LOS ANGELES – Tupac Shakur received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, just days before the hip-hop legend’s birthday.
The late rapper’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, accepted the star on behalf of her family. During her speech, she shed tears as she described her older brother’s vision of being celebrated with a star in Hollywood.
“When he first stepped onto that stage at the Apollo Theater at the age of 13, before anyone recognized his name, he knew it was his dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame,” said Sekyiwa Shakur, who often took deep breaths between sets to collect himself.
The walk of fame said Shakur was chosen to receive a star in 2013, but the organization waited for his family and estate to choose a date.
Shakur received the 2,758. Star on the Walk of Fame. His birthday is June 16th.
“Now we gather here today to unveil Tupac’s star, which not only recognizes his contributions to the music industry, but also speaks volumes about the lasting impact he’s had on this world,” she continued. “Today we are not just honoring a star in the ground. But we appreciate the work and passion he puts into making his dreams come true.”
One of hip-hop’s most prolific figures, Shakur died of gunshot wounds in 1996 at the age of 25. His professional music career lasted only five years, but he sold more than 75 million records worldwide, including the diamond-winning album All Eyez on Me, which was packed with hits including California Love (Remix), I Ain’ t Mad at Cha” and “How Do U Want It”. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
As an actor, Shakur has starred in several popular films, including Poetic Justice, Gang Related, Juice and Above the Rim.
“He defied the distinction between art and activism,” said radio host Big Boy, who hosted the ceremony. He spoke about how Shakur is remembered with museum exhibits dedicated to the entertainer, including “Tupac Shakur.” “Wake Me When I’m Free” last year and “All Eyez on Me” at the Grammy Museum in 2015. He’s going to be having a lot of fun soon Oakland Street renamed after him.
“Big Boy” shouted loudly to several attendees, including comedian Mike Epps, rapper YG, actor Bokeem Woodbine, and the Outlawz, a rap group founded by Shakur.
Many in the audience would often call out Tupac’s name, while others would chant some of his biggest hits like “Dear Mama,” “Changes,” and “Ambitionz Az a Ridah.”
“Tupac Amaru Shakur has become a global symbol of rebellion – a symbol as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara and an inspiration for today’s activists,” said Allen Hughes, who directed the FX documentary. Dear mum: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur.” The documentary delves into the past of the rapper’s mother, Afeni Shakur, as the female leader of the Black Panther Party, while also exploring Tupac’s journey as a political visionary and her rise to become one of rap’s greatest artists any times.
“The world is feeling Tupac’s message,” Hughes said of Shakur, who was born in New York. “Not too bad for a little black boy from Harlem, is it?”
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