehouse College.
Shakur was one of rap’s best-selling artists, becoming an even bigger star after his release from prison in 1995 with his multi-platinum selling album “All Eyez on Me.” He was shot to death a year later.
B.S. Report–Move over Martin Luther King Jr., make room for the Tupac collection. I’ve read some of Tupac’s writings in the past, and, no offense to the late rapper, but he’s another example of the depths that art in the 20th century and beyond has sunk to in the U.S.
Do you really think that Tupac was a transcendent talent that will be remembered hundreds of years in the future? There are very few people whose talents are remembered even 100 years later. Atlanta University can do what it pleases and collect the artifacts it wants. That’s not my issue. And it’s no insult to Tupac to say his contributions are not worthy of the esteem given to truly great artists or individuals. Virtually none of us are worthy of that. My only problem is with people pretending his work was that important.
All art is subjective–but there has to be more to it to be considered “great” art. A special something or a certain divine “spark” that touches people’s inner soul in a way other works do not. That’s why millions are still awed by the works of Michelangelo or DaVinci or Mozart or Beethoven. That’s why we still read and study Shakespeare 400 years later. None of us knows definitionally what “great art” is–but we usually know it when we see it, hear it or read it. And it’s the “dumbing down” of the arts’ society in the name of diversity that wishes to elevate Tupac to a status he doesn’t merit.
Here’s an example of some of his “artistry.” (Language warning, of course.)
Tupac was the greatest rapper. And yes his work will be remembered a hundered years after his death. And to anyone who doesn’t think so, here is my e-mail:
brendenncasee@live.com
I hate anyone who puts this man down. Tupac Shakur did nothing but tell it how it is, and if you don’t like it then your a hipacrit. And another thing, everyone only disses him cause he showed everyone that a poor black/white folks can rap better than a rich a** mutha fu**a. So if you don’t like what i said then e-mail me and we can settle this.
Tupac will only grow as an artist over time – first known for his acting and music, next for his poetry, and finally he will be known for his life imitating art. Tupac is the definition of an artist and if you don’t get it, take another listen to his albums and recognize that he was rapping about his life
Yeah that’s why “Dear Mama” was recently inducted into the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry for it’s “cultural significance”.
“This notable distinction means that by the National Recording Preservation Board’s standards “Dear Mama” has been deemed ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant’ and will join a prestigious group of only 300 songs that have been inducted into National Recording Registry in history.”
According to Reuters, the NRPB called the song a “moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper’s own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty and societal indifference.”
AND….
“Almost exactly eleven years after its posthumous release, legendary rapper Tupac Shakur’s 1998 hit “Changes” has been selected by the Vatican as one of the institution’s “12 Favorite Songs” as part of a playlist for MySpace’s new streaming service MySpace Music. The distinction is the first time the Catholic Church has officially recognized the work of any popular American artist. With it, the song joins the ranks of works such as “Don Giovanni” by Mozart, the Vatican’s own “Advocata Nostra,” featuring the voice of Pope Benedict XVI, and “After The Rain,” by Dame Shirley Bassey.”
So wait….did they just put Tupac in the same category as Mozart???! OMG they sure did…THATS FKN RIGHT.
So I think u should go listen to Tupac, honestly…78 million album sales and hundreds of millions of fans worldwide ARE NOT WRONG. Even people that don’t like hip-hop still usually like/love Tupac.
And btw the Tupac song u posted is not indicative of Tupac’s legacy at all…in fact its pretty lesser known. Check out the above two songs as well as “Keep Ya Head Up”, “I Ain’t Mad At Cha”, “Better Dayz”, “Do For Love”, etc. You don’t even have to be black, from the streets, poor, or in a gang to enjoy and respect them!
It seems ur blog doesn’t let me post links to my sources. Here they are below with the .com replaced with [dot]com…sometimes that works.
http://latimesblogs.latimesdotcom/music_blog/2010/06/2pacs-dear-mama-selected-for-inclusion-in-library-of-congress-national-recording-registry.html
http://www.prnewswiredotcom/news-releases/tupacs-changes-named-as-one-of-the-vaticans-12-favorite-songs-for-new-myspace-music-playlist-78752967.html
Lastly, I wanted to add that this is the first website/page that I’ve EVER seen about Tupac (and there’s MILLIONS) that says anything even remotely negative about his talent/art. In other words….u just don’t get it.
Give him a good listen and you’ll be forgiven!
Alright now I’m getting carried away…but you’ve struck a nerve in me.
UC Berkeley, Harvard University, and the University of Washington are but a few of the schools that have featured classes/conferences on the writings of Tupac Shakur. I’m done trying to post links…..Google it.
