CHICAGO – MARCH 1994: Rapper Tupac Shakur poses for photos backstage after his performance at the … [+]
Legendary rapper Tupac Shakur was posthumously honored with a star on the illustrious Hollywood Walk of Fame this Wednesday (June 7). The long-awaited ceremony celebrated Shakur’s profound impact on music and society, and it was attended by music industry powerhouses, friends, those who knew the rapper well, and his family.
Renowned as one of the most influential and bestselling rappers of all time, Shakur’s star serves as a belated recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the art form, one which has become the dominant music genre in America.
Shakur’s sister Sekyiwa “Set” Shakur delivered a moving tribute during the star unveiling ceremony. Speaking on behalf of the Shakur family, Set expressed heartfelt gratitude at the event, stating, “As the proud sister of Tupac Amaru Shakur, the daughter of Mutulu and Afeni Shakur, it fills my heart with honor to stand here today representing the Shakur family.”
Set further acknowledged her brother’s greatness, sharing, “Tupac knew deep down that he was always meant for something great, and as his little sister, I had the privilege to watch that greatness unfold.”
Shakur’s influence on music and culture remains unparalleled. Renowned for his thought-provoking lyrics and passionate delivery, the rapper’s impact on the rap genre cannot be overstated. His music resonated with millions during his lifetime, particularly those from marginalized communities, giving voice to their struggles and shedding light on social injustices. Since his passing, it seems his influence and popularity has only continued to grow, and he is now seen as something of a legend.
Despite his undeniable talent and profound impact, Shakur’s career was marked by a lack of recognition from mainstream award ceremonies. He never received a Grammy during his lifetime, a glaring oversight given his immense popularity and cultural influence. So instead, the star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame serves as a much-needed acknowledgment of his enduring legacy and contributions to the music industry, even if it comes very late.
Shakur’s life was tragically cut short on September 13, 1996, when he was fatally shot in Las Vegas. The circumstances surrounding his death remain a subject of speculation, leaving an unresolved void in the music industry. In the quarter-century since his passing, his music has continued to perform well, and his back catalog remains one of the strongest in hip-hop, even though he only released a handful of albums while he was alive.
As she cried during the ceremony, Set commented, emotionally, “Today, we’re not just honoring a star on the ground, but we’re honoring the work and the passion that he has put into making his dreams come true. His heavenly star will shine a little brighter today.”
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/hughmcintyre/2023/06/08/tupac-shakur-finally-receives-his-long-overdue-star-on-the-hollywood-walk-of-fame/