This Friday, November 11 is the launch of our exclusive 2Pac Forever merch collection, and to celebrate we're throwing parties across the world. If you're local to New York, Los Angeles, Chicago — even London and/or Berlin — you're in luck. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you'll be able to shop the exclusive collection in-store — including 2Pac's debut albumonand— while listening to live music from acts influenced by the legendary rapper himself. Proceeds from the events are benefittinga South Central Los Angeles-based organization empowering youth through programs in education and arts.

Performing at our Chicago event (1100 N. State St.) is hometown rapper(You may have heard him on fellow Chicagoan artist Chance The Rapper's 2013 mixtape) Before he hits the stage, Saba tells us the family member who first introduced him to 2pac and more.

Can you talk a little bit about your music and any current projects you’re currently working on?

I’m very influenced by neo-soul and jazz, so you’ll hear a lot of musical elements in hip-hop and not specific trap sounds, but a very wide range of sounds. I come from a very musical background so everything I do has that feel. I just put out my newest project last week. It’s called “Bucket List Project” and that’s what I’ve been working on for the last year or two. So now it’s a clean slate, which is touring that as much as possible and then getting back in the studio.

How has ‘90s hip-hop influenced your own music?

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony shirt at Urban Outfitters! It was Bone Thugs-N-Harmony that got me into rap. I was more classical—playing the piano. But when I heard Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, it was melodic rap and I had never heard that before. That’s the lane I’m in now. Hands down: ‘90s hip-hop is the reason I’m in hip-hop now. Everything from the east coast to the west coast and the Midwest especially. That’s what really inspired me to peruse music as a career. It was the reason I got into music. I bought theat Urban Outfitters! It was Bone Thugs-N-Harmony that got me into rap. I was more classical—playing the piano. But when I heard Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, it was melodic rap and I had never heard that before. That’s the lane I’m in now. Hands down: ‘90s hip-hop is the reason I’m in hip-hop now. Everything from the east coast to the west coast and the Midwest especially. That’s what really inspired me to peruse music as a career.

What’s your favorite moment or trend from the '90s that you’d like to see brought back?

2Pac was a very necessary being for the culture in general. What he’s done and continues to do is very necessary but it elevated hip-hop to a new level. Post 2Pac-rap is a different thing. Every so often we get new people who come in and they change the ideas of the music. Your 2Pacs, your Jay-Zs, your Kanyes, even. You could even argue Young Thug. Just because it’s so different and so anti everything we’ve been taught to appreciate as hip-hop music. That was the thing with 2Pac, it never seemed like he was trying to fit in and conform in any kind of way. That’s the most important thing to take away from his career.





I was born in ’94, so I come in at the very end of the ‘90s apparel. It was always fascinating to me with the super huge clothes. I think that’s already starting to make a comeback in a different way. The jerseys, the jewelry, less flashy jewelry and more gold: like 2Pac. Everything was gold and it wasn’t a Gucci jewelry. It felt more tasteful rather than more flashy. When I think of 2Pac and ‘90s fashion in general, I see him with his big-ass football jersey cursing out a camera with a bandana. I can see someone pulling that off today with that same exact outfit, but probably with different pants. The pants thing, I don’t see that coming back. We’re past the huge pants for the most part.









Why do you think 2Pac is such a seminal figure in music? What was the first of his tracks you’ve ever listened to?

2Pac was my mom’s favorite person in the world! Growing up, I heard nothing but 2Ppac any time I was with my mom. Growing up and listening to music is one of those things that doesn’t affect you until you listen off on your own. It might not hit you the same. Because my mom always played it, 2Pac wasn’t cool or hip. I didn’t think anything of it. It wasn’t until I got to high school and listened to 2Pac on my own I was like, “This is actually amazing! This is great hip-hop music.” Just being young and not knowing what the music is: My mom plays it, so I probably shouldn’t like it. My favorite 2Pac album is the All Eyez On Me album. In high school is where I did most hip-hop studying, trying to listen and learn how to be a better artist because by then I was starting my own career. Just hearing his passion and the lyrics and studying it. It was something about his energy and it felt relatable. I think that was one of the important things with 2Pac: he seemed like such a relatable character. From the way he commanded attention, outside of music, you watch a 2Pac interview and you see him laugh or smile and you laugh or smile. There aren’t many people who have that kind of energy. If 2Pac is in a bad mood, you’re in a bad mood. [Laughs]

What do you have in store for your live event performance at UO? Any surprises that we should expect?