“And it’s the “dumbing down” of the arts’ society in the name of diversity that wishes to elevate Tupac to a status he doesn’t merit.”
I only noticed this sentence when I reread ur post!!! It’s actually a somewhat racist statement!!! You’re saying that, to include blacks/minorities into the art world, the art community is lowering it’s standards???!!
You’re a fool… I’m outta here…..
Jason,
You just couldn’t resist playing the race card, could you? You couldn’t make any legitimate argument so instead you made it a personal attack. And all because I don’t agree with your assessment (and others) that Tupac should be included with Mozart or Beethoven as a transcendent musical talent.
I didn’t say his music was bad–I just don’t believe that he belongs in that lofty company. And citing “left-wing” universities that offer courses on all sorts of nonsense doesn’t strengthen your case. Hey, I don’t mind one bit that you love Tupac’s music–good for you, but you haven’t said anything to change my mind. So it’s you, my misguided music aficionado, who is the fool. Thanks though for writing…
WTF??! I’m sorry but I actually did make a “legitimate argument” and provided references!! You’re saying others agree with you that he DOESN’T belong there….plz….show proof…or is just “ur friends sentiment”. Post a link to a reputable publication that says he doesn’t belong in the lexicon…I’ll read it, I promise. Guaranteed u won’t find one…cuz it’s just UR OPINION.
And I didn’t make a personal attack until I read ur opinion that the art community is “dumbing itself down” to support diversity. I provided PROOF, from the above referenced articles, that Tupac’s music has been accepted by the Vatican and the U.S. Library of Congress for its artistic and cultural value! So WTF u talking about??!!
What kinda music do u listen to or think IS worth something??? Please….honestly….tell me…I’m curious. If u don’t list some worthy candidates I wont even discuss this with u. Name someone….please…
How many people u know actually listen to Beethoven & Mozart intentionally? What is GREAT MUSIC? Sh*t that moves u, right? Sh*t that u feel? Who’s really FEELING classical music these days? Tell me honestly that that’s what u listen to all day long and…#1 I won’t believe you, and #2 I’d feel like u were very disconnected from the modern world if it were true.
And I didn’t play a race card. I reread ur sentence about the art community “dumbing itself down” just to be “diverse” and was offended. You know what u meant when u said it. If you don’t appreciate and don’t accept black music just accept it, but you’re one of the minority. Just don’t bob your head the next time a hip-hop track comes on and ur lady (if u have one) wants to dance/sing along.
I wish I knew more about u and why u would say these things. If u wanna argue about hip-hop’s role in American and global culture its not really worth my time…its out there everyday and on the internet.
And just to repeat what was expressed by the Vatican…Tupac’s music WAS INCLUDED in the same category as Mozarts.
Nuff sed dude….this is my first time on this BS report site and, in some ways, I wish I never found it. Dumb folks….
Jason,
First off, I like all types of music but I guess I’m mostly a “rock” guy. And I do listen to classical music and know others who do–but no one I know listens to only one type of music. I’m certainly not a rap or hip-hop guy but I like some of it. You did misunderstand my statement–I was saying that “others” agree with YOU, not me. Perhaps I wasn’t clear enough. I know the articles that you cited and those are also opinions. However, I’ve developed a “knee-jerk” skepticism for the opinions of “so-called” experts because I’ve learned over many years that expert opinions are usually no more valid than those of “non-experts.” They are wrong just as often as they are right. Furthermore, quite often there is a political component involved that obscures judgement–and I’m not talking about race as much as I’m talking about one’s “worldview.”
However, art doesn’t fall into the realm of right or wrong–it boils down to personal opinions, tastes, and our own biases. First, and full disclosure, I don’t hold rap or hip-hop to be among the equal, skill and technique-wise, of other musical genres. That’s the bias I come from and you can say, if you wish, that that disqualifies my opinion. Fair enough, but we all have a bias–you clearly have one against classical music and that’s fine. I’m not saying that I don’t enjoy the melody or the beat of many rap tunes, I’m merely referring to the musical skill, training, and expertise involved.
I don’t believe that music quality is entirely subjective but that’s a topic for another time. As for Tupac, I guess I appreciate his writing more than his music–it has a gritty quality, combined with some depth that makes him stand out from other similar rap artists, but personally I don’t find it worthy of the adulation and esteem that he is held in today. Do you think he would be as revered if he were not murdered at such a young age? Think of others who have died young: JFK, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe–none was as great before death as they became after. You cite, rightly so, that others disagree with me–even the Vatican! Well, I often disagree with the Vatican; they make many foolish statements, and I’m reasonably sure that you would disagree with the Vatican on a whole host of issues. Jason, there are also colleges that teach the Beatles–and as much as I used to like the Beatles, I don’t feel that they (like Tupac) merit intensive study.
