I, too, remember that day. For my adult children, it was as if a family member had died. Years earlier, I remember my son showing me a photograph of him and Tupac in Santa Barbara and asking, “Do you know who this is?” I had no idea who he was.

But I learned. Oh boy did I learn! I still have no idea how Tupac’s music moved in with me. I never purchased any of it. But then as an artist to another artist, I did begin to listen. At this time, airplay was in an all-out war, based on what you could get away with…..

Most of his lyrics were from his heart, ‘Dear Mama” “ Me Against the World” and “Keep Ya Head Up”

I often wonder what kind of lyrics he would write today simply because he took risks and didn’t restrict his creativity to commercialism, take it, or _______ it. Tupac appeared to be headed toward a new awareness, which would have been reflected in his music. He lived his lyrics, unlike the imitators and copycats.

During my season of a lifelong love affair with Southern California, I must admit “California Love’ is my favorite California-related anthem with that perfectly timed intro from Mr.Shakur “ Out on bail fresh outta Jail California dreamin’,  soon as I step on the scene I’m hearing hoochie’s screaming… Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre. Let me serenade the streets of LA, Oakland to Sac Town, the Bay area, and back down, Cali is where they put their mack down, Give me love! His Fans did just that… including this delayed one.

FC Hickombottom 2024