More so, you questioned how Tupac, or (Lesane Parish Crooks), by his birth name, would feel about the presidency of Barack Obama. I believe you did a great job analyzing Tupac Shakurs song “Changes.” You really focused on the context of the lyrics compared to the time period in which it was written. In light of his assassination, what does that say about mainstream society? Just like Huey and MLK Jr., Tupac is dead too. In verbalizing crime as a means of survival, he reveals the severity of the problem. In doing so, he frames himself as a product of his environment. He ends on a rather bitter note, affirming his position against the status quo, recognizing the violence surrounding him, as well as within him. ![]() He regards crime as necessary tactic to get by, thus revealing the need for structural change. On a global level, Tupac yearns for “peace”, criticizing the war in the Middle East and the war on drugs for perpetuating the situation instead of improving it. Overwhelmingly, the issues Tupac discusses surrounding crime, minorities, drug/gang culture are still grave realities in the United States and in other parts of the world. That being said, Tupac’s words still hold true today. Karl Marx predicted a communist revolution, and we are still in the heat of capitalism. Dialectically speaking, forces of nature would organically bring about change. He declares, “Let’s change the way we live / let’s change the way we treat each other.” He deems society unsustainable in its current state. In the second chorus, Tupac emerges as a great orator, mimicking MLK Jr. I cannot help but wonder how Tupac would feel about President Obama, since at this time he defines a “black President” as something “heaven sent.” Would Tupac be happy knowing that Obama himself struggled during his presidency to address race? Would Tupac agree with Obama’s campaign for “Change”? Unfortunately, Tupac’s analysis has transcended the barrier of time and remains relevant, given today’s widespread income inequality, high crime rates, and immigrant discrimination. Hence, minorities fill the penitentiaries and the cycle continues. The quotes used to describe drug dealers, “I made a G today” and “I gotta get paid”, represent the economic plight of minorities in urban America. His use of colloquial language legitimizes his authentic experience, having himself served jail time. In admitting that “some things will never change,” Tupac accepts the inherent flaws of society. The shift to the piano chorus signifies the fact that progress is not guaranteed. Offering an undertone of hope, he invites us to “share with each other.” As a result of this complicated grief, Tupac “will never be the same.” Like Hamlet mourning the loss of his father, Tupac demonstrates his power to lose and rise above forces of hatred. For instance, the death of his dear friend and political activist “Huey” marks a significant loss in his life. He reiterates, “Things change, that’s the way it is.” In accepting the dialectics of the world, he recognizes that some things are transient. The repetition of the rhythm reinforces the idea that change is a constant. Tupac emphasizes the opposing aspects of change to reflect his frustration about racism, poverty, and politics. His rhymes complement the unwavering beat, highlighting the interior rhythm that unites this oppressed people. The gentle, sweet sounding chorus and the pleasant piano melody are placed in ironic juxtaposition to the violent lyrics, revealing the meaning of the modern protest poem. While the aggressive and consistent back beat pumps the rap forward, it is challenged when the chorus starts. ![]() ![]() Before he succumbs to the inequality, he asserts his own confidence and suggests, “We gotta start making changes” and transforming our perceptions of race and class. In a depressed state, Tupac questions, “Is life worth living or should I blast myself?” This harshness is met musically with emphasis on “black”, “snatch”, “negro”, and “hero” (ironic), to expose the police brutality and racial injustice working against minority groups. It begins bleakly with a phrase comparable to Hamlet’s famous “To be or not to be” soliloquy. “Changes” has a transformative attitude, ranging from angry and depressed to brave and optimistic. While nonviolence may not have characterized the life of this West Coast rapper, he confirms his morality and contemplates his own life in this beautiful, expository song. His brutally honest lyrics embody theme found in Martin Luther King, Jr.’s profound “Letter from Birmingham Jail”: a successful protest piece exposes injustice and calls us to action simultaneously. Tupac Shakur, hip-hop legend who fearlessly translated his discontent with modern society into musical poetry, wrote “Changes” while serving time in jail.
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