Tupac Shakur's Influence In Rap, Movies & Hip Hop Culture
More than 25 years after his death, Tupac Shakur's fingerprints are still all over today's music. Artists like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and even Drake have openly cited Pac as a major influence, not just musically, but philosophically.
Pac's raw, introspective storytelling set a standard for vulnerability, honesty, and social awareness in rap. Kendrick's To Pimp a Butterfly and DAMN. feel like spiritual successors to Pac's Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me , tackling racial injustice, inner conflict, and legacy. J. Cole's emotionally driven lyrics and conscious approach to fame echo Pac's vision of an artist as a voice for the voiceless. Even Drake's blend of emotional introspection and mainstream appeal reflects elements of Pac's multifaceted style.
Tupac was one of the first rappers to fully break into Hollywood while maintaining street credibility.
Pac's iconic roles in Juice , Poetic Justice , and Above the Rim showed his range as an actor and helped pave the way for artists like Ice Cube ( Friday ), 50 Cent ( Power ), and Donald Glover ( Atlanta ).
Today, many rappers pursue acting as a natural extension of their brand, a lane Tupac helped clear. His belief in expressing truth through multiple mediums made him a cultural figure beyond just music—a blueprint for the modern multi-hyphenate entertainer.
Source: Mychal Watts / Getty
Tupac's impact reaches far beyond the studio and the screen. He became a symbol of resilience, complexity, and rebellion. His 'Thug Life' mantra wasn't about glorifying crime—it was about survival in a system rigged against the poor and oppressed. His fearless approach to speaking truth to power still inspires artists and fans alike. As noted in a New York Times retrospective, Tupac embodied the contradictions of the American dream—hope, anger, ambition, and tragedy. Even on Reddit, fans across generations passionately debate his legacy, proving how deeply he continues to resonate.
Whether through lyrics, activism, fashion, or art, Tupac's influence on hip hop is permanent. He helped shape what it means to be an artist with something real to say.
How much do you think hip hop would be different without Pac's influence?
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Black America Web
23 minutes ago
- Black America Web
The Diddy Trial In Pictures
Diddy has been found 'Not Guilty' on three out of five charges in the high-profile sex trafficking case that has captivated the nation for the last seven weeks. A jury acquitted Diddy of racketeering and conspiracy, sex trafficking for Cassie Ventura and Jane Doe. He was found guilty of the Mann Act, which prohibits the transportation of women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution or debauchery. The scene outside the courthouse is a combination of the Combs' family and friends, journalists, spectators, supporters, and protestors who have gathered around the U.S. federal court where the verdict just came down. Diddy's legal team has put in a request for the disgraced mogul to be released on bail to spend time at home while he awaits sentencing. Social media erupted with the reactions. While some have called it a sad day for survivors of sexual and domestic violence, others expressed that the prosecution didn't prove their case. Diddy Trial Cassie Ventura's legal team released a statement, calling her courageous. Her testimony led to Diddy being held accountable for at least one charge. 'This entire criminal process started when our client Cassie Ventura had the courage to file her civil complaint in November 2023,' Douglas H. Wigdor said in a statement obtained by PEOPLE. 'Although the jury did not find Combs guilty of sex trafficking Cassie beyond a reasonable doubt, she paved the way for a jury to find him guilty of transportation to engage in prostitution.' Armon Wiggins was outside the courthouse to capture reactions from fellow journalists and non-traditional media, who emerged as prime sources in the entertainment trial. Reactions to the verdict are polarized, but the vast majority of commentary is centered around the misunderstanding of the RICO charge and Jane Doe's testimony. Keep scrolling for images outside the courthouse during the Diddy trial. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures was originally published on 1. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty People react outside federal court as verdicts are announced during Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges in his case, but was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. 2. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty A Combs fan wears a pin in support of him while outside the courthouse. The scene outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse for the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial. 3. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Members of the organization Ultraviolet advocate for survivors outside the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 27, 2025 in New York City. Defense attorneys will begin their closing arguments today, 'followed by a prosecution rebuttal argument' after the prosecution and defense resting their cases earlier this week. 'Then, Judge Arun Subramanian will instruct jurors on the law before deliberations begin'. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case at the behest of Judge Arun Subramanian. Combs, 55, faces up to life in prison if convicted on charges, which include allegations of threats, arson, violence, and drug-fueled sex parties referred to as 'freak offs.' 4. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Attorney Brian Steel exits the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 27, 2025 in New York City. Defense attorneys will begin their closing arguments today, 'followed by a prosecution rebuttal argument' after the prosecution and defense resting their cases earlier this week. 'Then, Judge Arun Subramanian will instruct jurors next week on the law before deliberations begin'. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case at the behest of Judge Arun Subramanian. Combs, 55, faces up to life in prison if convicted on charges, which include allegations of threats, arson, violence, and drug-fueled sex parties referred to as 'freak offs.' 5. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Holly Baird, representative for Sean Combs, exits his sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 27, 2025 in New York City. Defense attorneys will begin their closing arguments today, 'followed by a prosecution rebuttal argument' after the prosecution and defense resting their cases earlier this week. 'Then, Judge Arun Subramanian will instruct jurors next week on the law before deliberations begin'. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case at the behest of Judge Arun Subramanian. Combs, 55, faces up to life in prison if convicted on charges, which include allegations of threats, arson, violence, and drug-fueled sex parties referred to as 'freak offs.' 6. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty People try to get a view and record and photograph Sean Combs' family as they leave the courthouse at the end of the day. The scene outside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan United States Courthouse for the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial. 7. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Attorney arrives for Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 30, 2025 in New York City. A jury will commence deliberating in Combs' trial after being given instructions on the law by Judge Arun Subramanian. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case. Combs faces a sentence that could extend to life in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. 8. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Journalist Touré arrives for Sean 'Diddy' Combssex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 30, 2025 in New York City. A jury will commence deliberating in Combs trial after being given instructions on the law by Judge Arun Subramanian. