STRIVIN'

In honor of Black History Month, the San Francisco Chronicle has been highlighting Black artists who have left their mark on the Bay Area, including Tupac “2Pac” Shakur and Kyle “Mr. Cee” Church.

Rapper, actor, poet, producer, activist

1971-1996

Whether offering heart-rending snapshots of his troubled family life, sneering at rivals or tearing on a bitter misogynistic streak, Tupac Amaru Shakur’s songs were packed with a baffling mix of venom and vulnerability. (full piece here)

Rapper

1973-1996

Hubert Kyle Church III came from a family of orators – his father and grandfather were both pastors. But the rapper known as Mr. Cee let his linguistic gifts flourish on the streets, joining fellow Hunters Point resident Chris “Black C” Matthews to form the pioneering San Francisco rap group RBL Posse. (full piece here)