By Maurice Bobb
You don’t have to holler to hear what the upcoming Tupac Shakur musical, “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” sounds like.
All you need to do is press play.
Three of the Broadway musical’s songs, which include the title track, “California Love” and “Unconditional Love,” were released Friday (May 30).
While the trio of ‘Pac’s hits feature his indelible lyrics, they are delivered by the actors in the Kenny Leon-directed production, which include the talented multi-hyphenate Saul Williams in the starring role.
Williams is best known for his seminal work as embattled poet Raymond Joshua in the independent film “Slam,” which won the Grand Jury Prize for a Dramatic Film at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. With that same passion, Williams spits Dr. Dre’s opening verse a capella on “California Love,” before the beat and harmonizing voices of his co-stars kick in to deliver the late rapper’s closer.
While the new show is inspired by the All Eyez On Me MC and his sonic legacy, it tells a non-biographical story of friendship, love, family and hope.
“Holler If Ya Hear Me” begins preview performance at the Palace Theatre on June 2.
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