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~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ - Music/Radio (4) - Nairaland

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Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 3:27am On Jul 23, 2009
~Haruna Ishola~

In the decades leading up to Nigerian independence in 1960, apala music developed when amateur musicians would play to arouse the faithful after the long fast of Ramadan. A bandleader and vocalist born into the Muslim Yoruba community, in the town of Ijebu-igbo, Ishola began recording in 1935, in the apala style that he would refine and to which he would remain faithful throughout his career. Using call and response vocals, together with choirs of talking drums and thumb pianos, the hypnotic, seemingly repetitive (to western ears) apala style is part Muslim religious music, part commentary on current affairs, part praise singing for local religious leaders, businessmen and politicians. By the 50s, Ishola and his Apala Group were leading exponents of the style, a position they retained until Ishola's death. During the 50s, Ishola released hundreds of 78s, and while his style did not change with the advent of the long-playing album, the longer track times the new format permitted meant that he was able to exploit apala's mesmeric power to the utmost. By the early 70s Ishola's prodigious output, and his pre-eminent position in apala, had made him a wealthy man.

Haruna Ishola  soon became the most popular artist in the genre, and one of the most respected praise singers in Nigeria. Ishola adapted and stuck to a strong traditionalist approach, citing both Yoruba proverbs and Koranic scripture in his songs, and introducing no Western instruments into his musical lineup.


Ishola would sit when performing, surrounded by two talking drummers, shaker and bell, and a chorus of singers. Also central to his sound was the agidigbo, a hollow lamellophone (thumb piano), both plucked and struck to create a hypnotic ostinato at the center of the apala sound. Andy Frankel, who produced Apala Messenger (IndigiDisc 2001), an excellent retrospective of Ishola's work, lived in Nigeria during the 1980s. He writes in the CD liner notes, "Among the most memorable anecdotes were that Haruna Ishola's voice was so powerful that his praise singing could kill its intended recipient if not provided with restraint. It went without saying that if you had to go, being done in by the praises of this man was not a bad option."


In 1969, Ishola started STAR Records Ltd., in partnership with Juju music legend I.K. Dairo. This was the first African record label owned by its artists. In 1979, he opened his own 24-track recording studio, Phonodisc, near his home at Ijebu-lgbo outside Ibadan.




Ishola died in 1983, but his large catalog of recordings both on Decca and STAR ensure that he will not soon be forgotten.








Discography

Ire Owo Pelu Omo - 1974 (Decca West Africa)
Eyin Ti Nperi Wa - 1975 (Decca West Africa)
Oluwa Wikan Loba - 1979 (Decca West Africa)
Oluwa Kii Binu - 1981 (Decca West Africa)
Egbe Oredegbe - 1982 (Decca West Africa)
Gbobi Oloti Le - 1983 (Decca West Africa)



Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 3:49am On Jul 23, 2009
~Sikiru Ayinde~

One of Nigeria's best-known singer/songwriters, Chief Doctor Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (born: Sikiru Ayinde) 9th February 1948 1948, Lagos, Nigeria has played an essential role in the evolution of the music of his homeland. The leader of a 25-piece band, the Supreme Fuji Commanders, and a smaller group, the Africa Musical International Ambassadors, Barrister has continued to be one of the leading purveyors of fuji, an exciting, amplified dance music combining juju, apala, and traditional Yoruban blues that he introduced in the late-'70s. He emerged in the mid-70s as one of Nigeria's leading fuji vocalists and bandleaders (fuji being a Muslim-dominated relation of juju music, retaining that style's vocal and percussion elements but eschewing its use of electric guitars to achieve a more traditional, roots sound).






Update


~Read An Interview he gave last year as he celebrated his 60th Birthday: IN His Own Words


Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Balogun a.k.a. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister in 1958 created a unique traditional music style known as Fuji music. Today the man who through his efforts in music has earned himself a national honour of Member of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (MFR). As the fuji music icon clocks 60 he granted an exclusive interview on his life, why he is unique, how he rose against all odds to become one of Nigeria's greatest musician, his relationship with Kollington Ayinla and K1 and issues of controversy in the fuji music industry.

Q: How do you feel turning 60?

A: Living 60 years on earth is a long journey. To me attaining the age of 60 is a very long journey because I lost my father when he was 45 years old. Turning 60 means I have lived longer than my father which is a great achievement. Moreover, I have performed for 50 years as a musician which is also a great achievement. To me music is Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is music.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about your 60 years journey on earth?

A: I was born on 9th February 1948 to a polygamous house at No. 15 Oke Street, Itafaaji Lagos Island. I started singing in 1953 at the age of 5. I schooled at Mushin. I lost my father at the tender age of 10. While growing up I had nobody to monitor or tell me to do the right things. I was just determined on my own that I have to become a successful person in life. Then the journey was very rough and tough. For instance I was once employed as a commuter bus conductor popularly called Danfo which plied Ajegunle to Idi-Oro Mushin.

All I wanted then was to keep body and soul together and clothe myself. Also I once worked as a goods carrier sleeping all night at Awolowo market,Mushin all to keep the good name of the family of 6 wives and many kids my father had. I tried to educate myself from proceeds I got from the odd jobs. I attended Muslim Mission School from there I proceeded to Mainland Model School also at Mushin where I did my First Living Certificate Examination also known as G2 in 1960.

I started my secondary school education in 1961 and had to stop in my third year school because of financial constraint and I had no support from nobody. But I thank God today for giving me a sense of direction and I have lived carefully and tried to be a law abiding citizen.


Q: Is there anything unique about your person and existence?

