Despite what was perceived as a bi-coastal rap war, the East Coast had love for Tupac and it continues today, as a star-studded group will celebrate the hip-hop martyr’s 33rd birthday.
The party takes place at The Coral Room in New York on 512 West 29th Street. Appearances include Chuck D of Public Enemy, The Outlawz, Immortal Technique, spoken word artist Amanda Diva, Digital Underground, Saigon, Sway of MTV and others. Pac’s immediate family, Jim Jones of The Diplomats, Kanye West, Treach from Naughty by Nature and Ghostf ace Killah are expected to appear as guests.
Organizer Candy Man stated that the birthday celebration will focus on Tupac’s more prolific, activist side side.
“There was more to Pac than all that drama. Tupac did want peace. He was positive. He saw what was going on and he said, ‘Lets change this.’ Tupac had a big dream. [Fans] listen to his music, but … there was a lot more to Tupac that people portray,” he said.
Candy Man said that the performers were handpicked by Pac’s stepfather/activist Mutulu Shakur. Additionally, any proceeds from the birthday party will go towards Mutulu’s legal defense fund and Tupac Amaru Shakur Center For The Arts fund. Mutulu is currently incarcerated in the Atlanta-area for crimes centered around bank robberies. He maintains his innocence and has pledged that he is a victim of the government’s Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO).
Of Mutulu’s influence on his son Candy Man said, “Most people know that Mutulu was one of the biggest figures in Tupac’s life, especially father-wise and with people of color, this is something that affects all of us deeply.
“The significance of the event is to educate brothers about whats going on, what’s happening and continuing Tupac’s legend. Its all about carrying on his legacy, his memory.”
For those that want to remember Tupac further, they can purchase “Tupac: Resurrection,” a DVD that is specially edited to be narrated by Pac himself.
The DVD version features an abundance of new material including commentary by Tupac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, four deleted scenes, a fiery Malcolm X dinner speech, an interview with Mutulu Shakur and a number of other featues.
Tupac was murdered on September 13, 1996. He would have been 33.
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