As we celebrate the 41st birthday of one of Hip Hops biggest Icons, I am humbled at the thought of all the lives he touched during his time here. I began to reflect on how he personally effected my life as a teenager and how I might not have become the man I am today without his teachings. I feel it is important to not only remember the talent of the man but to also reflect on his character and many positive attributes. This week marks the ninth time in my life that I will be honored or recognized for being a father, which always challenges me to think of traits of a good father. Having not grown up in a home with a father figure, Tupac words through song were often the only kind of acknowledgement of the struggles I saw and experienced.

Songs like (Keep Ya Head Up) spoke directly to me, because at times I felt no one cared so why should I. When I heard (Only God Can Judge Me) it helped me see clearly that I am somebody and no one had the power to take that away from me. Tupac knew and understood that there were millions of kids just like me looking for parental guidance and took it upon himself to feel that void. The sacrifices he made with regard to his own safety to deliver the message were definitely traits I would associate with a good father. Speaking from experience there is no risk that is too great or danger I wouldn’t face to protect my children and help them navigate through this toxic world. Tupac was truly a visionary and just as a father figure his hopes of a brighter future were always visible.

As a young boy I was told to always judge a person by their actions, so what I admire the most about Tupac is that his words matched his actions. When I heard (Me against the World) I thought this was more than an Album or a song, it was truly a reflection of the life he was living. In fact it wasn’t until I heard him say those words that I realized why I felt so lonely and abandoned. Like a father Tupac gave me comfort in knowing that someone was out fighting on my behalf. What made his star ever more mesmerizing is the fact he didn’t fit into the status quo. He was a smart black man; articulate and understood the significance of being the rose that grew from concrete against all odds. So as I prepare to enjoy another humbling father’s day, it would be selfish of me not to acknowledge the impact Tupac had on my life how I think and believe. I am forever grateful and humbled and only wish his legacy continues to live on until the end of time.

Happy Birthday Tupac!!!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         comments: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it