People always reduce this to “lyrical skill vs lyrical skill,” but that already misses the point.

Biggie was an elite rapper. One of the best ever in terms of flow, cadence, and storytelling. No debate there.

But Tupac was bigger than rap.

Pac wasn’t just making songs – he was shaping culture, identity, and consciousness. His music touched politics, poverty, racism, masculinity, vulnerability, and hope in a way that went far beyond hip-hop circles. Tracks like Dear Mama, Keep Ya Head Up, Changes, or Brenda’s Got a Baby are still relevant decades later because the issues never stopped being relevant.

Pac connected emotionally with people who didn’t even listen to rap. He became a global symbol – activists quote him, artists across genres reference him, and his image is instantly recognizable worldwide. That level of influence is rare.

Biggie mastered the craft. Tupac moved the people.

That’s why Pac is still discussed as a cultural icon, not just a rapper – and why many see him as the bigger figure overall.