While there are plenty of sources of education, music has always been one of the most powerful ways to pass knowledge to whole nations, especially to young people. Tupac Shakur is definitely among the musicians who knew this. He gained the love and affection of millions of listeners from all across the world for being more than just a famous rap singer— he was also a huge motivator, life mentor, and source of wisdom.
The hip-hop icon has hidden numerous important messages inside his masterpieces. Below is an outlook on the biggest lessons all students must learn from Tupac.
- Embracing Change Leads to Self-Growth
“I guess change is good for any of us
Whatever it take for any of y’all niggas to get up out the hood
Shit, I’m wit’ ya, I ain’t mad at cha”
Probably one of the most common and important lessons stitched through Tupac’s music is the importance of change and personal development. The legend speaks to fans, encouraging them to embrace the change, no matter what it takes, including leaving some places or people behind. For example, in his song “I Ain’t Mad At Cha,” he tells about the major turning points in his life and the lives of his friends and family. The primary message is that changes can take you anywhere. Yet, they definitely lead to growth.
This might be one of the most crucial lessons current students need to learn to thrive in our ever-changing world.
- One Must Keep Their Head Up at All Times
“Keep ya head up, ooh, child, things are gonna get easier
Keep-keep ya head up, ooh, child, things’ll get brighter”
Tupac has never sugar-coated it. Life can be a struggle. It can pose significant challenges to men and women, regardless of their social status, race, etc. But he always encouraged us to endure these struggles with our heads high.
So, even when your days get tough or studying becomes unbearable, don’t ever give up. Take some time to rest, and if you need it, get professional help, for example, from DoMyEssay – research paper writing services. But always carry on, no matter what!
- Positivity Must Be Retained Every Day
“There’s gonna’ be some stuff that your gonna’ see
That’s gonna’ make it hard to smile in the future
But whatever you see, through all the rain and pain
You gotta keep a sense of humor
Gotta be able to smile through all this bullshit
Remember that
Just keep ya head up”
With plenty of wisdom and priceless advice, Tupac’s music has always been encouraging and positive. In his song “Smile For Me Now,” Tupac discusses the hardships of life. He confirms that life is no fairytale, yet he emphasizes the importance of positivity, especially during the darkest days.
- Your Worth Is High
“If you believe
you can achieve, just look at me”
Low self-esteem has long been a significant challenge for young people, especially when they get pushed out of their comfort zone in college. It can lead to many issues, including poor decision-making, academic struggles, and peer problems. And it can lead to more severe conditions like anxiety and depression.
As a student, you might be well-familiar with a feeling of low self-worth. But Tupac has a take on that, too. In his music, he often brings up the topic of unconditional self-worth – “Born with less but your still precious.” And he also emphasizes that anything is possible.
- It’s Good to Dream Big
“During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams.”
We live in a world rich in opportunities and chances now. Still, many of us are afraid to dream due to our negative mindsets, fears, and lack of self-esteem. This is one more thing young people should learn from Tupac.
He has always spread messages of support and encouragement throughout his music and interviews. He encouraged listeners to dream big and follow their passions. And he always emphasized that making your dreams come true is possible as long as you stay true to yourself.
- Social Consciousness Is Pivotal Throughout Ages
The last lesson modern youth should learn from Tupac is actually a cumulation of lessons. He is known for using his music for a cause. He spread big messages on politics, equality, and other social issues in most of his masterpieces:
- “And since we all came from a woman, got our name from a woman and our game from a woman, I wonder why we take from our women, why we rape our women, do we hate our women?”
- “Before we find world peace, we gotta find peace and end the war in the streets.”
- “Only thing they ever did wrong was bein’ born black in this white man’s world.”
These and many other lines from Tupac’s songs shed light on pressing social challenges that still exist today. Connecting the dots, we can say that he was trying to teach us social consciousness and kindness all along. And that’s what made him such an iconic figure in music that we should keep learning from to this day.
Author Profile
Content Writer Nicole Hardy is celebrated for her detailed and thoughtful journalism within the realms of education and the arts, with a special emphasis on performing arts education. Over the course of her decade-long career, Hardy has earned a reputation as a trusted expert in her field. Her writing is marked by thorough analysis and a captivating style of storytelling. She earned her Master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Arts, with a focus on arts and culture journalism.
