As the All Eyez On Me biopic hit theatres a few years ago, anticipation around Tupac Shakur’s life story reached a new peak. Ahead of that release, WorldWide Entertainment TV Toronto sat down with Friday aka Ricky Dred, host of the underground staple We Love Hip Hop Podcast, to dive into the ongoing cultural debate:
Why do so many rappers compare themselves to Tupac?

Friday didn’t hold back.
According to him, artists like Boosie (Boopac) and Troy Ave (Nupac) are examples of rappers trying to attach themselves to Tupac’s legacy instead of building their own. He argues that Pac’s name carries such power that many artists see it as a shortcut to cultural relevance or credibility.

“Just leave Pac alone” Friday explains.

He also touched on whether he planned to attend the premiere of the long-awaited film, expressing mixed feelings about modern artists using Pac’s image for clout.

A Legacy Beyond Comparison

Tupac wasn’t just a rapper — he was a thinker, activist, and cultural force. Friday believes comparing oneself to Pac is not only unrealistic but also undermines the seriousness of what Tupac represented.

For many fans, his message is simple:
Respect Pac. Celebrate Pac. But don’t copy Pac.

WorldWide Entertainment TV continues to highlight the voices that help shape hip hop culture through authentic, unfiltered discussion.