Tupac Shakur Essay

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"Machiavelli in this.." Hail Mary is one of Tupac Shakur's most noted songs in which he calls himself Machiavelli. Granted that Tupac is one of the most respected emcees to have change the way of we view hip-hop, but what is the relationship between the two poets? Very little know that while Shakur was in prison he studied Machiavelli's The Prince and The Art of War in depth and was inspired to reinvent himself. Most people are aware of the ins and outs of Machiavelli due to classes such as Political Science 101 or like myself World Literature but what about Tupac's version of the new and improved Makaveli? Shakur saw something in The Prince that he identified with. His new name and new approach on life represented a new way of thinking.
Nicolo Machiavelli considered one of the great political philosopher of the Renaissance. His most noted piece The Prince was one before its time. It focused on political aspects and practical problems. Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy at a time when the political party was in an uproar. Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in East Harlem, New York. Shakur life was surrounded by criminals and crime at a young age. Both men did not have a ideal childhood but seem to make the most of their upbringing.
Makaveli is the alias used by rapper Tupac Shakur during the remaining years of his life. Shakur used this alias on his last album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory or Don Killuminati and also reffered to as Makaveli. During his time imprisoned for 11 months for a sexually abused charged in 1992, he read and reread "The Prince" and other pieces of Machiavelli's work. While working on his last album he made a conscious decision to incorporate "Makaveli". Shakur had a intense sense of connection...

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...ves. The Notorious B.I.G and Makaveli publically humiliated each other whether it be in the social media or incorporated in his music. Because of the two altercation other rappers such as Puff Daddy, Mobb Deep, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z were caught in the cross fires because of their relationship with The Notorious B.I.G.
There are numerous parallels between Shakur and Machiavelli. Machiavelli theories in The Prince has influenced a better half of Shakur's life. The Prince and The Art of War influenced his political views, way of life, attitude and most importantly, his music. You begin to appreciate the teachings and knowledge that Shakur learned through Machiavelli's words. It was an unfortunate event for Shakur to be in jail but he came out with a new approach on life, whether or not this approach is what ended his life or maybe prolonged it is another research topic.

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