"Machiavelli in this...." Ave Maria is one of Tupac Shakur's best-known songs in which he calls himself Machiavelli. Granted that Tupac is one of the most respected emcees to have changed the way we see hip-hop, but what is the relationship between the two poets? Very few know that while Shakur was in prison he extensively studied Machiavelli's The Prince and The Art of War and was inspired to reinvent himself. Many people are aware of the details of Machiavelli thanks to courses like Political Science 101 or like me World Literature, but what about Tupac's version of the new and improved Makaveli? Shakur saw something in the Prince that he identified with. His new name and new approach to life represented a new way of thinking. Nicolò Machiavelli is considered one of the great political philosophers of the Renaissance. His best-known piece, The Prince, was ahead of its time. He focused on political aspects and practical problems. Machiavelli was born in Florence, Italy, at a time when the political party was in turmoil. Tupac Amaru Shakur was born in East Harlem, New York. Shakur's life was surrounded by criminals and crime at a young age. Both men did not have ideal childhoods but seem to make the most of their upbringings. Makaveli is the pseudonym used by rapper Tupac Shakur during the remaining years of his life. Shakur used this alias in his latest album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory or Don Killuminati and is also called Makaveli. During his time in prison for 11 months on sexual abuse charges in 1992, he read and reread "The Prince" and other passages from Machiavelli's work. While working on his latest album he made a conscious decision to incorporate "Makaveli". Shakur had an intense sense of connection... middle of paper... ves. The Notorious BIG and Makaveli have publicly humiliated each other, both on social media and incorporated into his music. Due to the duel, other rappers such as Puff Daddy, Mobb Deep, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z were caught in the crossfire due to their relationship with The Notorious B.I.G. There are numerous parallels between Shakur and Machiavelli. Machiavelli's theories in The Prince influenced the better half of Shakur's life. The Prince and The Art of War influenced his political views, his lifestyle, his attitude and, above all, his music. You begin to appreciate the teachings and knowledge that Shakur learned through Machiavelli's words. It was an unfortunate event for Shakur to be in prison, but he came out with a new approach to life, whether or not this approach is what ended his life or perhaps prolonged it is another topic of research.