Using Adobe Illustrator, I individually drew each triangle to form the image of Tupac. The grey colour scheme was preserved from the original photo as I considered it to be symbolic of concrete, a tribute to his original poem. In addition to the colour, the cracks between several of the triangles embody the idea of Tupac growing and breaking free of a concrete mould, with him personifying the rose. Using smaller triangles, extreme detail was paid to the eyes, facial hair, bandana, clothing folds, and the cross, whereas larger triangles were effective in creating areas such as the Tshirt that had fewer shadow variations and body contours. The words "wrath of a menace" are lyrics from one of his more aggressive and threatening tracks, "Hit Em Up", directed towards Biggie Smalls and the Bad Boy Crew. I coupled these words with the image as I found them to be two extremes of Tupac Shakur- on one side, the self proclaimed thug, and the other, the rose, growing despite all conditions.
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The Rose That Grew From Concrete:
Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete
Proving natures laws wrong it learned to walk
Without having feet
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The Rose That Grew From Concrete:
Did you hear about the rose that grew from a crack
in the concrete
Proving natures laws wrong it learned to walk
Without having feet
Funny it seems but by keeping it's dreams
it learned to breathe fresh air
Long live the rose that grew from concrete
when no one else even cared!
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In The Depths of Solitude:
I exist in the depths of solitude
pondering my true goal
Trying to find peace of mind
and still preserve my soul
Constantly yearning to be accepted
and from all receive respect
Never compromising but sometimes risky
and that is my only regret
A young heart with an old soul
how can there be peace
How can I be in the depths of solitude
When there are two inside of me
This duo within me causes
the perfect opportunity
two learn twice and live twice as fast
as those who accept simplicity
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In The Depths of Solitude:
I exist in the depths of solitude
pondering my true goal
Trying to find peace of mind
and still preserve my soul
Constantly yearning to be accepted
and from all receive respect
Never compromising but sometimes risky
and that is my only regret
A young heart with an old soul
how can there be peace
How can I be in the depths of solitude
When there are two inside of me
This duo within me causes
the perfect opportunity
two learn twice and live twice as fast
as those who accept simplicity
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What Is It That I Search For:
I know not what I search for
But I know I have yet to find it,
Because it is invisible to the eye
My heart must search for it blinded.
And if by chance I find it,
Will I know my mission is achieved?
Can one come to conclusions,
Before the question is conceived?
Just as no one knows
what lies beyond the shore,
I will never find the answer to
what it is that I search for.
What Is It That I Search For:
I know not what I search for
But I know I have yet to find it,
Because it is invisible to the eye
My heart must search for it blinded.
And if by chance I find it,
Will I know my mission is achieved?
Can one come to conclusions,
Before the question is conceived?
Just as no one knows
what lies beyond the shore,
I will never find the answer to
what it is that I search for.
