Events: Tupac’s 40th Birthday Celebration Hosted by Mike Epps & Afeni Shakur

Hollywood comedian and actor Mike Epps has joined forces for a third year with Afeni Shakur, mother of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur in celebration of the late rapper’s 40th birthday celebration on June 16, 2011 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall in Atlanta, Ga. The semi-formal birthday extravaganza will feature soulful performances from GRAMMY® award-winning artist, Erykah Badu, Roy Ayers and Eric Roberson as well as hip-hop heavyweights DJ Drama, Meek Millz, Too Short, Bun B, 8 Ball and MJG. Newcomer Meek Millz will pay tribute to the legend, performing his hit single “Tupac Back”. Actress and long-time friend of Tupac Shakur, Jasmine Guy will present a special video presentation. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts.

Since 2009, presenters Mike Epps and Afeni Shakur have hosted legions of 2Pac fans for a day of music, art and culture in remembrance of the icon’s influence and legacy. Some of the most recognizable names in hip-hop have participated in the annual charity event including Rick Ross, Bun B, Wacka Flocka, Lil Scrappy, M1 of Dead Prez and more. During the benefit concert in 2010, Dekalb County officials presented Afeni Shakur and Mike Epps with a proclamation, naming June 16th as “Tupac Day”in Dekalb County, Ga., home of the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation for the Arts.

“I’m looking forward to another year of preserving Tupac’s legacy by celebrating his life with his fans and furthering his causes by supporting his organization,” says Mike Epps.

On June 16, 2011 fans from across the nation will convene at the Atlanta Symphony Hall in Atlanta for a blowout concert and surprise tribute in honor of the hip hop legend. Event organizers, The Aziza Work Group, aim to produce an event that not only revives Tupac’s spirit through art but will offer fans a prophetic representation of him at age 40. From the soulful jazz sounds of 70s hit-maker Roy Ayers to the West Coast bangers from Too Short, the artist lineup is a nod to the soundtrack of Tupac’s life.

Erykah Badu states, “I am greatly honored to have been invited by Afeni Shakur to celebrate her son’s 40th birthday. I do not take this honor for granted.”

More artists to be announced. Tickets can be purchased at the Atlanta Symphony Hall Box Office 1280 Peachtree NE, Atlanta, Ga or by calling 404-733-5000. For more information and concert updates visit www.16thofjune.com.