A week-long celebration to mark the release of Tupac Shakur’s newest posthumous release Pac’s Life kicked off today (Nov. 11) at the Vaknin Gallery in Atlanta.
The event, titled All Eyez on Me: Hip-Hop’s Legendary Performers and Photographers, photographers, was the first in a series of occasions organized by the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation (TASF).
Photographers like Jerome Albertini; Paul Aresu; Janette Beckman; Teri Bloom; Raymond Boyd; Danny Clinch; David Corio; George Dubose; Roger Erickson; Jim Fiscus; Jesse Frohman, Estevan Oriol and others displayed their works during the photography showcase.
The week allows fans to hear the album before it hits stores as well as pay homage to the legacy of Shakur, who was slain in September 1996.
The rapper’s murder remains unsolved as fans prepare for the release of Pac’s Life.
The Amaru/Interscope Records album features appearances from Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Keyshia Cole, T.I., Ashanti, Young Buck, Lil Scrappy, Carl Thomas, Outlawz, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Big Syke and Papoose as well as production from LT Hutton, Sha Money XL and Swizz Beatz.
A video for the T.I. and Ashanti-featured title song “Pac’s Life” was shot last week at the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts.
Other events to be held include a coat drive, teen art competition and album release party.
Those who bring a coat to the coat drive will receive two tickets to the album release party.
The art competition is open to youth ages 13 to 17.
Participants will compete in an art exhibit contest and all art will be posted in the Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts during December.
Prizes will be awarded to the first, second and third place winners.
Founded by Afeni Shakur, TASF provides training and support to artists who aspire to enhance their creative talents.
To date, more than 600 students have benefitted from the program.
Pac’s Life is scheduled to arrive in stores Nov. 21.
The following is a list of the remaining events celebrating the album’s release:
Nov. 14: VIP PAC’s Life CD preview party
Vaknin Gallery, 905 Juniper St., Suite 109 Atlanta, GA 30309
7-10 p.m.
Nov. 15: Bring A Coat Drive
Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts, 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA
Everyone who brings a warm winter coat will receive two admission tickets to “PAC’s Life” album release party 6-8 p.m.
Nov. 17: Bring A Coat Drive continues at TASCA
6-8 p.m.
Nov. 20: PAC’S Life teen art competition at TASCA
Children ages 13-17 will compete in an art exhibit contest and all art will be posted in the Center for the month of December. Prizes will be awarded to the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners.
6-8:30 p.m.
Nov. 21: PAC’S Life album release party:
Tupac Amaru Shakur Center for the Arts 5616 Memorial Drive, Stone Mountain, GA 30083
9 p.m.- 1 a.m.