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case. Combs faces a sentence that could extend to life in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. 9. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Marc Agnifilo, attorney for Sean 'Diddy' Combs, arrives at federal court as jury begins deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on June 30, 2025, in New York City. On June 30, Judge Arun Subramanian will instruct jurors on how to apply the law to the evidence for their deliberations. Then, 12 New Yorkers will determine Combs's future. Combs, the 55-year-old music mogul who faces upwards of life in prison if convicted on charges including racketeering and sex trafficking. 10. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Lila Combs and Chance Combs depart the courthouse during the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. The jury has reached verdicts on all counts in the case. 11. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty People react outside federal court as verdicts are announced during Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. The jury has reached verdicts on all counts in the case. 12. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty People react outside federal court as verdicts are announced during Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges in his case, but was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. 13. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Janice Combs (R) and Chance Combs react as they leave federal court after verdicts were announced during Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. Combs has been acquitted of the most serious charges in his case, but was convicted on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. 14. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Janice Combs, mother of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, King Combs and Justin Combs, sons of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, depart federal court as jury continues deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on July 1, 2025, in New York City. Jurors on June 30 started deliberating on whether Sean 'Diddy' Combs used his celebrity, wealth and business empire to set up a decades-long criminal ring that allegedly saw him force women into drug-fueled sexual performances with escorts. After the judge completed his instructions, the jury in New York began the task of weighing evidence from phone and financial records, and 34 people who testified against Combs over the past seven weeks. 15. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Quincy Brown, son of Sean 'Diddy' Combs', walks out during a recess of Comb's sex trafficking and racketeering trial on July 01, 2025 in New York City. The jury continues deliberating in Combs trial after being given instructions on the law by Judge Arun Subramanian. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case. Combs faces a sentence that could extend to life in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. 16. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty King Combs (L), son of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, and Quincy Brown (R), stepson of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, arrive at a federal court as jury continues deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on July 1, 2025, in New York City. A jury has reached a partial verdict in the sex trafficking trial of Sean 'Diddy' Combs but has been unable to agree on the most serious charge facing the music mogul — racketeering, US media reported on July 1, 2025. 17. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 01: Sarah Chapman, a former partner of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, leaves Manhattan Federal Court after court adjourned for Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial on July 01, 2025 in New York City. The jury will continue deliberating in Combs' trial after reaching a verdict on the two counts each of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution, but were deadlocked on a decision on racketeering conspiracy. Combs faces a sentence that could extend to life in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. 18. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 02: Stephanie Rao, Justin Combs, Quincy Taylor Brown and Chance Combs arrive at the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. The jury continues deliberation on the final verdict of racketeering conspiracy in Combs' trial after reaching a verdict yesterday on the four other counts, two each of sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs faces a sentence that could extend to life in prison if convicted and has pleaded not guilty. 19. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty King Combs (R), son of Sean 'Diddy' Combs (R), departs at Manhattan's Federal Court as jury continues deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on July 2, 2025, in New York City. Jurors in the trial of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs head back into deliberations Wednesday, aiming to reach a unanimous decision on the case's most serious charge of leading a criminal organization. 20. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Family members of Sean 'Diddy' Combs, departs at Manhattan's Federal Court as jury continues deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on July 2, 2025, in New York City. Jurors in the trial of music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs head back into deliberations Wednesday, aiming to reach a unanimous decision on the case's most serious charge of leading a criminal organization. 21. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 2: Lila Combs and Chance Combs depart the courthouse during the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. The jury has reached verdicts on all counts in the case. 22. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JULY 2: People react outside federal court as verdicts are announced during Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on July 2, 2025 in New York City. The jury has reached verdicts on all counts in the case. 23. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty King Combs leave the Sean Combs' sex trafficking and racketeering trial at Manhattan Federal Court on June 27, 2025 in New York City. Defense attorneys will begin their closing arguments today, 'followed by a prosecution rebuttal argument' after the prosecution and defense resting their cases earlier this week. 'Then, Judge Arun Subramanian will instruct jurors on the law before deliberations begin'. Some of the charges have been dropped and others have been downgraded, in an effort to streamline the case at the behest of Judge Arun Subramanian. Combs, 55, faces up to life in prison if convicted on charges, which include allegations of threats, arson, violence, and drug-fueled sex parties referred to as 'freak offs.' 24. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty (L-R) D'Lila Combs, Jessie Combs, and Chance Combs depart federal court as jury begins deliberations in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on June 30, 2025, in New York City. Jurors on Monday started deliberating on whether Sean 'Diddy' Combs used his celebrity, wealth and business empire to set up a decades-long criminal ring that allegedly saw him force women into drug-fueled sexual performances with escorts. After the judge completed his instructions, the jury in New York began the task of weighing evidence from phone and financial records, and 34 people who testified against Combs over the past seven weeks. 25. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty Diddy's close friend Charlucci Finney is seen after Combs' sex trafficking case in a Manhattan Federal Court, New York City, United States, on July 02, 2025. 26. The Diddy Trial: In Pictures Source:Getty A person wears a 'FREE PUFF' pin outside Manhattan's Federal Court after a verdict were announced in Sean 'Diddy' Combs' sex trafficking trial on July 2, 2025 in New York. Music mogul Sean 'Diddy' Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex trafficking on Wednesday but convicted of a less serious prostitution charge after a high-profile seven week trial in New York.
