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The events of September 7, 1996 will forever be seared in the minds of hip hop fans. But if anyone is asking, Tupac Shakur is alive and well, thank you very much.
There are two ways to prove this. On one hand, you can subscribe to all those theories that Tupac duped his adversaries and went off to live the rest of his life under the radar. Where? Depends on which Tupac sighting you validate: Cuba, Malaysia, Somalia, Sweden, New Mexico…
On the other hand, you can choose to acknowledge the official report and accept that his larger-than-life legacy lives on in other ways.
Tupac, of course, had hoped that his music would be played by the hip hop community for generations to come. I’m sure, then, that he wouldn’t mind being immortalized in another creative way: through the cute little art of action figures.
Any rap fan who misses Tupac badly can perhaps feel better by getting themselves a beautiful Funko Pop! figure of Pac. These toys are inspired by the many facets of Tupac’s colorful personality, and as such, buying as many of these Funko Pops as you can is one way to pay tribute to the Thug Life proponent.
Bottom Line Up Front
To date, there are four official Tupac figures issued by Funko. Aside from these, there are other Tupac Funko Pop! figures custom-made by other manufacturers.
The intricate details on these toys tell the Tupac story rather eloquently—from his choice of clothes to his memorable tattoos. Suppliers that can get you your Tupac fix include Funko, Amazon, Etsy, ebay, and Chris James Pop Shop.
Official Funko Pop Figures: The 2Pacalypse Now Funko Pop
Funky Features
You didn’t expect a Funko Pop! with the word “2Pacalypse” to be wildly colorful, did you? This Pac figure has a particularly austere look, with the jet-black jacket, pants, shoes, and cap.
Amidst this dark motif, his jewelry stands out: he’s flaunting the gold rings on his right hand, and his left hand is filled with those shiny nuggets as well. Mr. 2Pacalypse is also sporting a gold chain and his signature earring, so his ensemble here is not entirely sullen.
A Story to Tell
The thing is, Pac had every reason to fancy himself a prophet of doom. In his debut album 2Pacalypse Now (which came out in 1991), Tupac opened the eyes of America and the rest of the world to the hellish conditions of the marginalized.
In songs like “Trapped,” “Soulja’s Story,” and “If My Homie Calls,” Pac embraced his responsibility of being the voice of the voiceless. The impact of this album cannot be overstated: hip hop fans loved it, Vice President Dan Quayle condemned it, and future emcees were inspired by it.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at the official Funko site, click here.
To order at ebay, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
This is arguably the most haunting street narrative ever written by Tupac. Brenda, the title character, is confronted with difficult decisions when she gives birth to a child at age 12.
Tupac may have never met the girl whose story inspired “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” but he certainly shed plenty of light on the harsh realities of teenage pregnancy—an issue that remains relevant to this day.
The Vinyl Gold Edition
Funky Features
As far as signature Tupac outfits go, this one might be the most iconic. Why bother with a shirt when Pac’s bare torso tells a story of its own? There’s the “THUG LIFE” tattooed on his belly, the Queen Nefertiti likeness on his right chest, and his stage name on his right chest.
This 5-inch vinyl figure is also sporting denim pants, yellow shoes, a crucifix on a gold chain, and the distinct bandana. (The white one’s not my favorite, though. Not gonna lie.)
A Story to Tell
In my opinion, Tupac’s shirtless look exemplifies his unrestrained spirit. Throughout his music career, Pac never had any misgivings about saying exactly what was on his mind.
I think that’s why Pac resonates so strongly among millions of fans: he serves as the personification of free expression, which (as we all know too well) isn’t always welcomed with open arms.
No matter what the police, critics, pundits, or federal government thought of his strong opinions, Pac bared his soul to the very end.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at the official Funko site, click here.
To order at Amazon, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Admit it: you had goosebumps when you first watched this clip of Coachella 2012. This hologram performance was executed to perfection, with just the right amount of lighting and the infectious enthusiasm of Pac’s former collaborators Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg. It’s a shame that shirtless hologram Pac could only stick around for two songs…
The White-Themed Funko Pop
Funky Features
Tupac looks great in white, don’t you think? The checked flannel shirt looks stylish, and so do those cream pants. Tupac looks extra shiny here, with all the gold adorning his fingers, wrists, and neck.
