“What I learned in jail is that I can’t change. I can’t live a different lifestyle – this is it. This is the life that they gave and this is the life that I made.” – Tupac Shakur
On Wednesday afternoon, Tupac Shakur received his posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It seems only fitting that his name will forever be placed in the streets, a place Tupac felt raised him.
Tupac’s sister, Sekyiwa Shakur accepted the star on her late brother’s behalf.
“From the first time he stepped foot on the 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,” Sekyiwa said.
Crowds filled the street and chanted “Tupac!” to honor and pay their respect to one of the greatest rappers to ever pick up a microphone.
Despite being brutally gunned down more tha 25 years ago at the age of 25, Tupac’s words about the struggle of the African American community continue to resonate with today’s listeners. With that in mind and taking into consideration his legacy on not just hip-hop, but also television, movies and the number of artists who attribute him as being an inspiration it’s a bit surprising that it took this long for this achievement to come to fruition.
Tupac once said “I just don’t know how to deal with so many people giving me that much affection. I never had that in my life.”
Can you imagine what his reaction would be to this news?
Joe Williamson
Bald Canadian who didn’t play hockey until he was in his mid-thirties. Die hard Raptors fan who proudly admits he wept when they won it all. Loves talking parenting, politics, and all things pop culture.