Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur overwhelmed with emotions by the love shown to her son
The 3rd annual birthday celebration for Tupac Shakur was held last night (June 16) -Pac’s actual birthday- at the Woodruff Arts Center in Atlanta, GA. With a line-up of musical greats from rapper Bun B to jazz musician Roy Ayers and headliner Erykah Badu, the concert brought together people from all across the nation to celebrate the life of Tupac.
Among them was rapper Rick Ross who expressed how he found guidance through many of Tupac’s songs after his performance of “Tupac Back” with Meek Mill.
“For a lot of lil’ dudes in a single parent home [like me] with my mother, Tupac played father for a lot of dudes like me,” Ross said. “Tupac was the first one that showed me how to be fully committed. I took [aspect of him like] his [loyalty], to his hard work, his ethic, his family with me.”
Rick Ross – makes surprise appearance along with Meek Mill
The event was hosted by comedian Mike Epps who presented a $10,000 check to Shakur’s mother, Afeni Shakur, for the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation which helps students develop their skill in the creative arts.
In the Symphony Hall full of about 500 attendees, Badu took the stage to sing several of her hit songs including “Bag Lady” and “Soldier,” which was dedicated to Afeni Shakur.
Erykah Badu
We celebrated his life more so his death,” said actress Jasmine Guy, a close friend of the rapper who showed a video to honor his life and highlight his music career. “His voice still resonates. It’s amazing. That’s why is important that we keep the Shakur foundation going.”
Tupac was killed in a shooting while riding in a car in Las Vegas September 13, 1996. Although physically gone, his legacy still lives on as one of the greatest rapper EVER.
Too Short
Meek Mill & Rick Ross perform “Tupac Back”
Afeni Shakur & fan
Funny man & host Mike Epps
Warren G
Mike Epps presenting the donations check to Afeni (mother) & Sekyiwa (sister) Shakur