A: I have been born 3 times and on the same day, 9th February. That is why I love my mother so much. The first time, I was born as a girl named Kudi . I was given a mark on my back. When I was exactly 5 years old I told my mother I am going back she begged and persuaded me but I died on 9th February.

My mother got pregnant again and gave birth to me on 9th February and I died again on 9th February at the age of 3. Disturbed by this my mother made spiritual
findings about me and they told her I will come back as a boy but she should never stop me from doing anything I want to do, that I will grow to learn and do things my way.

They also told her I will become a celebrity and she should not tell anyone or even me till when I am grown up. She was also instructed that my birthday should not be celebrated. She was further instructed that whenever I want to celebrate my birthday I should be stopped but she should find a means of distracting my attention. That is the reason why I have never celebrated my birthday. My turning 60 will be the first time I will celebrate my birthday. Since I have grown to known myself I fall ill exactly a week o my birthday every year. Every 9th of February I find myself in the hospital. Even when I turned 40 I only recorded an album and did a musical video.

It was after then that my mother called me and told me she was told when I turn 40 I will sing and dance to celebrate my birthday. While telling me she wept and prayed for me. When I turned 50 my friends and fans planned a big birthday for me but as God would have it that day it rained cat and dog till the next day and the party was disrupted.

I don't know whyGod has made it so but anything after 9th February I will be alright. My mother understands all these and I think that was the source of the bond between my mother and I. And I did not realize all these but I know lots of people had always wanted to associate with me and while I was like age 10 I thought and behaved like a 60 year-old. That also reflects on my music. I don't have a composer. I write, compose and produce my songs.


Q:Why did you decide to celebrtate your 60th birthday?

A: I have muslim clerics who are based in Senegal who have been praying for me since last year towards my birthday this year. Their instruction is that I will celebrate the birthday but not on February 9th, 2008. So I have consulted them and I told Wasiu Ayinde (K1) and together with City People Entertainment they plan to celebrate my birthday on May 24th. I have the intension of going to Saudi Arabia so that I will be in Kabba Sherif and Medina to pray for more than a month before coming back to Nigeria. Though my fans in Chicago plan a party for me on 29th March and those in New Jersey on 6th April.


Q: How did music start for you?

A: I started singing in Mushin at the age of 10 in 1958. In 1964 I joined the band of Jibowu Rabiu he was the captain and composer of the band. I was with the band for 2 years after which we parted ways. I went to a record label known as Niger Songs at Abule-Oja near University of Lagos. I produced my first album under that label in 1966.

The album is entitled 'Eje ka gbo ti Olohun' it was released about the same time with King Sunny Ade's 'Alaanu l'Oluwa' Basically Were music is an awakening call for Muslims for early morning meal. Were music metamorphosed into fuji music through my effort. People call me Fuji Music Creator but I because I don't want to be immodest I sang a song that people should stop calling me the creator of Fuji music. In my view God created Fuji music I am just an instrument God used. I started to play Were Music in 1958.

I remember about that time that was part of a singing competition in Lagos and I emerged first position. By 1966 juju music, apala music and sakara music were reigning. It was then I decided to create a music that would encompass all the styles of music and would not bepurely Were music which was seen as an Islamic rendition.

Then I would sing different styles of music. By 1966 when I started singing professionally there was no one to support me. Fuji music is a combination of highlife music, afro, juju music, sakara music and others. I sang to the amazement of people as I sang like Ebenezer Obey, Sunny Ade and Ayinla Omowura. All I was concerned with was how make the music popular and put food on my table

Then I have been a close friend to King Sunny Ade Commander Ebenezer Obey over the years and we have spent good times together. While I call Ebenezer Obey my elder brother and boss, I call Sunny Ade, Ishola and he calls me Ayinde. Sunny Ade is about a year and a half older than me. In 1967 I decided to join the Nigerian Army. I served for 10 years and I was wounded at Awka during the Nigerian Civil war. Now I surfer severe pains because of my age from the bullet wound.


Q: Relationship with Kollinton Ayinla?

A: Kollington Ayinla is my childhood friend. We grew up as friends and we love each other. We are good friends and colleagues singing the same type of music.


Q: How did you settle the rift between you?

A: As elderly people I felt it was necessary to settle the rift between us. I came back from the UnitedS tates paid him a visit and made him realize we were not getting younger and that it was necessary to set a good example for the younger ones coming behind us. And it is not until we abuse each other through music that we make money. I talked to him as a brother and a friend and he agreed.


Q: How many albums do you have to your credit?

A: I have 127 albums my credit. I have 115 released on Lati Alagbada Records.


Q: Can we say age has slowed you down as a professional artiste?

A: For instance I have left anything like anger or hot temper. I prefer to avoid you than make me angry.


Q: What is your view on money, women and fame?

A: Let me say basically that money is very essential for every human being. Money is the best thing that can happen to any human being. We use money to get everything we want in life. At the same time it is the source of all evil. If not care is not taken money has a bad spirit that will make any young woman or man to misbehave. For women God himself loves women. There is a portion in the Holy Quran (quotes the Holy Quoran) that God himself desired to choose Aisha, Fatimoh and others as prophets among the women. Women are also as essential as money. Without a wife and money no man is responsible. As for fame it is principally the work of God.

There is no school to earn fame or stardom. And it is the only avenue through which anyone can be known. Though famous artistes in Nigeria are not so appreciated like we have abroad but with time we will get there one day. Fame is something to be appreciated especially by celebrities. It is only those God has chosen that will become famous.


Q: Can you tell us how many wives and kids you have?

A: It has been my principle not to disclose that. My religion (Islam) permits me to have 4 wives as a committed muslim but it does not stipulate how many child I can have. Basically I love to keep the number of children away from the public. I am blessed with wives and children.