I don’t blame you, though, if you thought that the most prominent feature of this Funko Pop! was the gold-framed set of glasses. (Unless you were paying more attention to that object in his pants pocket, in which case I can’t really blame you, either.)
A Story to Tell
To the best of my knowledge, this very appearance was taken from the photoshoot for Pac’s 1995 album Me Against the World. There’s a certain sense of serenity exuded by Pac’s get-up here.
Maybe it’s the dominance of the color white, or maybe it’s the fact that Pac’s financial status and creature comforts have clearly picked up. In other words: Pac looks like a boss that’s way too fine.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at the official Funko site, click here.
To order at ebay, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Speaking of serenity, the typically pumped-up Tupac sounds so soothing in this hit single off Me Against the World.
Pac’s affection for his mother Afeni Shakur is well-documented, and the best piece of art that Pac ever dedicated to her was “Dear Mama.” (As a matter of fact, don’t just play this when your Funko Pop! arrives. Make sure to play it on your mom’s birthday and on Mother’s Day!)
The Funko Pop with the Bulletproof Vest
Funky Features
In contrast to the previous figure, this Funko Pop! is ready for war. Here, Pac is wearing his signature bulletproof vest, so you know he’s anticipating some intense battle.
The dark pants and bandana might as well be camouflage, and I swear that those are combat boots on his feet. The earrings and nose piercing are a nice touch as well for this confrontational persona.
A Story to Tell
In 1994, Tupac was involved in a shooting incident inside Quad Studios in Manhattan. Pac would survive, and eventually decided to wear a bulletproof vest in risky situations. (Sadly, he decided to forgo this vest on that fateful night in Las Vegas.)
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at the official Funko site, click here.
To order at Amazon, click here.
To order at ebay, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
The rage that Pac harbored against his enemies ran deep, and “Hail Mary” sounded very much like a warning against anyone who even thought of waging psychological (or even physical) warfare. I’d like to think that no bullet ever pierced the spirit of the man who called himself Makaveli…
Other Funko Pop Options: The All about U Funko Pop
Funky Features
In terms of clothing, this figure looks exactly like the previous Funko Pop! except for one obvious addition. The motorcycle adds an extra layer of swag to Pac, who probably would have made a great endorser for Harley-Davidson. Whether he’s using the bike to woo women or to ensure a quick getaway, Pac looks fresher than usual.
A Story to Tell
The imagery of Pac on a motorcycle was lifted from the music video for the 1996 track “All About U.” This song comes his critically acclaimed All Eyez on Me, which happened to be the last album that was released during his lifetime.
All Eyez on Me, of course, was Pac’s triumphant entrance back into the free world, as he worked on the album right after Suge Knight helped him get out of prison. As such, the exuberance that Pac displayed in the “All About U” video was 101% genuine.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at the Chris James Pop Shop, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Tupac is joined by fellow West Coast luminaries Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and the Outlawz on “All About U.” It’s all about Pac, though, in the music video. Look at all the fun that Pac is having right there! Good times, those were. Good times.
The Red Bandana Funko Pop
Funky Features
Full disclosure: this particular Funko Pop! has been pre-owned and used. Still, I’d imagine collectors wanting to snap this up for one key detail: the red bandana. Ask any Tupac fan which color of bandana they most often associate with their idol, and chances are, they’d tell you that it’s the red variant.
Another detail that’s worth noticing in this figure is the slightly hunched posture, which makes it look like Tupac is narrating one of his intricate stories using the mic in his hand.
A Story to Tell
Indeed, one of the talents that made Tupac so special was his ability to tell compelling stories in his verses. With a powerful voice and even more powerful imagery, Tupac took his audience for a ride every time they attended one of his live performances.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at ebay, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Tupac saw red—plenty of it—when he heard Biggie Smalls’ “Who Shot Ya,” which he interpeted as an insult in light of the Quad Studios shooting. In a tragic coincidence (or, at least, I think it’s coincidental), Biggie and his Junior M.A.F.I.A. associates were recording music inside the same venue where Pac got shot.
Months after the shooting, Pac dropped an infamous diss track entitled “Hit ‘Em Up,” in which he ripped Biggie, Puffy, and their cohorts a new one. Bottomline: don’t piss off Pac. Ever.
The Kings of Hip Hop
Funky Features
Speaking of Biggie, there’s a nice little combo that you can pick up to pay tribute to the two kings of the rap game. If you look closely, these Pac and Biggie figurines have something in common: a quiet expression that doesn’t appear like it could be disturbed. Shirtless Pac has his eyes closed, as though he’s deep in prayer.
