Tupac Shakur

Tupac Shakur was an American rapper, actor, and poet who became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop.

Tupac Shakur was an American rapper, actor, and poet who became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. He died in 1996 at age 25 after being shot in a drive-by attack in Las Vegas; the killing remained unsolved for decades, and Duane Keith Davis was charged in 2023.

What it is

Tupac Shakur, born Lesane Parish Crooks in New York City on June 16, 1971, was a central figure in 1990s hip-hop. He released music blending social commentary with gangsta rap, acted in films, and wrote poetry. His career spanned 1990 to 1996, and he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Why it matters

Shakur is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers of all time. His work shaped hip-hop culture globally, including in Canada, where his music remains prominent through radio, streaming, and cultural coverage. His unsolved murder became a lasting mystery until a 2023 arrest.

Key details

Shakur was fatally shot in a drive-by attack in Paradise, Nevada, on September 7, 1996, and died six days later at age 25. The case remained unsolved for decades until Duane Keith Davis, also known as Keffe D, was charged in 2023. Posthumous releases kept his music commercially prominent after his death.