Q: Even when you got to limelight and brought fuji music to the fore there were controversies. Why do we have controversy in fuji music?

A: I would not agree that fuji music has always been trailed with controversy. What we had then were different Were groups who contended among themselves. We can say there were rivalries among the various groups who sang Were music during the Musilim Holy month of Ramadan. We had different groups like Saka Layigbade, Baba Ralia, my brothers Bashiru Abinuwaye, Maboyoje (my father's first son), Jolly Lawa and Aremu's groups. What we had then were situation whereby a group will try to outshine the other. That was just rivalry.



Q: How did you come about the name Barrister?

A: When I was very young, I acted and thought like an elderly person. Wherever I was and two other kids engaged themselves in any form of fight I always served as a witness, judge or mediator. Then if there was any need to have a witness I would be called upon because I would not lie or support anyone. I was referred to as 'Barrister Lawyer'. Though everyone taught I would become a lawyer but as God would have it I became a musician and so I adopted the name Barrister when I started singing. I did not know I would be this successful.


Q: How successful are you?

A: Glory be to God. My success today can be ascribed to the Almighty God. Fuji music I know will exist forever. Lots of artistes are coming up and it is a kind of music with a simple style. Personally I thank God. I am not rich neither am I poor. I can conveniently eat three square meals a day and take proper care of my wards.Q: What would you consider your greatest achievement and regret?

A: My greatest achievement is what I laid my hands on and is now been accepted by all and sundry. You would agree with me that the mention of Fuji music without the name of Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister is not complete. That is enough legacy for me. As for regrets I have no cause to regret. Life itself is full of good and evil. Today I give glory to God.


Q: Nowadays we have the issue of leadership tussle in fuji music. What is your view on this?

A: It is not possible as human beings not to deal with the issue of leadership or politics in a gathering of people. If we are all united there never have been Christians or Muslims. There is rivalry everywhere. The young men that are in contention are doing that because they are young and active men. With time no one will teach them when to be united and put a stop to all the rivalry.

K1 did something that will remain his legacy that his putting together a body known as Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN). Wasiu (K1) is my son. He was with me for 15 years. I thank God today he is my pride. If he offends me today and runs away if he does not come back to apologise to me I will look for him to tell him he has offended me. I have taken him as my first son He is the Olori Ebi (head of the family).

So anything I want to do he must be there. Wasiu took after me, though as human being we have our differences but I will always tell him the right thing to do. I scold him if it is necessary. For instance no one will ever call Michael Jackson James Brown and vice versa. Even if any of the fuji artiste is wealthier than I am which I don't think so they are not older than me. I know I am one way or the other trying to step aside because of my health but it does not mean I am quitting music entirely.

I have done my best to settle the rift in the fuji music industry. Even if kollington's mother did not die my aim was to make peace in the fuji music industry. which I did and that is why I refused to join issues with him or release any album for the past 2 years. If I released any album there would not be any way it will affect Wasiu and Kollington. But I will ask myself what will I gain from it? I will be the one to lose.


Q: Did you postrate for Kollington?

A: No. I will never do that.


Q: Do you intend to record any album?

A: Yes. I am already working on an album to be released before May 28th, 2007. I already have two sides already recorded. I will produce two other sides. It will be a 2-in-1 album which will released on the same date.


Q: How did you come about the name Fuji which coined how did you come about it?

A: Before the advent of fuji we had Sakara , Juju, Apala and the Were music. On the Lagos Island we had a Were group called Baba Ralia group he sang a unique Were style of music. He called it Fuji Lawa. An acrnonym for Faaji Lawa. When I decided to name my style of Music I named it Fuji Music after the Japanese mountain which means Mountain of Love. I travelled to Japan to see the mountain where couples visit for honeymoon. Since music is the food then let us continue to play it. BY TAIWO OBATUSIN FOR Nigeriafilms.com





Discography


Waya Rabi - Songs (African)
Alayinde - Songs (African)
Mecca Special - Songs (African)
Itan Anobi Rasao - Songs (African)
E Sa Ma Mi Lengbe - Songs (African)
Ori Mi Ewo Ninse/Majority Boys - 1975 (African Songs)
Ile Aiye Dun Pupo/Love In Tokyo (India Sound) - 1975 (African Songs)
Fuji Exponent - 1976 (African Songs)
Vol. 9 - 1976 (African Songs)
Vol. 10 - 1977 (African Songs)
Bisimilai - 1977 (African Songs)
Omo Nigeria - 1977 (African Songs)
Olojo Eni Mojuba - 1978 (Siky Oluyole)
Our Late Artistes - 1978 (Siky Oluyole)
London Special - 1979 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Reggae Series 2 - 1979 (Siky Oluyole)
Eyo Nbo Anobi - 1979 (Siky Oluyole)
Awa O Ja - 1979 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Disco - 1980 (Siky Oluyole)
Oke Agba - 1980 (Siky Oluyole)
Aiye - 1980 (Siky Oluyole)
Family Planning - 1981 (Siky Oluyole)
Suru Baba Iwa - 1981 (Siky Oluyole)
Ore Lope - 1981 (Siky Oluyole)
E Sinmi Rascality - 1982 (Siky Oluyole)
Iwa - 1982 (Siky Oluyole)
Ise Logun Ise (No More War) - 1982 (Siky Oluyole)
Eku Odun - 1982 (Siky Oluyole)
Ijo Olomo - 1983 (Siky Oluyole)
Nigeria - 1983 (Siky Oluyole)
Love - 1983 (Siky Oluyole)
Barry Special - 1983 (Siky Oluyole)
Military - 1984 (Siky Oluyole)
Appreciation - 1984 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Vibration 84/85 - 1984 (Siky Oluyole)
Destiny - 1985 (Siky Oluyole)
Superiority - 1985 (Siky Oluyole)
Fertiliser - 1985 (Siky Oluyole)
Okiki - 1986 (Siky Oluyole)
America Special - 1986 (Siky Oluyole)
Ile Aye Ogun - 1987 (Siky Oluyole)
Maturity - 1987 (Siky Oluyole)
Barry Wonder - 1987 (Siky Oluyole)
Wonders At 40 - 1988 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Garbage - 1988 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Garbage Series II - 1988 (Siky Oluyole)
Current Affairs - 1989 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Garbage Series III - 1989 (Siky Oluyole)
Music Extravaganza - 1990 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Waves - 1991 (Siky Oluyole)
Fantasia Fuji - 1991 (Siky Oluyole)
Fuji Explosion - 1992 (Siky Oluyole)
Dimensional Fuji - 1993 (Siky Oluyole)
New Fuji Garbage - 1993 (Siky Oluyole)
The Truth - 1994 (Siky Oluyole)
Precaution - 1995 (Siky Oluyole)
Olympics Atlanta '96 - 1996 (Siky Oluyole)
Olympics '96 London Version - 1997 (Zmirage Productions)
Evening Of Sound - 1997 (Zmirage Productions)
Barry On Stage - 1997 (Siky Oluyole)
Mr. Fuji - 1998 (Barry Black)

Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 4:16am On Jul 23, 2009
~Evi-Edna Ogholi ~


Even though there is frankly little competition, Evi-Edna Ogholi is widely recognized as the "queen of Nigerian reggae". Specializing in a cool, romantic style, a light style of reggae with vocals sung in her native tongue Isoko, the sound is a little akin to the UK's lovers rock idiom. Ogholi began her career in the late 80s. A contract with Polydor Nigeria produced "Happy Birthday " in 1989, but it was not successful enough for her contract to be renewed. She recovered her equilibrium, however, and within a few months had re-established her reputation throughout West Africa. A national tour of Nigeria followed, sponsored by the Pepsi soft drink company.


Discography


Happy Birthday - 1989 (Polydor Nigeria)



The Best Of Evi-Edna Ogholi
Evi-Edna Ogholi 
Released: 26 Apr 2005
8 tracks
© Premier Records Limited




On The Move
Evi-Edna Ogholi 
Released: 26 Apr 2005
6 tracks
© Premier Records Limited



What Happened To Her?

According to her Husband Emma Ogosi the man behind her success, "Evi Edna Left Nigeria Because of Our Dwindled Fortune"



"Suddenly, the rhythm like a broken down windmill grounded to a slow halt. The will of fortune had halted.

And with the halt came the painful realisation that the party was over. When this happened, Evi disappeared from the scene. Initially, Nigerians thought it was a joke but 10 years after, Evi Edna is still missing in action.

Ogosi couldn't place a finger on the real reason why Evi chose to jump ships. But he would painfully say to this writer in his Ikeja office that, " I think Evi left when she couldn't cope with the sad reality that our fortune had changed. She couldn't come to terms with the fact that the party was over.

"And after four years of having to struggle to try and make ends meet, she thought she could change things. That was when she decided she needed to take a break and travel to the West Coast to pursue some of the bootleggers who were busy pirating her works."

Did he give his blessing? "Oh, yes, I did", Ogosi affirmed.

"When she left, we were in touch, until she decided to move to Abidjan, Cote D' Voire. But I was advised not to let her go into that country because of the crisis. But before I got to her, she was already in. And for three months, we heard nothing from her and thought something had happened to her.

But knowing Evi for her resilience, I kept faith and was, therefore, not surprised, when one day, she called to say she was in Paris."

Paris? This writer wondered out loud. "Yes, she called from Paris" Ogosi assured. "She may have joined a CNN crew to escape as I gathered."

Ten years after keeping faith, is the fire of love still burning, I sought to know?

Well, Ogosi began, "I kept faith for nine years but right now there is a woman I 'm seeing. But I have told her there is a woman whom I love and who is still my legal wife. And if she returns today and wants her home back, well, . She understands this and she is not complaining."

Sometimes women act funny. Did Evi ever try to find out if he was seeing anyone?

"Yes, and that was eight years ago when she asked the daughter."



http://allafrica.com/stories/200906260946.html

Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by Moyola(f): 9:00pm On Jul 24, 2009
Whatever happened to Seyi Sodimu, Azeezat, Junior n Pretty, Daniel Wilson, Blacky. . . undecided tongue
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by TmeD0(m): 10:35pm On Jul 24, 2009
@ mohawkchic, good job on bringing a little tiwa n tiwa (na our own be our own  grin) here but sha o, that foto na haruna ishola pickin, no be him o.  sha, u gbiyanju (try) sha.   grin
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by Rapmoney(m): 11:24pm On Jul 24, 2009
What about Mark Morrison? I have not heard of him for a long time now.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 1:43am On Jul 25, 2009
T@meD0:

@ mohawkchic, good job on bringing a little tiwa n tiwa (na our own be our own grin) here but sha o, that foto na haruna ishola pickin, no be him o. sha, u gbiyanju (try) sha. grin


~No woories wink

~Talk True! cheesy He get same name like e Papa? I googled him on Images. . .will modify. . .
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 1:51am On Jul 25, 2009
Rapmoney:

What about Mark Morrison? I have not heard of him for a long time now.

