The rapper 2Pac is the most revered figure in hip hop history. It’s been 25 years since he was shot and killed in 1996, but even with all the changing trends in the hip hop scene, his influence hasn’t waned. His staying power can be attributed to the charisma he had as an artist, his outspoken efforts as a social activist, and the brilliant career he led as a musician. What’s more, even with a generation of rappers who haven’t been influenced by 2Pac or never gave his music a proper listen filling the scene, people still talk about him. The reason for this is the proclamation of the “next 2Pac” that regularly resurfaces.

Numerous up-and-coming rappers who have gone on to become stars have compared themselves to 2Pac at some point and turned to the public and media for approval. They do this to show that they’re at a higher level than their contemporary rappers or to fulfill their desire for recognition. Unfortunately for them, however, things don’t usually end well for those who seek to leverage 2Pac’s image. It’s a great way to draw a lot of attention all at once, but it’s also a surefire way to make their career quickly go downhill. But there’s one rare case of a rapper who survived(?) his own comparisons to 2Pac, and that’s Polo G.

In March, Polo G posted a photo of himself on Instagram wearing a 2Pac-inspired denim outfit and bandana and wrote, “They say I’m ’Pac rebirthed. Never put out a weak verse.” The media and the hip hop community were once again turned on their heads by the daring remarks of a rising star. But things were different this time. Naturally, backlash followed (“You’re not that good! Did you seriously just compare yourself to 2Pac?!”) but the number of people who voiced their support for him wasn’t insignificant, either—specifically, comments along the lines of, “I think it’s a bit much to compare himself to 2Pac, but since it’s Polo G, I can see it.”

The reason Polo G received such a positive response was because of his actions up to that point. He’s shown profound respect toward 2Pac in the past and had previously revealed that he’s been greatly influenced by the late rapper’s life and by his music. These are not just empty words on his part. He showed his affection for 2Pac last year when he reimagined one of the legend’s best-known songs, “Changes,” sampling the song for his own single, “Wishing for a Hero.” The song also serves as clear evidence of the direct musical influence Polo G received from 2Pac.

Polo G has a command of rapping that’s distinct from what can currently be heard from trap and drill music rappers. While the majority of them devote their lyrics to money, cycling through women, violence and crime, Polo G takes furious aim at issues like the injustices that arise in present-day American society and the Black community, and lets out the dark emotions lurking inside him. Just as 2Pac positioned himself on the border between conscious rap and gangsta rap, Polo G is progressing through his career on the nexus of conscious rap and trap music.

These strengths are on full display in Polo G’s recently released album, Hall of Fame. With its emotional lyrics, the album takes an aggressive stance against the senseless, racist violence carried out under public authority and captures the helplessness and fear that come with watching neighbors die in an environment exposed to crime. Another place Polo G shares similarities with 2Pac is in the quick pace of his output. He may still be considered a newcomer, but he’s released an impressive trio of albums in just two years. In many ways, Polo G’s presence is bulking up every day. And that’s why he was able to survive completely unshaken even after drinking from the poisoned chalice of comparisons: being likened to 2Pac.

TRIVIA

Bandana
The bandana and denim clothes Polo G sported in his Instagram post were 2Pac’s trademarks. The front-tied bandana, in particular, was copied by many younger rappers and became a constant talking point in the fashion world.