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"Tupac Back!" Thank Rick Ross and the rest of MMG for bringing his name back into the rap lexicon. Unfortunately, the Harlem-born, Cali-bred rapper is no longer with us. If he were still here, today the rapper would be celebrating his 40th birthday. So as a way of remembering the impact he made on music, culture and style, we've collected some classic moments from his too-short life. Some of Pac's fashion choices may seem borderline-crazy today, but he rocked them with confidence and they still look awesome today. So raise a glass, we'd like salute Pac as a Style Icon and take a look back at his strong individualistic style.
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Baltimore
WHERE: Baltimore School of the Arts High School
WHEN: 1980s
COMPLEX SAYS: Pre-Thug Life days, Pac looks like a young prep.
Soul Train
WHERE: Soul Train Music Awards
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Pac was one of the first to rock this new version of the denim chore coat.
LA
WHERE: Partying in LA
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Notice how fresh Pac looked rocking the different shades of blue in one 'fit.
Jada
WHERE: On the set of A Different World
WHEN: 1993
COMPLEX SAYS: Trend Alert: snapback, beaded necklace, and colored denim jacket. We also love this cameo from pre-Will Jada.
rourke
WHERE: With friend, Mickey Rourke
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: Anyone bold enough to pull off the all-white look has our respect.
Thug Life
WHERE: Vibe Magazine shoot
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: THUG LIFE!
red wing
WHERE: Leaving NYC courthouse
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: This throwback Detroit Red Wings jersey is super dope. If only we had it in our collection.
ATR
WHERE: Above The Rim
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: When everyone was on classic leather jackets, Pac switched it up with an orange joint.
Nick Broomfield
WHERE: Nick Broomfield's Biggie and Tupac
WHEN: 1994
COMPLEX SAYS: The leather vest and skull tee are tough. The bike gang look still pops off today.
Snoop
WHERE: MTV Video Music Awards
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: Dude held his own, standing next to the West Coast trendsetter, Snoop.
death row
WHERE: Death Row photoshoot
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: We're confused by the leather body contraption, but the buffalo plaid shirt is fresh.
Velour
WHERE: Backstage
WHEN: 1995
COMPLEX SAYS: The velour shirt and snakeskin belt are a lot of "fashion" for one rapper, but Pac pulls it off, along with his extensive collection of gold.
Button Down
WHERE: Photoshoot
WHEN: 1995
COMPLEX SAYS: The Cartier frames are ill.
Unknown
WHERE: Unknown event
WHEN: 1996
COMPLEX SAYS: What better way to end than with Pac suited up with a top hat. West side for life, R.I.P.