“Changes” is one of the most iconic songs by Tupac Shakur, one of the greatest rappers in the history of hip-hop music. The song was released posthumously in 1998, two years after Tupac’s tragic death at the age of 25. “Changes” addresses issues of racism, poverty, and police brutality, and is still relevant today, over 20 years after its release.
The song features a sample from Bruce Hornsby’s hit song “The Way It Is,” and Tupac’s lyrics reflect on the lack of progress in society, and the ongoing struggles of African Americans. The opening lines of the song, “I see no changes, wake up in the morning and I ask myself, ‘Is life worth living? Should I blast myself?'” sets the tone for the rest of the song, as Tupac speaks about the struggles faced by people in his community.
The music video for “Changes” was released posthumously, and features clips of Tupac performing, as well as footage of protests and riots in Los Angeles. The video is a powerful visual representation of the song’s message, showing the reality of the struggles faced by many people in America. The video also includes footage of other influential figures in African American history, such as Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., further emphasizing the importance of the message in the song.
“Changes” is widely regarded as one of Tupac’s most important songs, and has been included in numerous “best of” lists of hip-hop music. The song’s message is still relevant today, as issues of racism, poverty, and police brutality continue to be important topics of discussion. Tupac’s legacy continues to live on through his music, and “Changes” is a testament to his ability to use his platform to speak out about important issues and make a positive impact on the world.
Interesting Fact
An interesting fact about the song “Changes” by Tupac is that it features a sample from the song “The Way It Is” by Bruce Hornsby and the Range. Hornsby was initially concerned that the sample might be used in a negative way, but after hearing Tupac’s lyrics, he was impressed with how the sample was incorporated and how Tupac used the song to address important social issues. The two artists later became friends and collaborators, with Hornsby performing live with Tupac during a concert in 1996, just a few months before Tupac’s death.
About the Artist
Tupac Amaru Shakur, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. He is widely considered one of the most influential and successful rappers of all time. Shakur is among the best-selling music artists, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide.
Tupac was born in East Harlem, New York City, on June 16, 1971. His mother, Afeni Shakur, was a member of the Black Panther Party. Tupac was raised in the Bronx and Baltimore, and he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts. He began rapping in the early 1990s, and he quickly rose to fame with his debut album, 2Pacalypse Now (1991).
Tupac’s music often dealt with social and political issues, and he was a vocal critic of racism, police brutality, and poverty. He was also a controversial figure, and he was involved in several high-profile incidents, including a sexual assault conviction and a shooting.
Tupac was shot and killed in Las Vegas on September 7, 1996. He was 25 years old. His death was a major blow to the hip hop community, and his music continues to be popular and influential today.