Morrison, who had already fallen foul of the law prior to becoming a singer, then found his recording career grinding to a halt when he was found guilty of threatening behaviour with a stun gun. He was sentenced to three months imprisonment in May 1997. In March 1998 a catalogue of further misdemeanours, including violating a previous community service order by sending an impostor to complete the time, culminated in a 12-month jail sentence. Morrison returned to the UK charts in September 1999 with "Best Friend", a duet with Irish singer Conner Reeves. His career was then becalmed for several years with a projected album release for Death Row Records falling by the wayside. In 2004, he signed an abortive recording contract with 2 Wikid Records, a label set up by soccer player Kevin Campbell.

Check out his Myspace page,there cud be recent Updates/ news on there. . .

myspace.com/macklife

Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by Diva1(f): 8:21am On Jul 25, 2009
How about Tracy Chapman? Is she even married @ all?
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by okotie800(m): 12:23pm On Jul 25, 2009
@mohawkchic
hey chic, are we still up for tonight? Ha ha ha (Just joking).What about my order,it never came around.Am still holding on though.Promise to hold on.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by okotie800(m): 12:38pm On Jul 25, 2009
Am cool
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 5:56pm On Jul 26, 2009
~Tupac Shakur~


Date of Birth
16 June 1971, East Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA


Date of Death
13 September 1996, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA (homicide)



Birth Name
Lesane Parish Crooks



Nickname
2Pac
Makaveli
Pac


Height
5' 11" (1.80 m)



Spouse
Actress: Keisha Morris (29 April 1995 - 1996) (annulled)


Engaged To
Actress: Kidada Jones



Trade Mark
Socially conscious lyrics

Shaved head and Goatee



2Pac became the unlikely martyr of gangsta rap, and a tragic symbol of the toll its lifestyle exacted on urban black America. At the outset of his career, it didn't appear that he would emerge as one of the definitive rappers of the '90's


Born in New York City,The son of two Black Panther members Afeni Shakur & Billy Garland.His parents had separated before he was born. Renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur in 1972 by his mother after Tupac Amaru, an Inca who was sentenced to death by the Spaniards. Tupac Amaru, in the Inca language, means "shining serpent".



Tupac grew up primarily in Harlem.Frequently, the family was at the poverty level,his mother moved him and his sister around the country for much of their childhood. He spent most of his youth in Harlem, then Baltimore, Maryland then In Oakland, California.


In 1984, his family moved to Baltimore, Maryland where he became good friends with Jada Pinkett Smith. His family moved again in 1988 to Oakland, California.He was also good friend of fellow hip-hop MC M.C. Hammer, who also was from Oakland, California, USA.


When he was 12 years old, his mother enrolled him in Harlem's 127th St Ensemble. He played Travis in "A Raisin in The Sun" in his first acting role. As a young man, Tupac also studied dance, including ballet.


Tupac was offered a record contract at the age of 13. However, his mother refused to let him sign anything at such a young age. She felt he had a lot to learn about the world before joining the music industry.



Shakur managed to gain acceptance to the prestigious Baltimore School of the Arts as a teenager. While he was at the school, his creative side flourished, as he began writing raps and acting. he studied drama and rhymed under the name "MC New York." He was 17 Years old. Along with friends, he founded the "Junior Black Panthers" in his youth.




Before he could graduate, his family moved to Marin City, CA,he was 17 years old. Tupac Moved out of his mother's house when he was 17. Over the next few years, he lived on the streets and began hustling.  Eventually, he met Shock-G, the leader of "Digital Underground." The Oakland-based crew decided to hire him as a dancer and roadie.He started out as a second-string rapper and dancer for "Digital Underground", joining only after they had already landed their biggest hit. His first breakthrough in music came in 1991 . . . 2Pac made his first recorded appearance on the group's spring 1991 record, This Is an EP Release, and he also appeared on their second album, "Sons of the P."


As he toured with the group, he worked on his own material. The following year, He delivered His first acclaimed debut album, "2Pacalypse Now" November 12, 1991.The album became a word-of-mouth hit, as "Brenda's Got a Baby" reached the R&B Top 30  and then it was certified gold. It contains 13 songs and reached number 13 on the R&B/Hip-Hop albums.Filled with violent lyrics with references to cop killing,sexual violence and misogyny, it earned both notoriety and acclaim for fans of the genre. . its blunt and explicit lyrics earned criticisms for moral watchdogs, and Vice President Dan Quayle attacked the album while he was campaigning for re-election that year.



In the same year he received individual recognition for his album "2Pacalypse Now," This album was also the beginning of his notoriety as a leading figure of the gangsta permutation of hip-hop.



Shakur began his acting career in the late 1980s with an appearance on the television series "A Different World" (1987). Shakur's profile was raised considerably by his acclaimed role in the 1992  Ernest Dickerson  Urban Drama film "Juice", which led to a lead role in John Singleton's "Poetic Justice" the following year co-starring with Janet Jackson.



By the time the film hit theaters, 2Pac had released his second album, "Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.", which became a platinum album, peaking at number four on the R&B charts and launching the Top Ten R&B hit singles "I Get Around" and "Keep Ya Head Up," which peaked at number 11 and 12, respectively, on the pop charts.


Late in 1993, he acted in the basketball movie "Above the Rim". Shakur had a certain charisma that always made him stand out in his films. This was especially true in Gridlock'd (1997) which proved that the versatile young artist had the makings of being a major star. Pac a fan of actor Tim Roth and was delighted to learn he would work with him on "Gridlock'd", released after Shakur's death.



Although Shakur was selling records and earning praise for his music and acting, he began having serious altercations with the law; prior to becoming a recording artist, he had no police record. He was arrested in 1992 after he was involved in a fight that culminated with a stray bullet killing a six-year-old bystander; the charges were later dismissed.


