The movie All Eyez on Me, a Tupac Shakur biopic directed by Benny Boom, changed outlooks on the rapper’s life.  Many people were aware of his wisdom, talent, and boldness beforehand, but weren’t aware of just how influential his greatness truly was. His work was recognized by powerful leaders including then Vice President Dan Quayle, civil rights activist C. Delores Tucker, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Senator Byron Dorgan, Representative Cedric Richmond, and many others. Shakur’s effect on American culture and society has influenced the strong and powerful as well as the everyday citizen.

Shakur was conscious of the problems within our country, including racial strife, and strived to help “raise [the] black nation.” His music touched on topics such as police brutality, social injustice, poverty, incarceration, and violence. Although his lyrics were written long ago they ring true today.

Shakur was not perfect. He was controversial and he made questionable choices in his life, and the film did a good job of portraying his ups and downs. It showed that everyone can be tempted when power is available to them. The film showed a human side to the “thugs” and “gangsters” that were exploited on television. It showed a man who feared for the safety of his family, who was the son of a Black Panther, and a man who was cultivated.  The movie also portrayed Shakur as a man who listened to rock and soul, a man who had a love for Shakespeare, and as a man who was able to escape the trappings of society and capture the hearts of millions despite having the odds stacked against him.

His lyrics were often viewed as controversial because they were real, raw, and told unfamiliar stories. He was a voice for the unheard and a reporter of the stories that would likely never reach the headlines. One of his first songs was Brenda’s Got A Baby which told the story of a teen pregnancy and its effects on impoverished communities. He forced people of different backgrounds to open their minds and become aware of and address social issues. Whether from the richest suburb or the poorest ghetto, the truth, pain, frustration, and the brilliance behind Shakur’s lyrics could be appreciated by all.

The movie ended with gospel music playing along to Shakur’s demise, which suggests a spiritual side to the singer. A quote by Joel Osteen sums up the religious aspect of the movie  which reads:

I believe that God has put gifts and talents and ability on the inside of every one of us. When you develop that and you believe in yourself and you believe that you’re a person of influence and a person of purpose, I believe you can rise up out of any situation.

What is quite ironic is that the life and lyrics of a gangster rap artist is compared with words spoken by a pastor, but the comparison is valid and a true description of Tupac Shakur’s life. God planted a gift within his broken home and despite being burrowed in propitious conditions, allowed it to develop into a gift that would be heard all over the world.