When people argue the greatest rapper alive Tupac “2Pac” Shakur’s name comes up. When people argue the most influential rapper of all-time, he is the name that comes up. It has been 15 years since his tragic death in Las Vegas and 2Pac’s soul, music and voice is still alive in the hip-hop community. With this new generation of fire spitters and emcees on the come up, our culture is still searching for the next rapper to cultivate us like 2Pac did. As you should know, 2Pac talked to, about and for the kids, the mothers, the gangsters, the hustlers and any major figure in the black community. I have a few rappers in my mind who have a spark of the 2Pac bloodline. Let’s see if you agree or disagree on if they have what it takes to replace his image.

Name: Meek Mill (Philadelphia, PA/Maybach Music Group)

Chances: 50:1

Reasons Why: MMG’s young, wild bull has a voice and it’s not just a voice, but a tone where, when you hear him on the track, you know it’s him. Yes, Meek tends to yell and scream on a few tracks, but once you get used to his vocal chord, you hear a similar 2Pac-like passion coming out of those lungs (Pause that entire last sentence please).

Reasons Why Not: Meek Mill is starting to get a Gabrielle Union vibe in the hip hop community. He’s playing the same roles over and over. Maybe, he’s just trying to solidify his sound, but it can and is starting to get rhetorical. 2Pac was versatile to a whole another degree. There’s no way we can compare Gabrielle Union to Angela Bassett.

Name: Big K.R.I.T. (Meridian, MS/Def Jam)

Chances: 100:1

Reasons Why: KRIT is one of the most versatile rappers out today and he shows a bit of Pac through his ability of versatility. Not only can he keep the party going, but he can make your mind reflect on life and the purpose of it. Pac made your mind wonder on “Only God Can Judge Me” but had the entire club rocking to “California Love” in New York. With KRIT, he will take his “Country Shit” and shut down the spot, but will soothe your mind with “The Vent.” I never seen Pac live but from old reports, he was a great live performer. KRIT is no slouch in that department either.

Reasons Why Not: When first hearing KRIT you understand that he’s a southern artist and has a southern drawl. Strike one. Then you hear the content and nature of his songs you automatically get the UGK/8Ball & MJG feel. Strike two. Finally, the trunk rattling bass beats he rides out too, sometimes is not 2Pac at all. Strike three. He’s more UGK than ‘Pac in the long run.

Name: Wale (Washington, DC/Maybach Music Group)

Chances: 30:1

Reasons Why: Has there been any rapper since Pac that wanted the ladies of his generation to do better since Wale? (Yes, I know Pac had his “hoe” songs too. Shoot him and the other 11,000 rappers.) But think of this, the Ambition movement is making waves and has been a great message to the younger generation of Wale supporters. I wouldn’t be surprised to hear a “Keep Your Head Up 2.0” on Wale’s upcoming Ambition album.

Reasons Why Not: If you asked 100 people who are the top 3 most sensitive rappers, Wale’s name comes up over 80 times. Sad, but true. Funny thing is, Pac was sort of sensitive as well, but knew how to speak his emotions without coming off in a sensitive tone. Once Wale can get control over his Twitter rants and issues with naysayers, I can see greatness, musically.

Kendrick Lamar (Compton, CA/TDE Ent)

Chances: 10:1

Reasons Why: Compton Kendrick is my guy. Everything that I mentioned about the previous contenders that lacks of becoming the next ‘Pac he has. Versatility, message, content and raw talent, Kendrick has it. If 2Pac were to have a son in hip-hop, it’s Kendrick. *turns on Section 80*

Reasons Why Not: The biggest and only glaring reason why Kendrick isn’t approaching 2Pac’s throne and filling in his shadow is the fact that his music hasn’t truly been heard yet. Still relevant in the underground, but mainstream has yet to really hear about him. Kendrick doesn’t even have 10% of Wale’s Twitter followers just to show you. Once his music hits airwaves, videos on TV screens and video games, I can see Kendrick Lamar being the voice of this generation.

With all that being said, we will more likely than never to find another Tupac Shakur. I didn’t even mention his acting ability or charismatic persona which is another different topic in itself. We can only hope to re-create pieces of him and will forever miss Pac. Thank you for your time on this Earth Mr. Shakur.

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