Tupac Was originally cast in Menace II Society (1993) 2Pac was filming Menace II Society in the summer of 1993 when he assaulted director Allen Hughes;He was fired after the physical altercation with director Allen Hughes & he was sentenced to 15 days in jail in early 1994. The sentence arrived after two other high-profile incidents. In October of 1993, when he was charged with shooting two off-duty police officers in Atlanta. The charges were dismissed, but the following month, he and two members of his entourage were charged with sexually abusing a female fan.


In 1994, he was found guilty of sexual assault. The day after the verdict was announced, he was shot by a pair of muggers while he was in the lobby of a New York City recordings studio.Tupac survived the attack, and afterwards frequently boasted of his durability in his lyrics.


Shakur was sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison on February 7, 1995.



Later that month, Shakur began serving his sentence. His burgeoning outlaw mythology helped his 1995 third album "Me Against the World" enter the charts at number one . He was the First music artist to have a #1 LP while being in jail! He Read the article in "Entertainment Weekly" about his "Me Against The World" album's debut at number one, while incarcerated. The album's title song also appeared in Michael Bay's 1995 film "Bad Boys", which opened in March-- while Shakur was behind bars.


2Pac's Death Row debut, All Eyez on Me, was the first double disc of original material in hip-hop history. It debuted at number one upon its February release, and would be certified quintuple platinum by the fall. Although he had a hit record and, with the Dr. Dre duet "California Love," a massive single on his hands, Shakur was beginning to tire of hip-hop and started to concentrate on acting. During the summer of 1996, he completed two films, the thriller Bullet and the dark comedy Gridlock'd, which also starred Tim Roth. He also made some recordings for Death Row, which was quickly disintegrating without Dre as the house producer, and as Knight became heavily involved in illegal activities.




While he was in prison, he accused the Notorious B.I.G., Puffy Combs, Andre Harrell, and his own close friend Randy "Stretch" Walker of orchestrating his New York shooting. Shakur only served eight months of his sentence, as Suge Knight, the president of Death Row Records, arranged for parole and posted a 1.4 million dollar bond for the rapper. By the end of the year, 2Pac was out of prison and working on his debut for Death Row. On November 30, 1995 -- the one-year anniversary of the New York shooting -- Walker was killed in a gangland-styled murder in Queens.


Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 5:58pm On Jul 26, 2009
Some Facts About Tupac Shakur


~He read for the part of "Bubba" in Forrest Gump (1994).Jim Carrey was his favorite actor. Tupac Was going to play the role of "Malik" in Higher Learning (1995) He Appeared in the Salt-N-Pepa video, "Whatta Man."


~His favorite singer was Prince. He'd cited Prince as an inspiration and sampled his music on the "All Eyez On Me" album. Shakur mentioned in an MTV interview that "he [Prince] loves women like I love women"


~Shakur considered singer Don McClean (best known as the singer/songwriter of the 1972 hit "American Pie"wink and Kate Bush as two influences in his life. Shakur also saw McClean's hit "Vincent" (a tale of painter Vincent Van Gogh) as one particular inspiration. In addition, Shakur cited African-American poet Maya Angelou and William Shakespeare as being equally important to him.



~By 1994, 2Pac rivaled Snoop Dogg as the most controversial figure in rap, spending as much time in prison as he did in the recording studio.


~Shakur renamed his publishing company to "Joshua's Dream" in honor of a young, terminally ill child whose dying wish was to meet him.



~His number one single, "California Love" was certified at sales of 2 million copies in 1998.He is the first rap/hip-hop artist in history to have a wax model of himself set to be placed in Madamme Tussaud's in Las Vegas


~Tupac Recorded close to 150 songs during the final year of his life, and often completed three songs per day in the same period. Shakur also wrote lyrics in the studio and often performed his verses in one take. He felt that rappers who could not perform their verses properly on the first take weren't ready to be rappers. R&B music, on the other hand, was worthy of multiple takes for the vocal tracks, he felt.


~His 1996 song "Me and My Girlfriend" (from the rapper's posthumously released "Don Killuminati" album) chronicles Shakur's relationship with his pistol, which he frequently carried for protection. The "finger fucking" Shakur refers to in the song is actually a euphemism for pulling the trigger. The song was covered in 2003 by Beyonce and Jay-Z with a slightly altered chorus; it reached the top ten of the American pop charts.



~Tupac was the Founding Member of the "Outlawz"


~He Used the name "Makaveli" which is an altered spelling of Machiavelli, about whom he read while in prison.


~In the song "Life Goes On" from the "All Eyez on Me" album, he rhymes about his own funeral.


~The harmonica in "So Many Tears" is a sample from Stevie Wonder's song "That Girl", which spent 9 weeks at number one on the R&B charts in 1982.


~His song "Hit 'Em Up", which Shakur considered a "classic battle record" is scathing attack on one-time friend Notorious BIG, Bad Boy Records, and Puff Daddy. In addition, Shakur claimed that he slept with Faith Evans (Notorious BIG's wife) in the song's lyrics.


~Used an interpolation of the 1984 El Debarge song "A Dream" for his hit "I Ain't Mad At Ya". Tupac's version, however, is at a faster tempo than the original.


~Pac Recorded much of his vocals of the "All Eyez On Me" album with a Neumann U87 microphone. In addition, entire album was recorded on analog tape. This was considered somewhat archaic by 1995 recording standards, as much of the recording industry had transitioned to digital recording. (However, it should be noted that Dr. Dre, who produced two songs for the album still uses analog tape to record his music, as of late 2006).

