2Pac scores a shocking hit nearly three decades after his death

In the United States, the legacy of rapper 2Pac continues to resonate strongly, as evidenced by the recent resurgence of his single 'How Do U Want It'. On December 10, 2024, it was announced that this song has made its debut on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 chart, a platform that has gained significant popularity in recent years. Although 2Pac, whose full name was Tupac Shakur, passed away in 1996, his music remains influential in the hip-hop genre, inspiring countless artists to this day. Despite the long gap since his initial success, this milestone marks a unique chapter in modern music charts by reflecting how pervasive his influence still is. Originally released in June of 1996 as a B-side track to 'California Love', 'How Do U Want It' initially received substantial radio play and commercial success. However, over the years, it had not made appearances on newer charts until now. The recent TikTok platform's chart update signifies the changing landscape of how music is consumed and appreciated, particularly among younger generations who engage with both classic and contemporary artists through social media. TikTok has emerged as a pivotal platform for music discovery and revitalization, showcasing how trends can reignite interest in older tracks, allowing them to reach new audiences. The debut of 'How Do U Want It' on the TikTok Billboard Top 50 represents not only a victory for 2Pac's enduring legacy but also for the dynamic nature of the music industry itself. It highlights how platforms like TikTok can create second chances for artists' work, even years after their passing. This phenomenon has also been seen with other artists who, due to social media's ability to resurface older music, find their songs gaining traction long after their initial release. This year has seen substantial activity on the TikTok Billboard Top 50, with over 20% of the chart's entries being filled by newcomers, showcasing how quickly musical tastes can change and evolve within popular culture. 2Pac's achievement in reaching the TikTok Billboard Top 50 is a testament to his ability as an artist to transcend time and remain relevant. This development is not just about breaking records but is also indicative of how music can continue to connect with listeners spanning various age groups and interests. Fans continue to celebrate 2Pac is contributions to hip-hop, with many citing him as a significant influence on their work. His recognition on platforms like TikTok demonstrates that even nearly three decades after his death, the artist's work can still find new life in modern music culture, enriching the canon of hip-hop history significantly.