You can’t really see what Biggie’s expression is, as he has his signature shades on. Still, clad in that colorful blazer, Biggie doesn’t appear to be in the mood for some verbal assassination.
A Story to Tell
Though the narrative of their enmity is no doubt riveting, hip hop fans should bear in mind that Pac and Biggie were once thick as thieves. Pac, the more established star, was an eager mentor for his homie from Brooklyn.
Whenever they visited each other’s turf, the guest would be warmly welcomed into the host’s residence. Had that friendship from 1993 to 1994 endured, hip hop history might very well have taken some different turns.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at Etsy, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
What do you see in this clip? No “Who Shot Ya?”, no “Hit ‘Em Up”, no scathing accusations of betrayal and assault. Pac and Biggie are having the time of their lives as they spit off the dome, and my heart breaks anew when I realize that these two kings could have had that friendship thing on lock. For life.
Another Vested Variant
Funky Features
I’m not going to lie: this Funko Pop! makes Pac look like a pirate. Here, Pac is wearing his dark bulletproof vest over a white long-sleeved shirt. I wouldn’t accuse him of trying to rip off Capt. Jack Sparrow if it weren’t for his red bandana, which makes me imagine Pac wielding a rapier as he swings onto some hapless vessel at sea.
A Story to Tell
Now that I think of it, Pac does bear one key similarity with pirates: that undying rebellious spirit. Though he didn’t exactly ransack Spanish galleons off the coast of California, Pac was unceasingly defiant of powerful authority figures that he held responsible for society’s ills.
With utter disregard for his reputation or even his well-being, Pac penned many stories about police brutality and social inequality, which he felt could have been better addressed by the government.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at Etsy, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Pac’s 1993 hit “Keep Ya Head Up” achieves a number of goals. It’s an uplifting anthem for the oppressed (particularly single mothers left to fend for their own), a condemnation of irresponsible men and women who neglect their parental and social duties, and a commentary on the government’s failure to provide for those on the fringes of society.
I don’t think Pac ever stole from the rich to give to the poor, but the gift of music that he imparted is priceless.
The Thug Life Funko Pop
Funky Features
To round up your Funko Pop! collection, get your hands on this Pac figure that proudly presents his mantra to the world. Pac looks dapper in that purple shirt and good ol’ jumper, which bears the words THUG LIFE.
Notice the right hand as well: while he’s not flaunting fancy gold rings there, he’s putting up that iconic West Coast sign. THUG LIFE, West Coast…this Funko Pop! is as Pac as you could get.
A Story to Tell
The “Thug Life” that Pac told stories about was none other than the social realities faced by millions of inner-city Americans during his time (and, indeed, to this day).
The street dealings, violence, and discrimination were part and parcel of Thug Life, but Pac also preached hope and resilience. In his mind, music could become the catalyst for both personal and social transformation.
Where Do I Purchase this?
To order at ebay, click here.
When this Toy Arrives, Play this Song
Once your Tupac Funko Pop! collection is complete, go ahead and play “Changes” as your victory song. In this song, Pac issues a call to action that all his fans should heed: “Let’s change the way we live/And let’s change the way we treat each other/You see, the old way wasn’t working so it’s on us to do/What we gotta do, to survive”
FAQs
Answer: You bet! There are bigger Tupac action figures out there, like this one available on ebay and this one that you can get from Amazon.
I’d say that the latter is more desirable, given that it’s less expensive and it has more personality (in the form of a diorama representing Harlem, where Tupac spent his childhood).
Answer: Tupac loved to read books, so it’s only right that several texts commemorate his legacy in the present time. Do a quick search on Amazon and you’ll come across biographical works, along with video documentaries and even an audiobook. Meanwhile, on ebay, you’ll also find shirts, collectible cards, and posters.
Answer: If you’re looking for legit items sold by Tupac’s estate, head over to shop.2pac.com. Those vinyl LPs look rather enticing!
To Wrap Up…
There’s the rap game before Tupac, and there’s the rap game after Tupac. Though the undisputed king of hip hop left this world way too soon, the torch of his legacy still burns brightly as succeeding generations of emcees continue to recognize his greatness.
So long as Pac’s music continues to play—and, indeed, so long as toys continue to bear his likeness—the rose that grew from concrete will never cease to bloom.