On his fourth album, the iconic rapper embraced the villain role and his status as Death Row’s newest superstar, but beneath all of the rage, there is a sense of pain, as well as purpose.

CHICAGO - MARCH 1994: Rapper Tupac Shakur poses for photos backstage after his performance at the Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois in March 1994. (Photo By Raymond Boyd/Getty Images) It’s been ...

Three of the artists being honored this year died before reaching 30. Another made it to 100.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. 2Pac’s single "How Do U Want It" is a hit all over again in America ...