~The song "To Live and Die in LA", was called by Shakur (who recorded the song under the name "Makaveli", for the "Seven Day Theory" album) "California Love, part 2-- without gay-ass Dre." It is unknown if "gay-ass Dre" is serious slur against Dr. Dre, who left Shakur's label Death Row records shortly after producing two tracks for "All Eyez On Me".


~He completed the 27 song "All Eyez On Me", considered by many to be his magnum opus, in only two weeks. Often cited as rap's first double album, "All Eyez" sessions began just hours after Shakur was released from jail. Released on February 13th 1996, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 album chart.

~His career triumphs--a number one album and pop single-- both happened on the 13th: Rap's first double album, "All Eyez on Me" (certified by the RIAA as of December 2006 at 9 million copies sold) hit store shelves on February 13th 1996. His only number one pop single "How Do U Want It?", reached the apex of the Hot 100 on July 13th 1996. Sadly, it was on September 13th (a Friday) that Shakur succumbed to injuries sustained in a Las Vegas shooting.

~"The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory" was recorded and mixed in a mere 7 days in August 1996. It was released November 5, 1996 and debuted at number one on both the pop album and R&B/Hip-Hop album charts, with 663,000 albums sold in its first week. It is certified at 7 million albums sold in the US and 28 million albums worldwide, making it both Tupac's best-selling album and the best-selling rap album of all time.


~Tupac is listed as the most successful gangsta MC in the "Guinness Book of World Records."


~He dated Madona The Queen Of Pop!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 6:01pm On Jul 26, 2009
~
~Unfortunately, the gangsta lifestyle he captured in his music soon overtook his own life. While his celebrity was at its peak, he publicly fought with his rival, the Notorious B.I.G., and there were tensions brewing at Death Row.Even with such conflicts, however,The evnts that will unfold came as an unexpected Shock!


In 1995,Tupac was convicted for sexual assault of a female fan.He was released after serving eight months pending an appeal, but following the Tyson vs Seldon fight in Las Vegas, Nevada,Tupac Shakur was shot and killed in a drive-by shooting on September 7, 1996 at approximately 11:15pm, at the corner of Flamingo and Koval streets.He was hit by four bullets while riding in a car driven by Death Row Records chief executive Marion 'Suge' Knight. His right lung was removed in emergency surgery and, after six days in a medical coma, he
passed away, leaving behind a legacy that was based as much on his lifestyle as it was his music.



The Unfortunate death of the Notorious 25-year-old gangsta MC and actor ended before he had a chance to fulfill the promise of a successful career in both Singning & Acting.


Tupac Shakur was undoubtedly one of the most successful MCs of all time. Even after his death, he has sold a total of 67 million records worldwide making him the highest selling rap/hip-hop artist of all time! Tupac is widely regarded as the greatest rapper of all time. Moreover, a recent poll in MTV placed him as the #1 MC of all time. However, 2Pac was much more than that. His strong lyrical content grew a huge array of followers, making him a hero among millions. He was a great poet and his theory on life influenced his fans to a huge extent. He was indeed the Rose That Grew from Concrete, whose ever-successful work couldn't have been more admired and loved.


Tupac was cast in the movie Woo (1998), but was shot five days before principal photography began.

More of his music has been released since his death than was while he was alive.10 albums have been released after his 1996 death; all have gone platinum.
He was voted the 86th Greatest Rock 'n Roll Artist of all time by Rolling Stone.


His 1996 song "Ghetto Gospel" was released in 2005, with some vocals by Elton John, and went to #1 in the UK, despite the fact he had been dead for eight years.




His albums have sold 38 million copies in the USA alone.


According to Guiness Book of Records 2004, he is the highest selling rap/hip-hop artist selling over 67 million copies worldwide

In a 2005 Rolling Stones Magazine Vote, Tupac was named #6 of the '100 immortal artists of all time' behind the likes of Elvis and Lennon


Appeared on Forbes' "Top Earning Dead Celebrities" list in 2002, 2003 and 2004 with earnings of $7 million, $12 million and $5 million in each respective year.

Wrote a song, but died before he could finish it. Rap artist Eminem finished the song with his own lyrics and released it shortly afterwards.


IN 2004,Black Reel Awards nominated Tupac: Resurrection (2003) for Best Film song,Tupac shared the Nomination with The Notorious B.I.G. (performer)
For the song "Runnin' (Dying to Live)".


Mentioned in the rap-rock song "Mope" by Bloodhound Gang, along with personalities like Luciano Pavarotti, The Notorious B.I.G., Falco, Tori Spelling, Bo Jackson and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Ranked #3 on VH1's 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists.

Tupac died with less than $100,000 in the bank.

Is portrayed by Anthony Mackie in Notorious (2009).



Personal Quotes
"Everybody's at war with different things, I'm at war with my own heart sometimes". In Vibe interview 2/96

"Reality is wrong. Dreams are for real."

"The only thing that comes to a sleeping man is dreams."

"The reason why I could get into acting was because it takes nothing to get out of who I am and go into somebody else."

"I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world."

"I swear, if they hadn't tried to ruin me, I never would have ended up being a rapper. I probably would have been a preacher or something."

"If you walked by a street and you was walking on the concrete and you saw a rose growing from the concrete, even if it had messed up petals and it was a little to the side you would marvel at just seeing a rose grow through concrete. So why is it that when you see some ghetto kid grow out of the dirtiest circumstance and he can talk and he can sit across the room and make you cry, make you laugh, all you can talk about is my dirty rose, my dirty stems and how I am leaning crooked to the side, you can't even see that I've come up from out of that"


Album Releases

1991 - 2Pacalypse Now
1993 - Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
1994 - Thug Life
1995 - Me Against The World
1996 - All Eyez On Me 1996 - Makaveli (The Don Killuminati, The 7 day theory) 1997 - R U Still Down? (Remember Me)
1998 - 2Pac's Greatest Hits
1999 - Still I Rise
2001 - Until The End Of Time
2002 - Better Dayz
2003 - Resurrection Soundtrack



Where Are They Now
(December 2004) "Loyal To The Game" was released on Dec. 14. It is the 9th album of his to be released after his death.

