Tupac Shakur’s Lyrical Icebreakers

Tupac Shakur’s Lyrical Icebreakers

Trill or Not Trill?

 

Tupac Shakur’s birthday recently passed and on that day the first trailer for Tupac biopic was released. Shakur is a legendary figure and some his lyrics are among some of the most controversial in rap history.  You can never have enough icebreakers and leadership activities, so we present a way to to use Tupac’s lyrics to help build community.

1. Dear Mama

Lyrics: I gotta thank the Lord that you made me// There are no words that can express how I feel You never kept a secret, always stayed real// And I appreciate how you raised me// And all the extra love that you gave me

Instructions:

  • Play Dear Mama Instrumental in the background during the entire activity
  • Have students say: I gotta thank the Lord that you made me// There are no words that can express how I feel You never kept a secret, always stayed real// And I appreciate how you raised me// And all the extra love that you gave me__ __(Most influential person in their childhood)___”

Follow-up Questions:

  • What part did this person play in your life while growing up?
  • At what point or instance did you realize this person was important to your childhood?

Learning Outcome:

  • Identify the influencers within our students lives
  • Describing the importance of mentors during College

2. California Lovelove tupac jail bail california dreaming

Lyric: California love// California knows how to party// California knows how to party// In the city of L.A// In the city of good ol’ Watts// In the city, the city of Compton// We keep it rockin’

Instructions:

  • Play California Love Instrumental in the background during this activity
  • (Insert Home State) love// (Insert Home State) knows how to party// (Insert Home State) knows how to party// In the city of (Insert Home City)// In the city of good ol’ (City Nickname)// In the city, the city of (Insert Home City)// We keep it rockin’
  • Home State could be substituted for Club, organization, team or greek lettered organization. Home City could be substituted for where on campus the group is housed, have meetings or plays games.

Follow-up Questions:

  • What role did your hometown play in your life?
  • What are the clubs, organizations and sports on-campus that interest the students?
  • What is the one thing you love about your hometown/club?

Learning outcome:

  • Helps students identify why they decided to attend your institution
  • Help build demographic connections amongst the students and staff
  • Learn the importance of getting involved quickly at college

 

3. Keep Ya Head Uptupac

Lyrics/Concept:  Keep ya head up, ooh, child// Things are gonna get easier// Keep ya head up, ooh, child// Things’ll get brighter (X2)

Instructions:

  • Play Keep Ya Head Up Instrumental in the background during this activity
  • Materials needed: Provide group members with paper and markers and ask them all to draw their own personal tree.
  • It must include ROOTS: things about you that are not easily visible (where you are from, values, important life events, achievements, things you struggle with, long term goals, secret dreams, etc.)
  • LEAVES: things about you that are readily visible (hobbies, demographic information, important people in your life, distinguishable personal traits, favorite music, things you do well, etc.)
  • Have students choose random classmates to share the things they currently struggle with in life. Work in teams to help identify options to overcome these issues.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Recognize the value of their narrative as an effective way to inspire learning.

The 7 Day Theory

Lyrics/Concept: Tupac’s 5th album “The 7 Day Theory” was completely finished in 7 days back in 1996. Using select titles from this albums student will create their own 7 Day Theory.  This plan must be completed and evaluated by the moderator in 7 days to hold each student accountable.

“Bomb First” – Have students write down one thing they will complete that is out of their comfort zone

“Against All Odds” – Have students figure out different things that may be stacked against them.  Cultural background, finances, homesick, etc  on paper.  Next this student should sit down with a trusted mentor on campus to help find solutions for these odds

“Toss it up” – The Student must write and complete one good deed on a separate piece of paper.  Once complete ball up this paper and toss it.
Learning outcomes:

  • Students gain skills in goal setting
  • Helps students identify campus resources

 

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Lenny Williams is one of today’s most gifted leaders in inspiring youth and countless individuals to pursue their career and educational dreams. As an 
educator and speaker, his mission is to be a voice to reach generations and a reminder that greatness can be achieved against all odds.To get more 
information or personal or business coaching please contact 
Lenny A. Williams, MBA (designbylaw@gmail.com)

 

 

 
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