Tupac Shakur was a rapper, an activist, and an incredibly talented poet. In his music, he frequently spoke out about issues such as poverty, discrimination and racism. In fact, his parents were members of the Black Panthers, and this background in activism leaked through to Tupac’s music and into the rest of his life.

It’s hard to think of ‘90s rap without Tupac coming into mind. His music spoke to a wide audience, and he was undeniably influential in the rap scene. He died in a drive-by shooting in 1996, but even today he remains a cultural force.

He left us with a great legacy, and his life remains a fascination to his fans everywhere.

RELATED: 18 Quotes By Tupac That Remind You To Never Surrender Your Dreams

Tupac was born in East Harlem in New York City. As an adolescent, he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts where he was involved in poetry, ballet, jazz, acting and theater. He later moved to California where he wrote papers about rap music for his English class and even took a class on poetry. 

Tupac has sold over 75 million records worldwide (including both his posthumously published albums and the albums he released before his death), and he is one of the highest selling rap artists of all time.

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With an upbringing that exposed him to activism, art, and storytelling, he grew up to be a socially conscious rapper who spoke his audience in relatable ways. To see what he had to say, read below for 10 of Tupac Shakur's most powerful quotes on life, hardships and moving forward. 

If you're searching for the best quotes and memes to share with the people you love (or just want to feel inspired yourself) ... look no further! From the sweetest love quotes, inspirational sayings, and hilarious friendship truths, we've got you covered.

On what it's like to struggle.

“I hate the man in the mirror ’cause his reflection makes the pain turn realer.” —Tupac Shakur

On having big dreams.

"I‘m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." —Tupac Shakur

On what it's like to be human.

"I am not a perfectionist, but still I seek perfection. I am not a great romantic, but yet I yearn for affection" —Tupac Shakur

On what it's like to feel left out and forgotten.

"Do everything you can to make it around the system, over the system, or in the system." —Tupac Shakur

On dealing with things you can't explain.

"Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can see and feel." —Tupac Shakur

On struggling with past transgressions.

"The only time I have problems is when I sleep.” —Tupac Shakur

On staying true.

"Don't change on me. Don't extort me unless you intend to do it forever.” —Tupac Shakur

On living hard.

On moving forward.

"You can spend minutes, hours, days, weeks, or even months over-analyzing a situation; trying to put the pieces together, justifying what could've, would've happened... or you can just leave the pieces on the floor and move the fuck on.” —Tupac Shakur

On dreaming (and doing).

"During your life, never stop dreaming. No one can take away your dreams." —Tupac Shakur