Black America Web
4 hours ago
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Celebs Join TikTok's Slightly Threatening & Hilarious ‘Show & Tell' Trend
Source: Eugenia R. Washington / Getty TikTok has birthed another viral sensation. This time, it's a slightly threatening, yet comical 'Show and Tell' trend, where celebrities and fans alike support their friends and families businesses, ideas, and creations. Check out some of our favorites including Tisha Campbell and Tabitha Brown's renditions inside. What started as a playful format where people show off their friends and families with a mix of sass and pride has turned into a viral showcase with just a hint of menace. And of course, Black celebrities are adding their own flavor. Two standout uploads come from none other than actress and singer Tisha Campbell with her son Xen and beloved vegan influencer and actress Tabitha Brown with her daughter Choyce, In Campell's video, she's the defendant and supporter, highlighting his love for 'toys' or action figures. The Internet especially loved how the actress celebrated her son and those who also experience autism. In the viral video, she proudly showcases her son in a playful-yet-protective tone. With over-the-top expressions and an unmistakable motherly energy, Campbell nails the assignment, reminding everyone that a Black mom's love is deep, dramatic, and not to be tested. In Tabitha's video, her daughter Choyce steals the show. They took on the trending challenge to promote Tabitha's haircare line, Donna's Recipe. Her daughter passionately made sure fans and consumers were listening to the message before her mom spoke. 'Y'all gone listen and shut up and like it,' Choyce says with quiet fierceness in the video. Their takes on the trend are sending TikTok users into fits of laughter, and maybe, a little bit of fear. It resonates across the Internet with viewers as it taps into that fierce protector instinct, packaged in a comical, campy tone that makes it endlessly replay-able. With each video, audiences are reminded just how creative and chaotic TikTok can be when parents decide to go viral on their own terms. Whether you're a celebrity or not, this 'show & tell' moment has officially become the internet's new favorite threat. SEE ALSO Celebs Join TikTok's Slightly Threatening & Hilarious 'Show & Tell' Trend was originally published on
Black America Web
4 hours ago
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What to Bring to a July 4th Fireworks Show: Your Ultimate Checklist
Planning to catch a fireworks show this Independence Day? Whether you're heading to a park, beach, or downtown celebration, being prepared can make all the difference. Here's a complete list of what to bring to a July 4th fireworks show so you can enjoy the night stress-free. What to Bring to a July 4th Fireworks Show: Your Ultimate Checklist was originally published on 1. Blankets or Lawn Chairs Source:Getty Comfort is key! A large blanket or foldable chairs will give you a cozy spot to sit and relax while waiting for the fireworks to begin. Look for chairs that are low-profile and park-friendly. 2. Bug Spray or Repellent Source:Getty Mosquitoes love summer nights as much as you do. Bring along insect repellent to keep the bugs away and avoid itching your way through the show. 3. Snacks and Drinks Source:Getty Pack water bottles, juice, or your favorite soft drinks to stay hydrated. Easy snacks like popcorn, chips, and fruit make for a perfect firework-watching treat. Check the event rules on outside food before you go! 4. Portable Phone Charger Source:Getty Between snapping photos, checking traffic, or using your flashlight app, your battery might run low. A portable charger ensures you don't get stuck with a dead phone. 5. Sunscreen and Hats (If Going Early) Source:Getty Planning to arrive early to snag a good spot? Don't forget sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the day. 6. Small Cooler or Tote Bag Source:Getty Keep everything organized in a cooler or easy-to-carry tote bag. Bonus points if it's insulated and lightweight! 7. Patriotic Gear Source:Getty Show off your red, white, and blue! Fun extras like glow sticks, mini flags, or festive t-shirts help you get into the spirit of Independence Day. 8. Trash Bags or Ziplocks Source:Getty Be respectful of your surroundings by packing out what you pack in. Bringing a trash bag or a few ziplocks will help keep your area clean.
