Career Timeline of Tupac Shakur: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Tupac Shakur made an impact.
Tupac Shakur, also known as 2Pac and Makaveli, was a highly influential American rapper, actor, and poet. Considered one of the greatest rappers ever, he addressed social injustice, political issues, and marginalization of African-Americans in his lyrics, although he was also associated with gangsta rap. He is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. Academics also recognize him as a significant political activist and music artist of the 20th century.
1990: Befriending Treach on Public Enemy's Tour
In 1990, Tupac Shakur befriended Treach when they were both roadies on Public Enemy's tour. This marked the beginning of their long-lasting friendship.
1991: Release of 2Pacalypse Now
In 1991, Shakur released his debut album 2Pacalypse Now, showcasing his socially conscious perspective and addressing social injustice, poverty, and police brutality.
1991: First Film Appearance in "Nothing but Trouble"
In 1991, Tupac Shakur made his first film appearance in "Nothing but Trouble", a cameo by the Digital Underground. This marked his entry into the world of acting.
1992: Cameo in Naughty by Nature's Music Video
In 1992, Tupac Shakur made a cameo in Naughty by Nature's music video "Uptown Anthem". This appearance showcased his support for his friend Treach and his involvement in the hip-hop scene.
1992: Starring Role in "Juice"
In 1992, Tupac Shakur starred in the film "Juice", where he played the role of Roland Bishop. His performance was praised, marking a significant role in his acting career.
1993: Replaced in "Menace II Society" After Assaulting Director
In 1993, Director Allen Hughes replaced Tupac Shakur as Sharif in the film Menace II Society once Shakur assaulted him on set due to a discrepancy with the script. The film was ultimately made without Shakur's involvement.
1993: Shakur Replaced in Menace II Society
In 1993, Shakur was replaced by actor Vonte Sweet in the film Menace II Society after allegedly assaulting director Allen Hughes.
1993: Meeting Jasmine Guy on "A Different World"
In 1993, Tupac Shakur met Jasmine Guy during his guest appearance on the sitcom A Different World. This meeting marked the beginning of their friendship.
1993: Tupac in "Poetic Justice"
In 1993, Tupac Shakur played a character named “Lucky” in the film titled "Poetic Justice" alongside Janet Jackson. Maya Angelou, wrote the poems used in the 1993 film.
1993: Starring alongside Janet Jackson in "Poetic Justice"
In 1993, Tupac Shakur starred alongside Janet Jackson in John Singleton's romance film, "Poetic Justice". This collaboration marked a significant role in his acting career.
1993: Collaboration with Jada Pinkett
In 1993, Tupac helped Pinkett land her first movie role in Menace II Society and she secured him a guest role on A Different World. They collaborated on music videos and various other projects, showcasing their strong friendship and professional relationship.
December 1994: Conviction Pending
In December 1994, Tupac Shakur had a conviction pending. This legal issue affected his career and personal life.
1994: Forming a Bond with Mickey Rourke
In 1994, Tupac Shakur and Mickey Rourke formed a bond while filming the movie Bullet. Rourke recalled that Shakur "was there for me during some very hard times."
1994: Role in "Above the Rim"
In 1994, Tupac Shakur played a gangster called Birdie in the film "Above the Rim." The character was reportedly modeled after former New York drug dealer Jacques "Haitian Jack" Agnant.
October 1995: Suge Knight Visits Tupac in Prison and Posts Bail
In October 1995, while Tupac Shakur was imprisoned, Suge Knight visited him in prison and posted $1.4 million bond. Shakur then returned to Los Angeles and joined Death Row Records.
1995: Fired from "Higher Learning"
In 1995, John Singleton fired Tupac Shakur from the film "Higher Learning" because the studio would not finance the film following his arrest. This led to a setback in his acting career.
1995: Dear Mama Release Showcases Vocal Stacking
In 1995, Shakur released "Dear Mama" from his album Me Against the World showcasing his technique of stacking or layering vocals.
1995: Release of Me Against the World
In 1995, Shakur's album Me Against the World was released, showcasing contrasting themes of social inequality, injustice, compassion, playfulness, and hope.
February 13, 1996: Release of "All Eyez on Me"
On February 13, 1996, Tupac Shakur's fourth album, "All Eyez on Me", was released. It was rap's first double album, fulfilling two of the three albums due in his contract with Death Row Records and bearing five singles.
April 1996: Plans to Open a Restaurant
In April 1996, Tupac Shakur said that he, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, and Suge Knight were planning to open a restaurant together. This venture never came to fruition due to his untimely death.
