Eminem demonstrates genuine appreciation through his endless tributes to late icon Tupac.
Eminem had the world talking about his humble display on the Super Bowl field. As Dre’s fingers tickled the ivories to play “I Aint’ Mad at You!” a camera pan caught Eminem on a knee with head bowed. Eminem’s display had many guessing the purpose of the display.
Whether he knelt for Pac or Kaepernick, In truth, it does not matter. Both are worthy of due respect for their contributions to the world.
The Depth of Eminem’s Appreciation
Eminem continuously demonstrates his respect is not shallow or staged. Before the Super Bowl, Eminem fearlessly demonstrated his gratitude to the late “Come With Me” rapper extraordinaire. A source notes before the big game Em kept tribute by visiting the “Wake Me When I’m Free Museum!” Not only did Eminem visit the museum, but he showed up in gear representing the late icons’ stellar craft.
Eminem’s Deep Regard
Eminem credits a large part of his presence in the industry to Pac. Em took the bold step to honor Tupac by writing Afeni Shakur a letter in 2015. Em’s humility was on full display. In the letter, he expounds on Tupac’s impact. He didn’t only address Shakur’s impact on the industry but, more specifically, on his life. In speaking of the icon, he wrote.
“He gave me the courage to stand up and say ‘F**k the world! This is who I am! And if you don’t like it, go f**k yourself!'”
Given Eminem’s career in the industry, it is evident that the “My Name is” artist used Tupac’s example as rocket fuel.
The Wake Me When I’m Free Museum
The Wake Me When I’m Free Museum was erected to honor the life, work, and vision of Tupac. Few have monuments erected in their honor. Those who do one can be sure their life had significance. This museum stands as a monument. Like Pac was no ordinary hip hop artist, neither is The Wake Me When I’m Free a typical museum. As a source notes,
“Created in collaboration with the Shakur Estate, this exhibit leverages technology, contemporary art, and never-before-seen artifacts from Tupac’s personal archives.”
For those who desire to visit, the museum is located in California.
Tupac a Revolutionary?
Some fail to understand the depth Tupac carried with him. Tupac was not only an artist. He had dreams and ambitions of improving the condition of his people. Pac intended to carry out those dreams. A recorded conversation released in 2014 provides perfect proof of Pac’s heart for the people.
Some people have a name they never live up to. Others have a name that heralds who they were meant to be. Afeni Shakur once spoke these words on the renaming of her son to Tupac.
I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of world culture, not just from a neighborhood.
Pac truly lived up to his name even in his short life on Earth.
Be sure to like and follow FMHipHop on Instagram and Facebook!
Written by Renae Richardson
Facebook
Are you interested in more coverage on Eminem’s display of respect at the Super Bowl? Then check out FM Hip Hop’s retrospective article.
