Tupac Shakur, the iconic rapper, actor, and activist, is often remembered for his powerful lyrics, activism, and tragic death at the age of 25. However, beyond his serious public persona, Tupac also had a lighter, fun side that many people don’t know about. His sense of humor, quirks, and offbeat personality added a layer of complexity to the man who became a legend in the world of music and pop culture. This article highlights 21 funny, quirky, and lesser-known facts about Tupac that will give you a glimpse into his playful side.
21 Funny Facts About Tupac Shakur You Need To Know
1. He Loved To Prank People
Tupac was known for his mischievous side, especially when it came to pranking friends, colleagues, and even strangers. He would often pull practical jokes, whether it was switching someone’s clothes or sneaking up behind them to scare them. One memorable prank involved Tupac hiding behind a curtain during a video shoot, jumping out, and scaring everyone with a loud scream.
2. He Was Obsessed with the Number 7
Many fans know that Tupac’s album All Eyez on Me featured the number 7 prominently. But what many might not know is that Tupac was obsessed with the number 7, and it was his lucky number. He often incorporated it into his life in quirky ways, such as wearing shirts with the number 7 on them or referencing it in conversations. Some speculate that his obsession with the number stemmed from his fascination with numerology, as the number 7 is often considered to carry mystical significance.
3. Tupac Was a Fan of “Sesame Street”
It may sound surprising, but Tupac Shakur was a fan of the beloved children’s show Sesame Street. In an interview, he revealed that he would watch the show as a kid and was particularly fond of the character “Big Bird.” Tupac even joked that he could relate to Big Bird because, like him, Big Bird was misunderstood at times, which led to some hilarious moments in his interviews.
4. He Had a Soft Spot for Puppies
Despite his tough-guy image, Tupac had a soft spot for animals, particularly puppies. He was known for his love of dogs, and on several occasions, he would be spotted playing with puppies in his downtime. In fact, Tupac reportedly had a favorite dog named “Dada,” who was a pit bull. He often shared photos of himself with Dada, showing a gentler side to his personality.
5. He Had a Unique Sense of Fashion
While Tupac is often remembered for his bandanas, baggy pants, and gold chains, his fashion sense also had an element of humor. He was known for wearing some of the most outrageous and funny outfits at public events. For instance, he once appeared at the MTV Video Music Awards in a leather vest, a fur coat, and sunglasses—something that made him stand out in a crowd and spark many a chuckle from fans and media alike.
6. He Loved Dancing and Would Break Into Dance Spontaneously
Tupac wasn’t just a talented rapper—he was also a natural dancer. When he wasn’t rapping or acting, he would often break into spontaneous dance moves during downtime on set or in the studio. His dance style was unique, blending street moves with his own flair. On more than one occasion, Tupac was caught on camera showing off his dance moves, often drawing laughter from those around him.
7. Tupac Once Rapped in a Comedic Tone to Cheer Up His Crew
There’s a funny story about Tupac during the filming of Juice (1992), a film in which he played the character Bishop. During one long shoot, he noticed that the crew was feeling down, so he decided to cheer everyone up by rapping in a playful, comedic tone. His verses were full of inside jokes, and he improvised lyrics that had everyone on set laughing. His ability to switch between serious and comedic was one of the reasons why Tupac was so beloved by those who worked with him.
8. He Would Make Funny Faces in Photos
Though Tupac was often photographed in intense, brooding poses, he also loved to make funny faces in photos. His goofy expressions were often caught when he was with friends or in candid moments. Whether it was pulling a silly face or striking an outlandish pose, Tupac knew how to lighten the mood during a photoshoot.
9. Tupac Had a Hilarious Impression of Bill Clinton
In a rare interview, Tupac revealed his ability to do impressions of celebrities and politicians. One of his most hilarious impressions was of then-President Bill Clinton. Tupac would mimic Clinton’s voice and mannerisms, even imitating the way Clinton spoke in public speeches. The impression was so spot-on that even his friends were left in stitches.
