PdotO Discusses the Influence of Tupac on His Music and Acting Career. PdotO has shared insights about the significant figures that have influenced his artistry, noting that American hip hop icons Tupac Shakur and Nas are vital to his creative process.
While appearing on the Under The Influence podcast hosted by SPeeKa for the Sotra Cyphers series, PdotO, born Siphelele Mnyande in East London, reflected on the melodies that shaped his youth.
In the interview, he was queried about the impact of soul music on his sound as a young artist. He recognized that neo soul contributed to his early musical tastes but emphasized that Tupac and Nas were the key figures that influenced his trajectory.
“Out of listening to neo soul music, it was my biggest influencers,” he noted. “I would say it was Tupac and Nas. Even today, I get huge inspiration from them.”
Using a football metaphor, PdotO explained the distinction between style and substance in hip hop. He compared The Notorious B.I.G. to an extravagant player whose artistry captivates audiences.
“He makes you want to listen to the music,” PdotO remarked. “But when you leave, you don’t really leave with anything.”
In contrast, he viewed Tupac as a transformative player whose influence resonates long after the final buzz of the game.
“I always wanted my music to have that,” PdotO added. “When I leave, I want to feel the impact, and Tupac was able to do that. That was my biggest inspiration by far.”
This inspiration reached beyond music. PdotO disclosed that Tupac’s achievements in both music and acting spurred him to formally pursue drama studies.
“Even more to the acting thing,” he said. “I went to the school of acting because of Tupac. I went to study drama because of Tupac.”
He commended Tupac as a rare talent who triumphed in two competitive fields. For PdotO, Tupac illustrated the possibility of combining musical talent with compelling on-screen performances, a feat that few have achieved successfully.
Recognized as one of South Africa’s leading lyricists, PdotO’s artistry is characterized by reflective narratives and socially aware themes. His insights illustrate how Tupac’s legacy persists nearly three decades after his death, influencing artists across the globe, particularly within the South African hip hop scene.
