Late rapper Tupac Shakur was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on 13 June, just days before what would have been his 50th birthday. Shakur’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, accepted the star on behalf of the family and spoke about her brother’s dream of being celebrated in Hollywood. Shakur was selected to receive a star in 2013, but the family and estate waited to select a date. The rapper, who died in 1996 at the age of 25, sold more than 75 million records worldwide and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
As per the analysis by ABC7 News, Tupac Shakur was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Wednesday, just a few days before what would have been his 50th birthday. The late rapper’s sister, Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur, accepted the star on behalf of their family and delivered an emotional speech, shedding tears while describing her older brother’s vision of being celebrated with a star in Hollywood.
“From the first time he stepped foot on this stage of the Apollo Theater at 13 years old, before anyone recognized his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame,” said Sekyiwa Shakur, who often took deep breaths between sentences to collect herself.
The Walk of Fame announced that Shakur was selected to receive a star in 2013, but the organization waited for his family and estate to select a date. Shakur was given the 2,758th star on the Walk of Fame. His birthday is June 16.
“Now we gather here today to unveil Tupac’s star not only paying tribute to his contributions to the music industry, but also speaks volumes to the lasting impact he’s had on this world,” she continued. “Today, we’re not just honoring a star in the ground. But we’re honoring the work and the passion that he’s put into making his dreams come true.”
Tupac Shakur was one of the most prolific figures in hip-hop, but his professional music career only lasted five years. Despite this, he sold more than 75 million records worldwide, including the diamond-certified 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 starred in several popular films such as “Poetic Justice,” “Gang Related,” “Juice” and “Above the Rim.”
“He defied the distinction between art and activism,” said radio personality Big Boy, who emceed the ceremony. He spoke about how Shakur has been 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’ll soon have a stretch of an Oakland street renamed after him.
Big Boy shouted out several attendees, including comedian Mike Epps, rapper YG, actor Bokeem Woodbine and the Outlawz, a rap group that was founded by Shakur.
Many in the crowd often yelled Tupac’s name while others blasted some of his biggest hits. Tupac Shakur’s legacy continues to live on, and his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to the lasting impact he has had on the music industry and the world as a whole.
Photo Credit: billboard.com