I was criticizing your argument against me–not your argument for Tupac’s greatness. But when a person calls me a racist I’m going to react harshly because I’m not a racist and I don’t appreciate being called one. I’m sorry if my reaction pissed you off but I have zero patience for that avenue of discourse. You seem like a reasonably intelligent guy and I’m well aware that there are people who feel as you do–that Tupac’s music and his poetry is so exceptional as to be worthy of inclusion among the pantheon of greats. I simply disagree.
The reason I refer to Mozart and Beethoven is not to be a musical snob, but primarily because nearly everyone has heard of them–and that’s my main point. Their greatness has stood the test of time and there is something to be said for people who are still listened to, and appreciated, and considered “great” hundreds of years after their death. When I say that there has been a “dumbing down” of art, I don’t mean only music, and I don’t mean just in the past few years either. This has been going on in western culture since roughly the 1920s. There is a rush to proclaim new styles, forms or techniques to be as good as older, more accepted styles. In classical music for instance, the atonal work of Arnold Schoenberg was hailed by many to be the equal of Mozart, Beethoven, Haydn etc. In my humble opinion, it’s schlock–in other words, garbage. As is the “painting” of Jackson Pollock or the “pop-art” of Andy Warhol. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that Tupac belongs in their class, I’m only saying that many people held (and still hold) that their clearly inferior work (my opinion) was brilliant and “transformational.”
You asked me who I listen to. Well, when I was a kid I grew up listening to Elvis, Beatles, Stones, Who, Kinks, Led Zeppelin, Hendrix, Tull, Clapton–in other words, all the typical classic rock greats–and I saw most of them live. Then I got into the “Prog-Rock” of Van Der Graaf, Genesis, Floyd, Fripp, ELP, Yes, etc. Then classical music which I’ve grown to love. Later, the jazz of Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, the Big Bands of Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman. I like the singing of Sinatra and all the old crooners, as well as the singing of Ella, Aretha, Steve Winwood, Peter Gabriel, Chaka Khan and others. I loved Buddy Rich’s drumming. I think Sammy Davis Jr. is the greatest all around entertainer ever. I love the acoustic guitar of Tommy Emmanuel. You’ll notice that I’m all over the map–with the notable exception of rap and hip-hop. So educate me Jason, what songs can you recommend that best represents the artistry of hip-hop for the novice person looking for an introduction?
Finally, I guess I’m getting old and stodgy because I don’t like the word “legendary” or even “great” being tossed around lightly. Actually, there have been attempts to quantify greatness. An excellent book on the subject is Charles Murray’s “Human Accomplishment” where he lists the greatest individuals in each field of human endeavor according to criteria he developed. As far as art being “dumbed down” I would suggest you read Paul Johnson’s “Art: A New History.” Jason, my questions to you are these: Do you think that Tupac will be listened to 100 years from now and will his writings be read 100 years from now? Furthermore, do you think his reputation in the future will be less than or greater than his reputation today? So, although we got off to a rocky start I hope you can better understand my views and where I’m coming from. I do appreciate you taking your valuable time to write. Jason, all the best to you.
Well said…
I’m going to take some time to read this more and respond properly but for now…
Hip-hop is not everybody…I didn’t understand it and disliked its popularity when it was getting big in the early 90′s (Tupac’s era ironically). I listened to Pink Floyd and Grateful Dead and harder stuff like Rage Against The Machine. I loved reading lyrics and getting deep into a song. I then got into Bob Marley and A LOT of roots reggae for its politcal/personal stance against established ideas/systems that train ppl to conform.
I got it into hip-hop slowly…I think A LARGE part of it was moving from the suburbs and a high-rise apartment into the grime of the city…I definitely “felt” hip-hop more.
To wrap things up, for now (I will continue..I promise), try to check out the Academy Award Nominated documentary “Tupac: Resurrection”…it’s what REALLY got me into Tupac.
http://www.youtubedotcom/watch?v=dOSc-F-3Rug <—replaced .com again
One other thing…Tupac died at 25 and starred in 6 movies. He had no formal acting training whatsoever but was always said to have delivered blistering performances by critics. He delivered speeches at social activist groups at like 20 years old that had people on their feet going crazy. While known for his violent and controversial persona…he was a deep dude.
I'm not sure if everyone really feels him or has time to or cares to but I did and will continue to. But no…Tupac's music will probably not be remembered 100 years from now…and, you're right, I don't know who else's will either.
More later
Jason,
I appreciate the tone of your comment and I look forward to hearing from you again. Thanks for writing and all the best to you.