July 4, 1996: Tupac's Final Live Performance
On July 4, 1996, Tupac Shakur had his final recorded live performance at the House of Blues, later released on DVD in 2005.
1996: Release of All Eyez on Me
In 1996, Shakur released All Eyez on Me, which was hailed as a classic by critics and achieved commercial success.
1996: Release of "Bullet"
In 1996, Soon after Tupac Shakur's death, the film Bullet starring him was released.
1996: Phantom Menace Script Begins
In 1996, The Phantom Menace script had begun being written in 1996.
1996: Recording and Release of "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory"
In 1996, Tupac Shakur recorded and released his fifth solo album, "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory", under the stage name Makaveli. The lyrics were written and recorded in three days, and mixing took another four days.
1996: Won best rap album at the Soul Train Music Awards
In 1996, Tupac Shakur won best rap album at the Soul Train Music Awards. This marked a high point in his career and recognized his musical achievements.
1997: Releases of "Gridlock'd" and "Gang Related"
In 1997, Soon after Tupac Shakur's death, the films Gridlock'd and Gang Related starring him were released.
1997: Wins Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards
In 1997, Tupac Shakur won Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards. This recognized his influence and popularity in the rap and hip-hop music scene.
1997: Founding of the Shakur Family Foundation
In 1997, Tupac's mother founded the Shakur Family Foundation, later renamed the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF), with the mission to support students in enhancing their creative talents.
June 1998: "All Eyez on Me" Certified 9x Multi-Platinum
In June 1998, the album "All Eyez on Me" was certified 9x Multi-Platinum. This demonstrated the commercial success and widespread popularity of the album.
1998: Release of Greatest Hits Album
In 1998, Tupac's Greatest Hits album was released and continued to have an impact in subsequent years.
1998: Release of Posthumous Track "Changes"
In 1998, the posthumous track "Changes" was released, eventually being added to the Vatican playlist in 2009.
June 15, 1999: "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" Certified 4x Multi-Platinum
On June 15, 1999, "The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" was certified 4x Multi-Platinum. This certification marked the album's commercial success and popularity.
1999: Rumors of Tupac Considered for Mace Windu Role in Star Wars Prequels
In 1999, It was rumored that Tupac Shakur was being considered by George Lucas to portray Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel films (1999–2005).
1999: Phantom Menace Release
In 1999, The Phantom Menace film seeing release in 1999.
2000: Greatest Hits Album Returns to Billboard Chart
In 2000, the Greatest Hits album, originally released in 1998, returned to the Billboard 200 chart, reaching No. 129.
2001: Original Consideration for Lead Role in "Baby Boy"
In 2001, John Singleton originally had Tupac Shakur in mind for the lead role in the film "Baby Boy". Ultimately, the role went to Tyrese Gibson, but the set design includes a Shakur mural.
2002: Induction into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame
In 2002, Tupac Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre.
April 2003: Harvard Symposium on Tupac Shakur
In April 2003, Harvard University cosponsored the symposium "All Eyez on Me: Tupac Shakur and the Search for the Modern Folk Hero", analyzing Shakur's influence as an artist and activist.
November 2003: Release of Tupac: Resurrection Documentary
In November 2003, the documentary film "Tupac: Resurrection" was released, exploring Tupac's life and legacy.
2004: Honoree at the First Hip Hop Honors
In 2004, Tupac Shakur was among the honorees at the first Hip Hop Honors, celebrating his lasting impact.
June 2005: Opening of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts
In June 2005, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF) opened the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts (TASCA) in Stone Mountain, Georgia, to further its mission of supporting creative talents.
2005: Academy Award Nomination for Tupac: Resurrection
In 2005, "Tupac: Resurrection" was nominated for Best Documentary at the Academy Awards, highlighting the film's impact.
2005: Release of Tupac: Live at the House of Blues DVD
In 2005, Death Row released the DVD "Tupac: Live at the House of Blues", featuring his final recorded live performance on July 4, 1996.
2005: Rumors of Tupac Considered for Mace Windu Role in Star Wars Prequels
In 2005, It was rumored that Tupac Shakur was being considered by George Lucas to portray Jedi Master Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel films (1999–2005).
2005: "The 7 Day Theory" Ranked Among Hip-Hop's Greatest Albums by MTV
In 2005, MTV.com ranked "The 7 Day Theory" at No. 9 among hip-hop's greatest albums ever, solidifying its status and influence in the genre.
August 2006: Publication of "Tupac Shakur Legacy"
In August 2006, Jamal Joseph's "Tupac Shakur Legacy," an interactive biography, was released, featuring unpublished family photos and handwritten lyrics.
