Biggie vs. Tupac

[ZEROSUM]

In the remote chance Tupac is still alive, now would be the perfect time for the East Harlem native to come back and lead. I see a connection between the messages Tupac was trying to send through his songs, central to ‘Occupy Wall Street’ issues.

Tupac is to hip-hop culture what Michael Jordan is to basketball. I say “is” because, like Elvis and Jordan, Tupac will never die. Similarly, neither will the Occupy Wall Street Movement or the issues behind it, unless some major shifts in public policy take place. Tupac was a revolutionary artist as well as an inspirational person, but the point is this: The same issues exist today that did 15 years ago.

You can’t listen to Tupac without concluding that the man was genius enough to point out major issues at the core of the Occupy Wall Street Movement and the Wall Street Protests we are seeing today, in late 2011.

For example, here are a few lines from ‘Me Against the World,’ a song about oppression of the masses, inequality, and ultimately, an awakening.

“When will I finally get to rest? Through this oppression they punish the people that are asking questions…And those that possess steal from the ones without possessions.”

“The power is in the people and politics we address. Always do your best, don’t let the pressure make you panic.”

“Could somebody help me? I’m out here all by myself. See ladies in stores, Baby Capone’s, living wealthy”

“The message I stress: to make it stop study your lessons . . . Don’t settle for less – even the genius asks questions.”

“Can you picture my prophecy? Stress in the city, the cops is hot for me”

“Dreaming of riches, in a position of making a difference . . . Politicians and hypocrites, they don’t want to listen.”