Urban World

Tupac Lives One

It’s hard to believe that it has been 15 years since Tupac Shakur died yet despite his tragic death; millions of fans around the world continue to celebrate his life, work and songs.

On what would've been Tupac's 40th birthday on June 16^th, hundreds of fans, artists and family gathered to celebrate his life and legacy at the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.

Hundreds flocked to the ASO ranging  from the handful of Pac look-a-likes to the Tupac-tatted, middle-aged, white mother who came from Chicago with her family to take part in the event.

Kicking starting the emotional tributes, Tupac's mother and sister, Afeni and Sekyiwa "Set" Shakur, presented host Mike Epps with a limited edition plaque of Tupac's records, which blinged brightly from the stage. Epps was naturally touched and proceeded to "give all the glory to the Lord" — although just an hour later, while trying to lead the audience in a random rendition of "God is good all the time, and all the time God is good," he realized that he "fu@*ed it up" before doubling over in laughter.

Nevertheless, Mike Epps presented the Tupac Shakur Foundation with a $10,000 check stating: "It would've been more, but the tax man is on my ass."

The Outlawz's member Idi Amin gives an impromptu lecture on Geronimo Pratt's importance to the community. However, most of the audience did not have a clue who the recently deceased Black Panther leader was — despite the fact that Pac rapped about him in the song "White Man's World" — but they listened intently anyway as Idi waxed poetic on his life and legacy.

Jasmine Guy gave a powerful reading from her book Evolution of a Revolutionary, about Afeni Shakur followed by an acapella version of a Sweet Honey in the Rock song.

Warren G pleased all his fans and not only gave a tribute to Tupac but also Nate Dogg and Rick Ross performing "Tupac Back" with Meek Mill and Pill was also touching. At the end, of his performance, Ross got all misty eyed and said:  "I was in a single parent home and Tupac played father for a lot of dudes; not only was he the greatest rapper, but he was a hard worker."

Erykah Badu gave an outstanding performance dressed in a huge light beige poncho that read "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," and a long, straight wig that hung to her knees.  However, the Neo Soul queen set was cut short due to the show running over time although she insisted that she would pay to do an extra song after they turned the lights on.   She was about 15 seconds into "Soldier" when ASO pulled the sound from her mic.

Despite the evening starting late the genuine love for Tupac was evident, which help to raise good money for the foundation.

By JANELLE OSWALD