Five Investments for Tupac Shakur's Birthday

Thursday would have marked the 40th birthday of Tupac Shakur, the rapper/actor/poet/activist who was gunned down in Las Vegas in 1996. Shakur was the premier artist of his time, and the center of the controversial east-west coast rap feud of the 1990s. His death, along with east coast rapper Biggie Smalls, was the low-point of the feud, which simmered down afterward. In honor of the genius' birthday, here are five Tupac-related investments to consider. California Love Google GOOG Does any company personify California more than Google? It's sunny, the place everyone wants to be, and rakes in more cash than it knows what to do with. Tupac would throw some California Lovin out to Google. Changes Apple AAPL Who brings more changes to the world than Apple? Their gadgets consistently revolutionize industries. While I doubt Tupac would ever have allowed himself to be seen with an iPad, he would probably pour a little out in Steve Jobs' honor. Ambitionz az a Ridah General Motors GM If you're going to be a ridah, you need a ride. General Motors has been in the car-making game since before Brenda had her baby. Throw a little armor plating on the side and any aspiring rapper can travel the Strip in Las Vegas without getting clipped. Hit ‘Em Up Halliburton HAL In one of rap's finest “F.U.” songs, Tupac rakes all of his enemies over the coals with “Hit ‘Em Up”. The lyrics are so amazing that I can't quite quote them here, but trust me — you won't find a more motivating song to take in as you head into battle. Halliburton, who could arm its own third-world country's military, might be the perfect play for those who'd rather throw money around over laying bullets down. Dear Mama Bed, Bath and Beyond BBBY Tupac's heart-felt homage to motherhood and the struggles of poverty and addiction, Dear Mama is one of the most inspiring pieces you'll ever hear. Even folks who usually dislike rap can find some good in that song. Well, what company is more pro-mom than BBB? Every plush thing your mother ever wanted, all under one roof? Yes, please!