It’s easy to see how the words of William Shakespeare can fall into common parlance. Most of us in the western world will have studied some of the great bard’s plays or poems during our formative years. It, therefore, makes perfect sense that his sensibilities should fall into our cultural facets of music, film and art. however, there is still something a little strange about Shakespeare inspiring one of Tupac Shakur’s best songs.
No, there’s no escaping it. William Shakespeare is one of the most influential figures who has ever lived. Despite being written over 400 years ago, his plays capture some of the universal truths of human experience and do so almost entirely through character.
Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet are instantly recognisable characters, and that’s still the case for people who haven’t seen a Shakespeare play in their entire life. His work is so woven into the fabric of our everyday lives, that it’s near-impossible to talk to a friend without making a reference to something Shakespeare wrote in one way or another. From “Breaking the Ice” to “Puking” the man is bloody everywhere.
There is also a countless array of rock, folk, rap, and pop songs which have either been influenced by – or make reference to – the immortal bard. Below, we’re looking at his connection with a rap classic from Tupac.
One of the many things Shakespeare is famous for is the musicality of his verse, something Pac is also famous for. But, as poet and rapper Akala discusses, Shakespeare also shares an anti-establishment streak. He says: “there’s a speech which is probably Shakespeare’s most direct critique of royal power ever: ‘I live with bread like you, need friends, taste grief, subjected us, how can you say to me I am a king?’ Shakespeare directly challenged the whole idea of monarchy, so that was right up my alley because I’m not a monarchist.”
The title of this 2Pac track references a line spoken by one of the witches in Macbeth, and although it is fleeting, it reveals 2Pac’s quiet obsession with the bard. In his art school days, 2Pac put on many a Shakespeare play, using the performances as a vehicle to explore gang violence and cultural conflict.
Listen to the Tupac Shakur song inspired by William Shakespeare below.
