Tupac's 'Changes'

475 Words1 Page

Nigel Christian Professor Frank English 101 30 October 2014 Changes Tupac expresses his ideas through a musical masterpiece called "Changes". Looking in on his daily life he states "I see no changes" (line 1) referring to the African American civil rights movement during the 50's and 60's. What he conveys here is the civil movement was intended to end these barring issues. Also a time when the urban ghetto was heavily looked down upon is the setting of this piece. He emphasizes the need for change. "We gotta make a change" (Line 43). Tupac uses this in his piece to show the need and solidarity for change. At this time a young African American an named Rodney King was severly beaten down by the Los Angeles police department. Black males were were targeted as being thugs, gangbangers and criminals. When really just a small majority is considered everyone. …show more content…

After the civil rights movement the simlilar pre-judgment and racism occur. Through out the song he uses his point of view "cops give a dman about a negro, pull the trigger kill the nigga he's a hero" (line 5) thus linking the social issue of racism. "First ship em dope & let em deal the brothers. Give em guns step back and watch em kill each other" (lines 7,8). This is interpreted as a conspiracy to eliminate the majority of minorities in the United states. Just around this time the aids pandemic was coming into the scene and that was thought to be a conspiracy as well. True meaning behind that line is Americans should join together and end racism and

Show More
Related

  • Analysis Of Huntitled 1 By Tupac

    774 Words  | 2 Pages

    The theme of lines 1-5 in, ¨Untitled 1¨ by Tupac Shakur is that African Americans have been oppressed, over many generations. He describes the world, ¨as a ghetto, that they cannot leave,¨ referring to ghettos such as

    Read More

  • Remain Awake Through A Great Revolution Speech Summary

    447 Words  | 1 Pages

    King proceeds to the latter part of his speech by declaring the need for peaceful resistance. His analogies of man “carving highways of death in the stratosphere” (3) and how non peaceful defiance will contribute to “a civilization plunged into the abyss of annihilation” (3) soundly depicts his ideals of how African Americans should reach true freedom and equality only through pacifism. He mandates this passiveness in order to bring about change insightfully because his goal is not to wage war against their oppressors but to defeat the evil sentiment held by the nation. King’s remarkable aptitude and brilliant intuition in his dialogue enables the reader to appreciate and concede to his ideals.

    Read More

  • Evolving Dimensions of Hip-Hop Culture: From Bronx to Mainstream

    1415 Words  | 3 Pages

    For example, Tupac commences his rap song by referring to poverty in the first few verses in his song as he states, “I see no changes wake up in the morning and I ask myself/ Is life worth living should I blast myself? / I’m tired of being poor and even worse I’m black/ My stomach hurts so I’m looking for a purse to snatch,” (Shukar l. 2-4). In these verses Tupac indicates that many African Americans live in poverty and they are not given many opportunities to do well for themselves. Changes to better their situation seem unobtainable and he portrays the voice of impoverished groups as he questions his purpose in life. He contemplates whether or not he should continue living. This verse also indicates that people with very little opportunity must deviate from the norms which society has placed on them, meaning that because they have no opportunity they must resort to stealing in order to avoid

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Tupac And My Non-Thug Life

    326 Words  | 1 Pages

    In Jenée Desmond-Harris’s narrative Tupac and My Non-thug Life, the author’s use of a photograph aids the reader in conveying what Desmond-Harris and her friend Thea were like. The photograph captures the natural essence and innocence of the young high-school girls as they enter an age of self-discovery. The purpose of the photo is to bring the descriptive details of the narrative to life and provide a vivid image of the girls during their adolescent years. The photograph reflects a youthful and rather naive time the girls find themselves surrounded in.

    Read More

  • Kevin Young's Poem Lime Light Blues

    586 Words  | 2 Pages

    He points out that “When I dance”, I burse people to fight. Because black men are under the spotlight and things related to them attracts peoples’ attentions. Then he writes, “as I cross/ the street unlooking.” This shows the change in his attitude that he careless about causing another disruption. In this line, “I know all/ a movie needs/ is me/…”, he portrays himself causing troubles as most people presumed and wanting to be at the center of attention.

