Throughout his life, Tupac was always struggling to define himself. First as the son of a radical political activist, then as the son of a gangster, then as an outcast in Marin City, and finally as a rapper and movie star living the self described 'Thug Life'.

Like many young black men, his struggle has been outright rebellion - both internal and external - against a life he saw as stacked against him. Many look at Tupac and see themselves, their homeboys, trying to prove themselves to the world.

But why were Tupac's efforts to validate his existence so destructive? In the months prior to his untimely death, as the media reported one violent incident after another, many people asked 'Is Tupac on a self destrutive mission?'

Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, gives her own unique insight as to how her son inspires millions worldwide to achieve something more.