(2005) Has another posthumous album tentatively tiled "Ready 2 Die". It's also his 14th album.

(November 2006) New album 'Pac's Life' (originally titled 'Ready 2 Die') is released.



Gang member Orlando Anderson, often cited as Tupac's killer, was later murdered himself during an altercation at a LA car wash, on May 29th 1998. It should be noted that Anderson was never charged in the slaying.

Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by okotie800(m): 9:30pm On Jul 26, 2009
@mohawkchic
oh boy!! Keep it coming.I dont think we are through yet.There is so much to be said about pac.He is not such a bad guy afterall.Think of the wordings of his lyrics.Eg Dear Mama.
Pac is an icon.Please dont stop here.What is the total number of albums pac released throughout his lifetime? Come on.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by okotie800(m): 9:31pm On Jul 26, 2009
@mohawkchic
oh boy!! Keep it coming.I dont think we are through yet.There is so much to be said about pac.He is not such a bad guy afterall.Think of the wordings of his lyrics.Eg Dear Mama.
Pac is an icon.Please dont stop here.What is the total number of albums pac released throughout his lifetime? Come on.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 1:09am On Jul 27, 2009
~Actually there's more! I suppose the post was much longer than previous two,so it came up as "Spam Message" & isnt visible. . when its sorted you'll be able to read the rest of it!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by emilyone(f): 2:04pm On Jul 27, 2009
what's been happening with Shabba ranks? any info pl do share
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by Nobody: 6:41pm On Jul 27, 2009
emilyone:

what's been happening with Shabba ranks? any info pl do share

about Shabba, someone made a thread about him a few days/weeks ago, check that thread for info:
https://www.nairaland.com/nigeria?topic=296361
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by okotie800(m): 7:05pm On Jul 27, 2009
@mohawkchic
u know,i've said before that u are the bomb.Now. I really mean it.If there is anything i can do to help in ur research,i mean anything,don't hesitate to let me know,okay.Just keep it comming.Just like tupac will always say, "U ARE APPRECIATED" Takia.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 3:46am On Jul 28, 2009
~Aaaw Ta. Okotie800 wink The pleasure was all mine. . No woories!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by baslone: 11:19am On Jul 28, 2009
Boys 2 Men, Eric Sermon, Arrested Development, Kris Kross
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mamagee6(f): 8:24pm On Aug 10, 2009
TOYOSI20:

this mahn leave Mohawk's thread alone naa, . . . . angry angry

agreed.
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by topup: 4:13am On Feb 06, 2010
This topic is AMAZING!!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 5:59pm On Feb 06, 2010
~I Agree!!. . Needs updating. . . .
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by chic2pimp(m): 6:04pm On Feb 06, 2010
mohawkchic:

~
~


Album Releases

1995 - Me Against The World
1996 - All Eyez On Me 1996





CLASSIC ALBUMS!!!!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by thando(f): 6:35pm On Feb 06, 2010
Whatever happened to tamia?
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by SAGoddess: 7:52am On Jun 10, 2010
This thread has taken me way back, back into time cool when music was music, have I given away my age  cheesy 

Love this thread fully  cheesy
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by shotster50(m): 2:01am On Jun 11, 2010
* Born: 12 September 1944
* Birthplace: Galveston, Texas
* Died: 4 July 2003
* Best Known As: The singer of "Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe"

Name at birth: Barry Eugene Carter

Barry White was known as "the Walrus of Love," a nickname that encompassed his size, his deep voice and his reputation as one of R&B's most romantic singers. White grew up in Los Angeles and got into the music business at an early age. By the late 1960s he organized and produced a girl group called Love Unlimited, whose 1972 hit "Walkin' in the Rain With the One I Love" featured Barry's voice through a telephone. His own debut album, I've Got So Much To Give (1973), included the hit "I'm Gonna Love Ya Just a Little More, Baby." White's distinctive, smooth bass voice was backed by the Love Unlimited Orchestra, and during the '70s he had several hits, including "Love's Theme," a slickly-produced soul song that signalled the beginning of the disco era. During the '80s his career waned, but in the '90s his career was revived, thanks in part to appearances on the TV shows Ally McBeal and The Simpsons. After selling millions of records over three decades, White won his first Grammy with his album Staying Power (1999). By the time of his death, White was a pop culture icon whose name was synonymous with intimate mood music.

White suffered for years from high blood pressure, which led to kidney failure. At the time of his death he was waiting for a kidney transplant and had also suffered a stroke.

Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by mohawkchic(f): 4:50am On Jun 11, 2010
SA Goddess:

This thread has taken me way back, back into time  cool when music was music, have I given away my age  cheesy 

Love this thread fully  cheesy


~I know right!

~NoOooo. . you cud be a Young lady who likes listening to Ol Skool!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by SAGoddess: 7:05am On Jun 11, 2010
mohawkchic:


~I know right!

~NoOooo. . you cud be a Young lady who likes listening to Ol Skool!


LOL, I am no young lady girl, was a teenager when these guys were hot so it is safe to say I am a product of old school music. Brown eyed girl by Tevin Campbell is still my fav song ever, I am singing it right now!
Re: ~ Ever Wondered What Ever Happened To A Singer You Use To Like? ~ by daniellle(f): 6:37pm On Jun 11, 2010

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