Rapper, actor Shakur dead for a decade

Wednesday marked the 10th year anniversary of the death of rapper, actor and poet Tupac Shakur.

Shakur is widely recognized as one of the greatest rappers in history and is listed as the best selling rap/hip-hop artist of all time, having sold more than 73 million records worldwide.

Shakur was born June 16, 1971 in New York. Shakur was enrolled in a theater group called 127th Street Ensemble at age 12.

There he made his stage debut playing the role of Travis in “A Raisin in the Sun.”

At 15, Shakur studied acting and ballet at the Baltimore School for the Arts. During this time Shakur begin writing lyrics and poetry under the name MC NewYork.

Shakur and his family moved to California in 1988.

There he began his professional career as a backup dancer for the alternative rap group, Digital Underground.

In 1992 the artist known to many as 2pac made his rap debut when he appeared on Digital Underground’s hit single “Same Song.”

The rapper made his solo debut the same year when he released his first album, “2Pacalyse Now.”

The rapper released numerous albums thereafter, including “Me Against the World” and “All Eyez on Me.”

The rapper still receives acclaim for his controversial lyrics that addressed racism, poverty and issues in the black community.

Shakur is also recognized as an astounding actor. He made his starring debut in 1992′ “Juice.”

His other film credits include “Poetic Justice,” “Above the Rim” and “Gang Related.”

Shakur died Sept. 13, 1996 in a Las Vegas hospital six days after he was wounded in a drive by shooting. He was 25.

Shakur’s legacy continues long after his death. Several post-mortem albums were released under the rapper’s name.

In 1997, Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, started the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation in his honor.

The foundation is designed for students aspiring to enhance their creative talents.