Roughly 13 years after his death, just the spirit of 2Pac alone is enough to throw one hell of a party. Pac said it best, “Ain’t nothing but a gangsta party.” In honor of his birthday and his legacy, rapper Tupac Shakur’s mother Afeni Shakur and comedian Mike Epps threw a celebration and benefit concert. The event took place on June 16, 2009 right in Stone Mountain, GA at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts.

Nadia and Lil Scrappy

Mike Epps and M1, of Dead Prez, hosted as an amazing line up of artists including Yung LA, Young Dro, Lil’ Scrappy, Playa Circle, Eightball & MJG, Bun B, and others came out and performed to show their love for Pac. The extraordinary thing is that these busy artists took time out of their schedules and did this totally free and strictly out of love for 2Pac and the impact he’s made on them as artists. The night was full of energy and love for Pac. The crowd rapped just as loud along to the lyrics of a 2Pac song as they did when an actual performer was on stage. The crowd was a mixture of people of all ages and races showing their appreciation for Pac.

Young Dro

This was the first Tupac Birthday Celebration held at the center and there is sure to be one every year from now on. And to top the evening off, A Dekalb county official announced that June 16^th is being named Tupac Shakur Day. All money made from the celebration will benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation founded in 1997 by his mother. Pac would be very proud.

~Nadia Torres