2Pac’s Gang Affiliation: Crip or Blood? We’ll Snoop Around

2Pac’s Gang Affiliation: Crip or Blood? We’ll Snoop Around

When it comes to West Coast rap, there are a few names that stand out. One of them is none other than the legendary Tupac Shakur. With only five studio albums to his name, 2Pac left an indelible mark on the hip hop world that still resonates today. But alongside his incredible music, one controversy still remains: was 2Pac a Crip or a Blood? Well, it’s time to put on our detective hats and investigate.

The Background of Crips and Bloods

Before we dive into 2Pac’s affiliation, it’s worth it to give a brief background on the Crips and Bloods. The two gangs emerged in Los Angeles in the late 60s and early 70s in response to racial tension and poverty in the area. They gained notoriety for their violent street war that has claimed countless lives over the years. The two gangs are distinguished by their colors, with the Crips sporting blue and the Bloods wearing red. Despite their rivalry, both gangs share similar goals and motivations, such as the pursuit of power and control.

2Pac’s Early Life

Now, let’s get back to 2Pac. Born in East Harlem, New York, 2Pac moved to the West Coast at the age of 17. He settled in Marin City, just north of San Francisco, where he lived with his mother and sister. Despite living in a predominantly black neighborhood, 2Pac saw his fair share of violence and crime in the area. He eventually joined the Oakland-based rap group Digital Underground as a backup dancer, which led to his eventual solo career.

The Case for Crip

One of the main pieces of evidence that suggests 2Pac was a Crip is his frequent use of blue in his music videos and in public appearances. In his music video for “Hit ‘Em Up,” 2Pac can be seen sporting a blue bandana on his head. Likewise, in his video for “California Love,” he rocks a blue bandana around his neck. Some people believe that the “C” tattoo on his left arm stands for Crip, although it could also stand for his now deceased friend, rapper Coolio.

In addition to his use of blue, there are rumors that 2Pac was connected to Crip affiliate Sharitha Golden. Golden was the former wife of Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight and was rumored to have connections to gang activity. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, it adds to the speculation surrounding 2Pac’s affiliation.

The Case for Blood

On the other hand, there are those who believe that 2Pac was a Blood. The biggest piece of evidence for this argument is his close relationship with Snoop Dogg, who himself is a known member of the Rollin’ 20 Crips. However, Snoop has come out multiple times to publicly debunk claims that 2Pac was a Crip. In an interview with VladTV, Snoop said, “Pac wasn’t a Crip, Pac was a neutral, Pac loved everybody. Pac hated nobody.”

In addition to Snoop’s testimony, there are those who point to 2Pac’s use of red in his music videos as evidence for his Blood affiliation. In his video for “4 My N****z,” 2Pac sports a red bandana on his head. He also wears a red bandana around his face in a promotional photo for the album “All Eyez on Me.”

The Truth?

After examining the evidence, it’s clear that there is no definitive answer to the question of 2Pac’s gang affiliation. Some argue that he was a neutral party who didn’t align with either gang. Others believe that he was a member of both gangs and simply kept it quiet. And then there are those who think that the entire discussion is a moot point, as 2Pac’s music and message transcend any affiliation he may or may not have had.

What we do know is that 2Pac’s life was tragically cut short at the age of 25 when he was shot and killed in Las Vegas on September 13, 1996. While his music and legacy continue to live on, the debate over his gang affiliation remains a hotly contested topic among fans and scholars alike.

The Influence of Gang Culture on Tupac’s Music

Regardless of whether 2Pac was a Crip, Blood or neither, there’s no denying that gang culture played a significant role in his music. His lyrics often dealt with themes of violence, power and respect. In an interview with MTV in 1994, 2Pac said, “It’s hard for me to say that I hate anything. The only thing that I hate is all the things that have come up against black people nowadays, you know. This is what I hate. I hate what we’re going through. A lot of people don’t realize the influence of the gangs and the drugs on our society.“

In his music, 2Pac often spoke out against the injustices and oppression that he saw around him. His album “All Eyez on Me” is widely regarded as one of his best, and it features songs like “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” and “Can’t C Me” that address issues of crime and corruption.

A Timeline of 2Pac’s Life and Career

To give a better sense of 2Pac’s life and career, here’s a brief timeline:

• 1971: Tupac Amaru Shakur is born in East Harlem, New York.
• 1988: 2Pac moves to Marin City, California.
• 1991: 2Pac signs with Interscope Records and releases his debut album “2Pacalypse Now.”
• 1992: 2Pac releases “Strictly 4 My N****z,” which features the hit single “I Get Around.”
• 1993: 2Pac is charged with shooting two off-duty police officers in Atlanta, but is eventually acquitted of all charges.
• 1994: 2Pac is robbed and shot five times outside a recording studio in New York City. He blames the attack on his former associate, rapper Notorious B.I.G.
• 1996: 2Pac releases the double album “All Eyez on Me,” which features hits like “California Love” and “How Do U Want It.”
• September 13, 1996: 2Pac is shot and killed in Las Vegas. He was 25 years old.

A Guide to Crips, Bloods and Gang Culture

If you’re interested in learning more about the Crips, Bloods and gang culture in general, here are a few resources to check out:

Books:

• “Monster: The Autobiography of an L.A. Gang Member” by Sanyika Shakur
• “Blue Rage, Black Redemption” by Stanley Tookie Williams
• “Bloods: An Oral History of the Vietnam War by Black Veterans” by Wallace Terry

Movies:

• “Boyz n the Hood” (1991)
• “Menace II Society” (1993)
• “Colors” (1988)

Documentaries:

• “Crips and Bloods: Made in America” (2008)
• “Bastards of the Party” (2005)
• “Gangland” (2007-2010)

In Conclusion

The debate over 2Pac’s gang affiliation may never be fully resolved, but one thing is for sure: his music and message continue to inspire generations of fans around the world. Regardless of whether he was a Crip, Blood, or neither, Tupac Shakur will always be remembered as a legendary rapper and cultural icon.

References:

• https://www.biography.com/musician/tupac-shakur
• https://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2011/11/08/142103912/gangsta-rap-and-the-crime-wave-that-swept-america-1
• https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/oct/09/tupac-rapper-gang-years
• https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/iconic-tupac-quotes-2025967
• https://www.xxlmag.com/tupac-and-gang-culture/
• https://www.esquire.com/news-politics/a4928/tupac-5-29-09/
• https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2017/06/15/tupac-shakur-5-things-know-biopic-all-eyez-me-catherine-keener/396468001/