Murdered rap legend Tupac Shakur is on the Hollywood Walk just days before the hip-hop icon’s birthday and nearly decades after the best-selling artist was shot dead in his car. – Posthumously awarded Star of Fame honors.
The ceremony paid tribute to the rapper, who went from backup dancer to self-proclaimed gangster to one of hip-hop’s most influential figures and died at the age of 25 after a short but spectacular career.
“I am honored to stand here today to represent the Shakur family,” Shakur’s sister, Sekiwa “Set” Shakur, said at a launch event in Los Angeles.
“Tupac knew in his heart that he was always destined for greatness, and as his sister, I was privileged to see that greatness unfold.”
Known for his emotionally intense lyrics and stage flair, Shakur has sold over 75 million records with hits like “California Love” and “Changes.”
Shakur also became a central figure in the vaunted rivalry between East Coast hip-hop and West Coast hip-hop, instigated by promoters.
Born in New York City, Shakur moved to California with his family when he was a teenager. He became one of the most famous figures on the West Coast scene until he was shot dead in Las Vegas in September 1996.
The circumstances of Shakur’s death remain unclear. Wednesday’s ceremony took place nine days before his scheduled 52nd birthday.
Shakur was recognized as a gangsta rapper nearing the end of his short life when he went to prison for repeated acts of violence and sexual assault.
But Shakur’s mother, Afeni, was active in the Black Panther movement, and Shakur, who was named after Inca revolutionary chief Tupac Amal, has been involved in the problems black Americans face, from police brutality to mass incarceration. The lyrics were also used to pose the
Shakur and her mother are the subject of the television documentary series “Dear Mama: The Story of Afeni and Tupac Shakur.” Director Allen Hughes and producer Jamal Joseph were also present at Wednesday’s ceremony.
