The world was forced to mourn the tragic death of hip-hop icon Tupac Shakur back in 1996, but his legacy is very much alive and well as we approach the 20th anniversary of his death.
This month's social club mixer and final event leading into next month's A3C festivities is themed as a tribute to celebrate the life of the legend as it falls on the same tragic day of his assassination. Despite no longer having him around to gift us with thought-provoking rhymes, there are more people following the legacy of Tupac Shakur than ever before.
A result of his immortal influence, it's often easy to forget that the Dear Mama rapper is no longer alive given his continued prominence in hip-hop, whether that be a name-drop in a song or long-buried revelations about his romantic life. His untimely death has been so unsettling for some that our 20-years without Tupac have been filled with aimless speculations that he's still alive, look-a-like impersonations, and conspiracy theories circling around his mysterious death.
Tupac's music, acting and overall work ethic has no doubt had an effect on many of us, including numerous musical artists. To no surprise, some of today's most popular rappers have no problem admitting that Tupac's artistry is among some of their biggest influences. The late legend is often cited by many as someone who helped them to choose their rap career paths and lyrical styles. Super producer Metro Boomin' even finds himself comparing his influence to that of Shakur's. "Pac was real and he put everything into that music with the passion, creativity and the drive and I feel like it's all one in the same with myself," said Metro in an interview with Complex.
Just like his rival and fellow slain MC The Notorious BIG, Tupac has become an even bigger figure after death. 'Pac was a natural born leader, and we'll continue miss the "chicken soup for the soul" effect his music has had on the hip-hop community. September 13th marks the 20th year of our commemoration of the west-coast hero and the life, love & liberty that that his music so effortlessly represented. Join us for a night filled with music, memories & mingling as we celebrate Tupac's significance and begin our countdown to A3C week!
Click here to RSVP for the September Edition of the A3C Social Club
