Tupac Shakur: Politics and Spirituality

TUPAC SHAKUR

SPIRITUALITY AND POLITICS

By William Whalen

Tupac Shakur (1971-1996) is one of the great hip-hop stars. Still a hugely influential figure in the music world, there is much more to Tupac Shakur than his controversial media image suggests.

This new book aims to interpret and analyze some of the more esoteric themes at play in the lyrics and practice of Tupac Shakur, as well as to consider their political implications to attempt to come to a better understanding of Tupac’s spirituality and why he felt the world could benefit from his teachings. Like Christ, who repeatedly says, ’He who hath ears to hear, let him hear, ’ Tupac says in various ways, ’Holler if ya hear me, ’ suggesting that his words are not only literal but also require deep interpretive consideration.

This new book is one of the few to explore the spiritual themes in the music and lyrics of Tupac Shakur, and how they are manifested politically. William Whalen considers Tupac’s work in relation to religions such as Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism, and to figures such as Carl Jung, Friedrich Nietzsche, Alan Watts, St John of the Cross, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Georges Bataille. The book is illustrated with examples from Tupac Shakur’s lyrics and songs.

Author’s warning: The subject matter researched herein is not for children or young adults.

Illustrated with portraits of Tupac Shakur, and some of his cultural and religious influences. 168 pages.

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