Is 2Pac West Coast?
Tupac Shakur, popularly known as 2Pac, is often associated with the West Coast hip-hop scene, although his roots and influences span both coasts of the United States. Born in New York City and starting his rap career in Baltimore, Maryland, Tupac didn’t originally emerge from the West Coast scene. However, his move to California and his affiliation with Death Row Records, a notable West Coast label, firmly positioned him within the West Coast rap milieu.
Tupac’s alignment with the West Coast became especially prominent during the infamous East Coast vs West Coast rivalry in the mid-1990s. This rivalry pitted Tupac and Death Row Records against the likes of The Notorious B.I.G. and the East Coast label Bad Boy Records. The feud was highly publicized, and Tupac’s songs often reflected this rivalry, further solidifying his identification with the West Coast.
Tupac’s music, featuring his trademark emotional depth and raw honesty, was undeniably influenced by his West Coast experience. His lyrics often depicted life in the inner city, discussing poverty, social issues, and gang violence – themes that resonated deeply with the West Coast audience and beyond. The narrative and sound of his music, particularly in his later career, were in line with the defining characteristics of West Coast rap.
Furthermore, his album “All Eyez on Me,” released in 1996 on Death Row Records, is a quintessential West Coast hip-hop album. Produced by key West Coast producers like Dr. Dre and Johnny J, the double album is marked by the use of funky, synth-driven beats and deep bass lines that were characteristic of the ‘G-funk’ sound, a subgenre of West Coast rap.
Despite his East Coast origins, Tupac’s association with the West Coast is undeniable. His affiliation with West Coast figures and labels, his central role in the East Coast vs West Coast rivalry, and the nature of his music all contribute to his identity as a West Coast rapper. While Tupac’s influence transcends regional boundaries, his significant contribution to the West Coast rap scene and its culture cements his status as one of its iconic figures.