By Steve Hopkins
Tupac was described at the event as “a symbol as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara and an inspiration for activists today”.
Tupac Shakur has been honoured with his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, nearly 27 years after his murder.
The legendary rapper and actor, who died at the age of 25 after being gunned down on 7 September 1996 in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, got his place on the walk of fame on Wednesday (7 June), a little shy of what would have been his 52nd birthday.
Among the speakers at the event was his younger sister, Sekyiwa ‘Set’ Shakur – who was presented with a resolution by the City of Los Angeles honouring the work the late performer did in the community. Other speakers included radio legend Big Boy and Allen Hughes, who directed the documentary series about Tupac titled Dear Mama.
Delivering an emotional speech, Set said: “Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great. As his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold.
“From the first time he stepped foot on stage at the Apollo Theater at 13 years old before anyone recognised his name, he knew he had the dream to have a star here on the Walk of Fame.
“And now we gather here today to unveil Tupac’s star, not only paying tribute to his contribution in the music industry but also it speaks volumes to the lasting impact he’s had on this world.
“Today, we’re not just honouring a star on the ground but we’re honouring the work and the passion he put into making his dreams come true. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today.
“Once again, he has made us all extremely proud. We love you, Tupac.”
Tupac Shakur receives his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame ⭐️https://t.co/52WCdDsvQr pic.twitter.com/qTntTIzbmf
— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) June 7, 2023
Also known for co-directing the ’90s crime movie Menace II Society which was originally meant to feature Tupac, Hughes said he and the rapper had “their differences” and remembered him as an “incredibly complex human bring and artist”.
“When making the film series Dear Mama I was separately searching for the melody in Tupac’s journey,” he explained.
“When you look around the world and you see those murals of him in Africa, Asia, South America and Europe. Then one day it hit me – Tupac Amaru Shakur has become a global symbol of rebellion.
He added that Tupac is “a symbol as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara and an inspiration for activists today.”
You can watch a live stream of the Walk of Fame event right here:
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