tupac Amaru Shakur, best known as Tupac or 2Pac, would have turned 46 today if he was not killed in Las Vegas 20 years ago. But instead of getting emotional for losing one of the greatest hip-hop artists of all time, music fans from all over the world celebrated his birthday by remembering his short-lived but influential journey on social media.

'Happy Birthday Pac'

"Tupac," "All Eyez On Me," and "Happy Birthday Pac" were among the top trending topics on Friday after thousands of fans paid tribute to the legendary rapper and actor on his birthday.

Some of them shared photos of the hip-hop mogul, while others shared some of his greatest hits like "Hit Em Up," "Ghetto Gospel," "California Love" and more.

Aside from that, Tupac's "All Eyez On Me" film was finally released to commemorate the life he had lived. The biographical drama helmed by Benny Boom tells the story of the hip-hop artist's beginning, success, controversies, and murder. His character was played by Demetrius Shipp Jr.

The biopic movie also features Danai Gurira (Tupac's mom), Dominic L. Santana (Suge Knight), Jarrett Ellis (Snoop Dogg), and more. Producer L.T. Hutton said it took him ten years to complete this project for the deceased rapper, while Benny Boom added that the primary purpose of the film is to "educate and entertain" the viewers.

Remembering the legendary rapper

The African-American artist reached instant fame after he released "I Get Around" featuring Shock G and Money-B.

The hit track even made it to Billboard Hot 100 at number 11. According to Billboard, Tupac was specifically lauded for his wordplay and controversial songs about societal issues. In fact, his songs "Trapped" and "Brenda's Got a Baby" were mired in controversy for their explicit and hostile message.

Aside from music, Tupac has also entered the world of acting with a cameo appearance in "Nothing But Trouble," a 1991 film which starred Demi Moore, Chevy Chase, and John Candy.

He had his first feature role in "Juice" where he earned the title as "the film's most magnetic figure" for playing as Roland Bishop.

But despite his popularity as a rapper and actor, Tupac's bold personality and strongly worded songs have dragged him into several issues, including his rumored involvement in a criminal gang, allegations of sexual assaults, and a lot more. In fact, the African-American artist had been in and out of prison for criminal offenses as per Inquisitr.

It was a gang retaliation murder

Tupac was shot on the night of September 7, 1997, after witnessing a boxing match in Las Vegas. At around 11:00 pm, the rapper and his company were attacked by armed men who fired at the "Dear Mama" artist.

He stayed in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a few days before he was pronounced dead on September 13. He was 25 years old.

Two decades later, an insider from the Los Angeles Police District (LAPD) told PEOPLE that the rapper's death has something to do with his involvement in a gang. The source added Tupac became the enemy of a big-time group when he signed Suge Knight. “[Shakur] wanted to get out of jail and he basically signed his life away to Suge," the informant said.
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