    Read More

  • Rhetorical Analysis Of 'The Ballot Or The Bullet'

    617 Words  | 2 Pages

    For instance, he says ‘it’s time for us to submerge our difference and realize that it’s best for us to first see that we have the same problem, a common problem(Quote). This is an effective way to catch the audience's attention and make them feel like they’re all included because even though many can come from different places they can all make a difference together to end racial inequality. Moreover, since the speech was given during an election year he highlights how whatever the black community decides to vote it will be influential and they have power to slowly make a change. Since a lot of the politicians during this year would come into their neighborhoods and tell them who they should vote for this the year that it needs to change since they are always promising false promises. One of the powerful statements that was given in this speech was that emphasized that the Black community should vote occured when he said “A ballot is like

    Read More

  • Analysis Of 'The Mystery Of The Inquiry'

    1503 Words  | 4 Pages

    In this song, she sings about events that have oppressed the African American people and other ethnicities in the United States for many years. In the song she states (line 60) “Mafia with diplomas keeping us in a coma trying to own a piece, of the "American Corona”, The Revolving Door, Insanity every floor, Skyscraping, paper chasing, What are we working for? Empty traditions, Reaching social positions, Teaching ambition to support the family superstition?” In this part of the song she is saying that everyone today is trying to be successful and trying to accomplish the American dream. She says that trying too hard to be successful is toxic and it will mess with one’s traditions that he or she does. She also is saying that in some ways it will mess with one’s social abilities with one’s family and friends. Success is only good if one is doing good and feeling good in the end. It is not good when there is no good in involved. Therefore, that’s why she calls it

    Read More

  • How Does Tupac Affect Society

    1233 Words  | 3 Pages

    One of the many adversities he had to adapt to was the feuds of the East and West Coast. This influenced his songs and the way his fans depicted the East Coast, Bad Boys. He also had to deal with the way blacks were treated and looked at by the white community. Although his music brings up many controversy, he is undoubtedly a big part of the way African Americans are being depicted today. He reached the people not just through his music but by the constant protests for equality also while striving for the betterment of his the African American community. The way that society and media looks at African American people and hip hop music are all rooted from

    Read More

  • Fuck Tha Police Thesis

    1916 Words  | 4 Pages

    “Huh, a young nigga on the warpath/ And when I’m finished, it’s gonna be a bloodbath.” Ice Cube is tired of the LAPD and wishes to have a war with them to kill all police officers, especially the ones who have killed his friends and family. “Fuck tha police! / Fuck tha police! / Fuck tha police! / Fuck tha police!” The hook in this song is where they vent out their frustration towards the LAPD. Their repetitive use of the word “fuck,” including in the title, symbolizes their hate towards the police. “They put out my picture with silence/ ‘Cause my identity by itself causes violence,” This is a very powerful line because black men in American are depicted as criminals or as a symbol of violence. “Without a gun and a badge what do you got? / A sucker in a uniform waiting to get shot” Police officers are like any other person in a neighborhood. They only feel powerful by carrying a badge and a gun as stated in the lyrics. If police officers did not have a gun, they would have been dead in the dangerous neighborhoods of Los Angeles. “Just sit your ass on the curb and shut the fuck up! /Man, fuck this shit! / A’ight, smartass, I’m taking your black ass to jail!” “This type of commentary is what police officers would tell colored

    Read More

  • A Comparison Of David Walker's Appeal Vs. Fight The Power

    990 Words  | 2 Pages

    He says “What we need is awareness/ we can’t get careless.” Here Chuck D means that we have to know what is going on in this country and we cannot ignore it. He infers that we must take strides to get better with these issues. Chuck D also raps “Elvis was a hero to most/ but he never meant s**t to me/ straight up racist the sucker was/ simple and plain.” He clarified later that he meant that, although Elvis was extremely celebrated, he was known as the “King” even though there had been many black musicians who came before him and influenced him heavily. After this line Flava Flav yells “Muthaf**k him and John Wayne.” Chuck D stated that this was about an interview for Playboy that John Wayne had done saying “I believe in white supremacy until the blacks are educated to a point of

