In a fitting tribute to one of the most significant figures in hip-hop history, Oakland in California has announced plans to honor the legendary Tupac Shakur by naming a street after him.
The late rapper, who has previously credited the city as the “location where he got his game,” will have the street where he once lived named after him.
Shakur was left for dead in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting in 1996, having suffered four bullet wounds to his body.
Read on for more details.
Tupac Shakur To Be Honored With A California Street Name
According to NBC, the late rapper, born Lesane Parish Crooks, will have his memory immortalized with a street named after him following a “unanimous vote by the city council” to do so. The move comes as a recognition of Shakur’s immense contribution to the world of music and his lasting impact on the culture.
Tupac Shakur, born in East Harlem, New York, but ultimately found his artistic voice on the streets of California, became an iconic figure in the 1990s. He was a talented rapper and songwriter and an influential social commentator who fearlessly addressed racial inequality, social injustice, and inner-city struggles.
The decision to name a street after him in California is especially significant as the state played a pivotal role in his life and career and has been credited as the place where he got his “game,” per NBC.
According to the news outlet, a stretch of MacArthur Boulevard by Lake Merritt, where the rapper once lived, will retain its current name along with the honorary addition of Tupac Shakur Way.
The “All Eyez on Me” crooner’s foundation will also cover the cost of the commemorative plaques and signs that will be used to signal the new changes made.
Why He Was Selected For The Grand Honor
Shakur will join other icons the city has honored with street names, like record producer Too Short and Black Panther Party co-founder Huey P. Newton.
According to NBC, the “Until The End of Time” singer was posthumously conferred with the honor to make people remember his “contributions to Oakland” and also “help celebrate art and culture as a catalyst for societal change.”
Throughout his career, Shakur fearlessly addressed topics such as police brutality, racial inequality, and the struggles of the urban poor.
His contributions extended beyond his music as he utilized his platform to raise awareness and promote positive societal change. From organizing events and speaking engagements to advocating for education and social justice, Shakur was an active participant in the community then.
Tupac Shakur’s Tragic Demise
On the night of September 7, 1996, the world was stunned by the news of Shakur’s untimely demise. The rap icon, known for his poignant lyrics and activism, was gunned down in a drive-by shooting on the streets of Las Vegas. Over two decades later, the circumstances surrounding his death have mysteriously remained unsolved and continue to spark countless theories.
The rapper was rushed to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada, where he underwent multiple surgeries. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he succumbed to his injuries on September 13.
The investigation into Shakur’s murder faced numerous hurdles from the start. Witnesses were reluctant to come forward, and the surveillance cameras failed to capture the shooting. However, Las Vegas police managed to interview Shakur before his death, but he could not provide important information about the assailants.
According to the Daily Mail, the cop who held Shakur through his dying moments, Chris Carroll, shared that he tried to ask him if he saw his shooter, but the rapper took a deep breath before saying, “F**k you.”
Tupac Shakur Wanted A ‘Change’ From Music To Acting
Shakur reportedly shared his desire to transition from music to acting before he was killed. The rapper’s unearthed interviews resurfaced, where he shared his burning desire to explore the world of acting.
“We got a lot of good things happening,” Shakur said as he discussed the upcoming release of his movie “Gridlock” at the time. “I just want to push the envelope and work, work, work. I want to move further away from the music and start wading myself into the acting more.”
Although Shakur’s death remains a mystery, former LAPD detective Russell Poole alleged Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight perpetrated the shooting after he learned of Shakur’s desire to leave the label.
