In the years since hip-hop lost its most dynamic figure, several superstars have embodied the qualities that made Tupac Shakur such a legend. 50 Cent's vicious raps and bullet-scarred body recall Shakur's reckless, dangerous side. Eminem's tortured lyrics remind us of Shakur's dark and depressing images of life. Jay-Z's many hits are reminiscent of Shakur's prolific output.

But 10 years after Shakur died on Sept. 13, 1996, the victim of a drive-by shooting, no rapper is as complex, as multifaceted, as challenging. A handsome and charismatic actor, a violent felon, a brilliant songwriter, a reckless celebrity, a misogynist and a visionary Shakur still fascinates from the grave.

"I want to be in the future known as somebody," Shakur once said. "I want people to be talking about me, like, 'Remember when he was real bad?"' They're still talking. Unlike so many other rap stars, Shakur represented an actual character, instead of a caricature. "His messages were really strong and heartfelt, and he was a real person. He could go from saying 'Keep your head' up to using the word b --- in the next song,"

Kanye West told The Associated Press. "There was no box that he was put in, and he lived and died by what he said." Though just 25 when an assailant sprayed his car with bullets as he rode shotgun down a Las Vegas street, Shakur has been the subject of numerous books, film and stage productions have explored his colorful life, and college courses have dissected his songs ranging from the player anthem "I Get Around" to the prophetic "How Long Will They Mourn Me?"

Greatest rapper ever? But why? Though some have anointed Shakur as the greatest rapper ever, largely due to his passion that could stir even casual listeners, the assessment is hardly universal. Others would give that title to The Notorious B.I.G., Shakur's foil who was killed months after Shakur. Others say Jay-Z reigns supreme.

As an actor in films like "Juice" and "Poetic Justice," it was clear Shakur was an explosive, raw talent -- but one that needed refinement. And his personal life exposed perhaps his most troubling personal traits:

Guest Book

LaTerrica Williams

April 13, 2021

Just stopping by to let you know that your memory will never die. One of the Greatest to ever do it!

Robert L

March 25, 2021

I will always love you homie rip tupac and your mom they in heaven rn chillin see you when I get there homie

Kimberly Smith

Sep 12, 2020

To the greatest rapper of all time, you are truly missed and always Loved, (RIP) TUPAC Love And Thank You For the Great Music you produced in the Years

Arthur Yancey

April 25, 2020

I miss you so much, bro. I listen to your music on a regular. I have dedicated myself to teaching my children and others about you. I have even posted one of your quotes in the ID Center of my college and on a college brochure that I am feature on. There is not a day that goes by to where I do not think about you or your mother Afina. I always wanted to meet you, sit down, and just have a conversation. After your passing, I was hoping that I would at least get to sit down with Afina one day and have a nice long conversation with her but unfortunately, neither one happened. Even though we didn't meet on Earth, we will meet one day in heaven. ~Arthur Yancey, Family~

Dora Tutson

Feb 01, 2020

Rest in peace 2 pac you was special greatest rapper we are going to miss you from acres home in houston tutson family dora priscilla chris chris jr andraya london king tutson we love you

jayda kinny

Jan 27, 2020

RIP the best ever living legend

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Keven Peter

2020-03-04

Song: the federals-tony bolton

Michel Baven

2020-03-09

Song: Avalanche City

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Easton Cooper

2020-06-06

Axel Santiago

2021-10-17

Jonathan Hunter

2020-10-21

Luca Landon

2020-11-11