    Read More

  • The Mystery Of Iniquity Rhetorical Devices

    616 Words  | 2 Pages

    Such as, how Tupac used his song “Changes” to refer to the institutionalized racism in America in regards to law enforcement and so forth. On example from his lyrics states, “Cops give a damn about a negro/ Pull the trigger, kill a nigga, he's a hero.” Another commonly known song that makes ties with Hill’s is Kanye’s song “When It All Falls Down.” Kanye wanted the ties of her lyrics incorporated into his song so much that after his failed attempted to get Lauryn Hills sample cleared he got a replacement singer to perform it on his song alternatively. However, his concept for this song was different as its purpose was more of a self-contemplation of his individualized battle with consumerism. Today society is affected by artists like Lauryn Hill and her lyrics and often quote lyrics like that of hers as references for equality and moral rights in modern society. Today more than ever the incarceration rates are raising extremely. Not to mention, in the past year we have seen some of the biggest out cries for our African American communities with people using the power of social media to come together on a common ground in regards to law enforcement unjustly killing African Americans and other minorities while in the attempt of arresting them. With that being said as Lauryn Hills lyrics state “Ya'll can't handle the truth in a courtroom of lies. Representing security/Holding the word of God

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Tupac, And 2morrow By Amaru Shakur

    1423 Words  | 3 Pages

    Tupac Amaru Shakur was an African-American rapper, poet, and record producer during the 1990’s. In his adolescent years, he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts where he took acting and dance classes, like ballet. He was taught radical politics by his mother, which helped him develop ideas about topics he would later use in his many works. At an early age, Tupac had seen the injustices of the real world. His mother was a former Black Panther activist who turned to substance abuse during Tupac’s childhood. Aside from that, he and his mother also moved many times while they lived together in New York City. While Tupac was in Baltimore, he discovered rap; not long after, he and his mother moved to the West Coast where he joined the rap group

    Read More

  • Sociological Concepts in "Where's the Love"

    939 Words  | 2 Pages

    This song implies that individual’s are violating the norms and values of society. They start the song with a verse that expresses this concern. “What’s wrong with the world, mama/ People livin’ like they ain’t got no mamas…” (lines 1-2). This makes one aware of the disobedience of values that are held in the family. Values are “standard[s] of judgment by which people decide on desirable goals and outcomes.” (Newman, 32) Another verse in this song that illustrates how society is defying norms and values is when they sing: “People killin', people dyin'/ Children hurt and you hear them cryin/ Can you practice what you preach/ And would you turn the other cheek…” (lines 50-53). These lines utter that society has failed to act in a sane and coherent way that society once viewed as correct. The actions affirm that individuals are not living up to society’s norms. Norms are similar to “rules of conduct” and suggest how an individual “should” act. (Newman, 34) In the song they question the acts that would be taken that violate certain norms. Another example of the infringement of society’s norms and values is expressed when the s...

    Read More

  • Tupac: The Best Rapper Ever

    532 Words  | 2 Pages

    When you hear the name Tupac Amaru Shakur (2pac) you think of a rapper maybe a “Thug”. But Tupac just didn’t rap he was also a Poet. There is much more to his life than him rapping. Tupac positively affected society with his words in his songs and by singing. He was more than just a rapper.

    Read More

  • Black Sheep Analysis

    1223 Words  | 3 Pages

    “L.A.S.M.” is one of the cleverer skits on the album, like “Are You Mad,” that seemingly opposes the duo. The women interviewers asked “serious questions” and the team laughed it off. In Coleman’s book, they said its intentions was to set a distinction between them and real gangsters that may genuinely have this stance against women (54). “Black With N.V” is one of the few songs that are both serious and direct with the message. The lyrics speak of the struggle that is attached with the African American community. A lifestyle where the system is against them. “For Doz That Slept” was a clear response to the system and to anyone who doubted the group. This rebellious spirit was seen throughout the album and follows the theme of being a “black sheep.” The choice is truly yours in deciding if you are with or without them. However, the group has made it clear it does not need your consensus to make there

    Read More

More about Tupac's 'Changes'

Open Document