2Pac: Why I love listening to this man's thoughts.

2pac, far from being the most loved man that ever walked this fickle earth, was a man that, as he eloquently stated himself, "called [it] as he sees them." I find myself becoming more drawn to a figure that is not only dead, but who also had a vastly different upbringing than I did. Growing up in 3 different ghettos, Tupac was a figure who was traced by darkness, decay, and death everywhere he went. His life was, in fact, very far from glamorous. His paranoia, which he speaks of frequently in many of his songs, consumed his life, and it is a bit mysterious that he started to release many, many songs about his death. What endears me the most about Tupac is that not only was he legitimately a thug and a 'gangsta,' (Red in fact) but he also was a poet, a political activist, and a philosopher, all channeled through his music. It is incredible that so many of his songs still hold so much relevancy even to this day. I do feel like I would be Tupac's friend if I had ever gotten the chance to know him, especially at this place in my life. There are so many questions I have, and so little answers that I can find. And I feel that Tupac felt the exact same way. At the age of 25, God stole him away from us, and I honestly feel a little frustrated at God for that. I feel like he was just at the start of his brilliance, and that his music was just the stepping stone of a much larger figure. I really am looking forward to meeting Tupac in heaven, and I am utterly convinced that he is, indeed, in heaven. He has better things to say about God that pastors with decades worth of seminary study. All this to say that Tupac, if you are reading this, you inspire me to become a better person. And you help me realize that the world is not as black and white as I was lead to believe. I am eternally grateful that my brother happened to come across your music. Wherever you are right now, rest in peace. I have many questions for you when I meet you.