The background artwork on this mug comes from an original painting created by my son, Lamonte. His creativity reflects the truth that legacy is not static. It grows, evolves, and lives through those who come after us. This piece brings together the voice of the next generation with a message about value, reminding us that creativity, culture, and identity carry worth that cannot be measured. It is a meaningful object meant to be kept, used, and reflected on over time.
Keep Ya Head Up Collector Mug honors the life and legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur, born June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York City. He was born Lesane Parish Crooks and later renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur, a name tied to resistance and history. His mother, Afeni Shakur, played a powerful role in shaping his awareness of the world and the responsibility of using one’s voice.
Tupac was not only a rapper. He was a poet, a writer, and a trained performer. As a teenager, he attended the Baltimore School for the Arts, where he studied acting, poetry, and performance. That training shaped the way he delivered his words and helped him become one of the most emotionally honest voices in music. His lyrics spoke about poverty, injustice, love, pain, and hope in a way that people could feel in their spirit.
He also built a strong presence in film. Tupac starred in movies such as Juice, Poetic Justice, and Above the Rim, showing a depth on screen that matched the depth in his music. Whether acting or performing, he carried the same truth in everything he did.
The phrase Keep Ya Head Up comes from one of Tupac’s most remembered songs, released in 1993. The message was about resilience, respect, and holding on to dignity even when life feels heavy. Tupac once said, “I’m not saying I’m gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.” He also said, “They got money for wars, but can’t feed the poor.” And one of the lines people still carry today is, “For every dark night, there’s a brighter day.”
A collectible piece with a message. Lamonte’s signature artwork meets the words Keep Ya Head Up as a reminder to stay grounded, keep going, and remember that your worth cannot be measured.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
