The Rose That Grew From Concrete is a
compelling collection of poetry. Tupac Shakur appreciated the sound and rhythm
of words and the powerful affect they could have on people. He wrote these poems at 19 when he was part of a writing group conducted by Leila Steinberg, a writer and producer working in the music industry. The book captures Shakur’s passion and anger in a unique format. On the right side of the page is the typed version of each poem. On the left side is a copy of Shakur’s own handwriting on notebook paper. Shakur drew an eye for “I” or used symbols to replace words like peace and love. Two women who loved him dearly - his mother, Afeni Shakur, and poet and close friend Nikki Giovanni, share their thoughts in the preface and forward of the book.
One of my favorites is the autobiographical poem "The Rose That Grew from Concrete". Tupac writes (in part):
“Did u hear about the rose that grew from a crack in the concrete
Proving nature’s laws wrong it learned 2 walk without having feet.”
Tupac was that rose. He grew up in the projects and homeless shelters of New York City. Click on the links below to learn more about Tupac's life in the Shvoong reviews by hezi entitled Tupac Amaru Shakur 1971 - 1996 and by ALAQUA entitled Tupac Shakur Not Dead. Tupac also starred in several motion pictures, including
Juice,
Gang Related, and
Poetic Justice with Janet Jackson (click on link below to read my Shvoong review on Tupac's co-star Janet).
You may have never heard his music or seen his movies. You may disregard this book because of all the controversy that surrounded his life. But as Afeni Shakur writes, “Tupac’s work speaks for itself.” His words are “a raw force that commanded attention and respect. “ You should read them for yourself.