10. He Often Made Fun of His Own Image
Tupac didn’t take himself too seriously, and he was known to make fun of the tough-guy image that the media often tried to box him into. He would often joke about his “gangsta” persona, poking fun at how the media exaggerated certain aspects of his life. He would laugh about the misconceptions people had about him, proving that he was aware of his public image and didn’t mind laughing at it.
11. He Loved Playing Video Games
When Tupac wasn’t recording music or working on his acting career, he was known to unwind by playing video games. He was particularly fond of arcade games and would often spend hours in front of a screen. His favorite games included fighting games, where he would often joke about how he was unbeatable. Tupac’s playful competitive nature was evident even in his choice of leisure activities.
12. Tupac Was a Fan of Stand-Up Comedy
Tupac had a deep appreciation for comedy, and one of his favorite pastimes was watching stand-up comedians. He was particularly fond of Richard Pryor, whom he considered one of the greatest comedic influences. Tupac was known to recite some of Pryor’s most famous jokes in a lighthearted way, showing that he had an appreciation for humor that went beyond his tough exterior.
13. He Used To Write Funny Poems
Though Tupac’s poetry often reflected his struggles and insights into society, he also wrote lighthearted and funny poems. These poems, which he often shared with close friends, showcased his wit and sense of humor. Some of his playful poems were full of puns, and others were written in a whimsical, childlike tone that displayed his creative range.
14. He Once Re-enacted His Favorite Scenes from “The Godfather”
Tupac was a huge fan of The Godfather movie series, and in a playful moment, he once re-enacted some of his favorite scenes from the films with his friends. He would mimic the iconic lines and deliver them in a comedic tone, making everyone around him laugh at his over-the-top impressions.
15. He Loved Singing Karaoke
Tupac wasn’t just about rap and hip-hop—he was also known to enjoy a good karaoke session. In private moments with friends, he would sing popular songs, sometimes even attempting genres outside of rap, such as R&B and pop. His friends would joke about his “hidden” talents, and Tupac would laugh along with them.
16. He Played Around With His Name in Interviews
Tupac wasn’t above having a little fun with his name. In interviews, he sometimes joked about the meaning of his name and how it was derived from historical figures. He would also make up humorous backstories about his name’s origins, much to the amusement of the people interviewing him.
17. He Was a Master of the “Thug Life” Sign
The “Thug Life” sign, which Tupac often flashed in photos and during performances, had an element of humor to it. While it was a symbol of his rebellious spirit, Tupac would also jokingly exaggerate the sign’s seriousness, turning it into a fun gesture for his fans.
18. Tupac Loved Eating Junk Food
Despite his well-maintained physique, Tupac had a love for junk food. He was particularly fond of fast food and would often indulge in pizza, chips, and sugary snacks. His love for junk food became the subject of many jokes among his friends, with Tupac laughing along at his own guilty pleasures.
19. He Would Make Funny Voices When Rapping
Tupac’s rapping style was unique, and at times, he would experiment with different voices and accents while recording. These impromptu changes in tone and delivery often added a comedic element to his tracks, surprising listeners and showing his playful approach to music.
20. Tupac Once Pranked His Own Mom
Tupac had a great relationship with his mother, Afeni Shakur, but that didn’t stop him from pranking her every once in a while. In one instance, Tupac called his mom pretending to be someone else, using a different voice, just to see how long she would go along with the prank. Afeni, a sharp woman, immediately caught on, leading to a hilarious conversation between the two.
21. He Was a Natural at Mimicking Accents
Tupac was known for his ability to mimic various accents from around the world. Whether it was a British accent, a Jamaican patois, or a Southern drawl, Tupac could do them all with impressive accuracy. His friends would often ask him to perform his impressions, and he’d happily oblige, cracking everyone up with his dead-on renditions.
Conclusion
While Tupac Shakur’s legacy is defined by his powerful music and activism, it’s important to remember that he was also a man with a wicked sense of humor and a lighthearted side. From pranks and funny impressions to quirky habits and playful moments, Tupac’s personality was multifaceted, and these 21 funny facts give us a glimpse of the man behind the legend. Despite the tragedy of his untimely death, Tupac’s humor lives on through the stories and memories shared by those who knew him best.
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