In the early to mid 90's, there was a transformation happening in Hip Hop, "gangster rap" had become its newest representation. Many fought for the throne of the new genre, but there was one that stood above the rest- Tupac. Tupac was a multi-talented artist that succeeded not only as a musical artist, but also as an actor and a poet. He connected with his fans by bringing to the forefront the daily struggles and obstacles that he had experienced along with many neighborhoods across the country. He gave voice to a generation that had had enough of the social injustice that was occurring. He constantly included this message in his music, in hopes it would lead to a solution. In doing so, he became an icon. 

Tupac made his music for all. It didn't matter the situation or event, there was always a certain Tupac song that could get the vibe going. With a wide range of songs from "California Love" to "Hit "Em Up" to "Dear Mama", there aren't too many instances where a Tupac song wouldn't be fitting. It wasn't only the vast subjects that Tupac covered in his music; it was his passion. His songs would make you feel as if there were somebody there going through the same issues together with you. His music served as a soundtrack to many people's lives. 

As a symbol for the people, naturally, it was "all eyez" on Tupac. He was under heavy scrutiny at all times with each action being dissected by the media. Most would have crumbled under the spotlight or pretended to be something they weren't. Not Tupac. With Tupac, you only got his absolute realist and honest thoughts and opinions; it didn't matter if there was scrutiny to follow or not. It was this "THUG LIFE" mentality that made Tupac who he was- "the rose that grew from concrete".

He gave voice to a generation that had had enough of the social injustice that was occurring. He constantly included this message in his music, in hopes it would lead to a solution. In doing so, he became an icon.