2006: "The 7 Day Theory" Considered a Classic Album
By 2006, "The 7 Day Theory" was considered a classic album. This recognition highlighted its lasting impact and cultural significance.
2006: Jada Pinkett Smith's Donation to Baltimore School for the Arts
In 2006, Jada Pinkett Smith donated $1 million to the Baltimore School for the Arts and named the new theater in Tupac's honor.
2007: AllHipHop Roundtable on Tupac's Impact
In 2007, AllHipHop held a roundtable where Cormega stated that while B.I.G. ran New York, Tupac ran America, highlighting Tupac's broad influence.
2009: "Changes" Added to Vatican Playlist
In 2009, the Vatican added "Changes", a 1998 posthumous track, to its online playlist, drawing praise and signifying the song's impact.
June 23, 2010: "Dear Mama" Added to National Recording Registry
On June 23, 2010, the Library of Congress added "Dear Mama" to the National Recording Registry, marking it as the third rap song to receive this honor.
2010: 50 Cent's Appraisal of Tupac in Rolling Stone
In 2010, 50 Cent wrote Rolling Stone magazine's entry on Shakur, appraising him as one of the "100 greatest artists", reflecting Tupac's significant artistic impact.
April 15, 2012: Tupac "Hologram" Performance at Coachella
On April 15, 2012, a Tupac "hologram" (actually a projection) performed with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre at the Coachella Music Festival, performing "Hail Mary" and "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted."
2013: Allen Hughes Appraises Shakur's Potential Impact on "Menace II Society"
In 2013, Allen Hughes stated that Tupac Shakur would have outshone the other actors in "Menace II Society" because he was bigger than the movie. This retrospectively acknowledged Shakur's potential impact on the film.
2013: "All Eyez on Me" Biopic in Development
In 2013, the Shakur biopic, All Eyez on Me was in development.
July 2014: "All Eyez on Me" Certified 10x Multi-Platinum
In July 2014, the album "All Eyez on Me" was certified 10x Multi-Platinum. This milestone underscores the album's enduring appeal and impact over the years.
2014: BET on Tupac's Lasting Influence
In 2014, BET highlighted Tupac's profound influence on rap, noting how his multifaceted persona has shaped the perception of rappers and influenced numerous artists.
2014: Broadway Play "Holler If Ya Hear Me"
In 2014, the play "Holler If Ya Hear Me", based on Shakur's lyrics, premiered on Broadway but had a short run.
December 2015: Filming Begins for "All Eyez on Me" Biopic
In December 2015, filming began in Atlanta for the Tupac biopic "All Eyez on Me", which had been in development since 2013.
2015: Grammy Museum Exhibition Dedicated to Tupac
In 2015, the Grammy Museum opened an exhibition dedicated to Tupac Shakur, highlighting his musical legacy and impact.
2015: Closure of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts
In 2015, the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts (TASCA) in Stone Mountain, Georgia, which was opened in 2005, closed its doors.
April 7, 2017: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
On April 7, 2017, Tupac Shakur was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, solidifying his legendary status.
June 16, 2017: Release of "All Eyez on Me" Biopic
On June 16, 2017, Tupac's 46th birthday, the biopic "All Eyez on Me" was released, although it received generally negative reviews.
2017: Snoop Dogg calls Tupac "the greatest rapper of all time"
In 2017, Snoop Dogg called Tupac “the greatest rapper of all time” during his Rock & Roll Hall of Fame tribute, emphasizing Tupac's lasting influence and impact on the rap industry.
August 2019: Announcement of "Outlaw: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur"
In August 2019, a docuseries directed by Allen Hughes, "Outlaw: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur", was announced, focusing on Tupac and his mother.
2020: Kamala Harris calls Tupac "best rapper alive"
In 2020, Kamala Harris called Tupac the "best rapper alive", explaining it as a sentiment among West Coast girls, underscoring his enduring legacy and cultural impact.
2021: Saweetie calls Tupac "the greatest rapper that ever lived"
In 2021, Saweetie told Complex that Tupac was “the greatest rapper that ever lived”, showing the lasting impact and high regard in which Tupac is held in the music industry.
January 2022: Opening of "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" Exhibition
In January 2022, the exhibition "Tupac Shakur: Wake Me When I'm Free" opened at The Canvas at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, showcasing his life and work.
April 2022: Handwritten Poems Up for Sale
In April 2022, handwritten poems written by Tupac when he was 11 years old were up for sale for US$300,000 but only sold for $90,000. The poems were for Jamal Joseph and three other Black Panther Party members while they were incarcerated at Leavenworth Prison.
