Tupac Shakur has finally received his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. On June 7, the rapper was honored in a posthumous ceremony hosted by radio personality Big Boy, with Tupac’s sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur accepting the honor on the late star’s behalf. Writer Jamal Joseph, Los Angeles City Council member Hugo Soto-Martinez, and “Dear Mama: The Saga of Afeni and Tupac Shakur” director Allen Hughes also spoke at the event.
In his speech, documented in Variety’s live stream, Hughes recognized Tupac’s radical legacy, saying he “has become a global symbol of rebellion – a symbol as visible and important as Malcolm X and Che Guevara, and an inspiration for activists . . . Indeed, the entire world feels Tupac’s message.”
Joseph, who was Tupac’s godfather, also paid tribute to the way Tupac has continued to inspire people around the world. “Put your hands over your heart if that phrase, ‘The rose that grew from concrete,’ applies to you, to your life, and your dreams,” he said. “That’s the effect he has.”
Soto-Martinez said Tupac’s albums “kept me alive” while he was growing up and helped inspire his campaign. Big Boy then revealed that June 7 is now officially Tupac Shakur Day in Hollywood.
Finally, Tupac’s sister Sekyiwa paid tribute to her brother. “As his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold,” she said tearfully, adding that Tupac had dreamed of having a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame since he was 13 years old. The ceremony “speaks volumes to the lasting impact he’s had on this world,” she said. “Today we’re not just honoring a star on the ground, but we’re honoring the work and the passion that he’s 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.”
The New York-born rapper left an indelible mark on the music industry and the world at large. He burst onto the scene in 1992 with the album “2Pacalypse Now” and made waves with songs like “Hit ‘Em Up,” “California Love,” and “All Eyez on Me.” He also appeared in movies like “Poetic Justice” and “Juice.” He was killed in 1996 in Las Vegas, but his work has never lost influence. The artist, who has sold over 75 million records worldwide, was officially inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.
Tupac was initially slated to receive his star in 2014, according to the Los Angeles Times, though the ceremony was delayed nearly a decade.
Ahead, see photos from the ceremony.
