'Tupac Shakur Way' Unveiled in Oakland, California: A Tribute to a Hip-Hop Legend

In a heartfelt tribute to the late iconic rapper Tupac Shakur, a section of MacArthur Boulevard was officially renamed "Tupac Shakur Way" in Oakland on Friday. The city celebrated this renaming at an event by Lake Merritt, where family members, fans, and fellow artists paid their respects.

Mo Shakur, Tupac's brother, underscored the significance of the rapper's message, stating, "Tupac was more than a rapper; he was a cultural icon. He strived to convey the importance of community care, and that's why his legacy endures."

While Tupac was born in Harlem and raised in Baltimore, the Bay Area held a special place in his heart. His parents were active members of the Black Panther Party, and he spent part of his early life in Marin City, California. He later moved to East Oakland in the late 1980s.

Tupac's sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, expressed her joy, mentioning that her brother would be thrilled to see the love and recognition from a place he held dear.

Money B, a fellow musician, emphasized the lasting impact of Tupac's legacy, saying, "He influenced not just one generation but two more. There are generations who weren't even born when he made music, yet they are still influenced by his legacy."

The initiative to rename this portion of MacArthur Boulevard was spearheaded by Oakland City Councilwoman Carroll Fife, with the goal of ensuring that Tupac's legacy endures and inspires positive change.

The City Council voted unanimously to designate the section of MacArthur Boulevard between Grand Avenue and Van Buren Avenue as "Tupac Shakur Way." This decision aligns with Oakland's tradition of honoring beloved artists, activists, and community leaders with street names, such as Peter Van Kleef, Huey P. Newton, Dorothy King and Too Short.

Tupac Shakur, originally known as Lesane Parish Crooks, transitioned from a young boy in Harlem to an influential figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene, with Oakland playing a pivotal role in his career. He often credited the city for shaping his artistry and providing him with his "Game."

Despite his untimely death, Tupac's popularity continues to soar, with over 75 million albums sold worldwide. The Oakland City Council resolution celebrating his legacy acknowledges his significant contributions to art and social outreach.

This renaming follows previous efforts to commemorate Tupac in Oakland, including the proclamation of "Tupac Shakur Day" in 2016 and various community events honoring his legacy.

Michael Jackson Reigns as Highest-Paid Deceased Celebrity of 2023

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In a remarkable resurgence, the late 'King of Pop,' Michael Jackson, has reestablished his reign as the world's highest-paid deceased celebrity for the year 2023, according to Forbes magazine's annual list released on Tuesday. With a staggering estimated income of $115 million, Jackson's return to the top spot marks the first time in four years that he has dominated the rankings.

Elvis Presley, Jackson's late father-in-law, closely follows, securing the second position with estimated earnings of $100 million. The list also features an illustrious lineup of other departed legends, including Bob Marley, Prince, John Lennon and Whitney Houston, collectively amassing an approximate $470 million in earnings over the past year. Notably, this figure represents a significant 70% increase from 2022.

These rankings were meticulously determined based on pre-tax earnings derived from sales, licensing deals, streams, and other sources of income spanning from October 1, 2022, to September 30, 2023.

Full List of Highest-Paid Deceased Celebrities in 2023:

US singer, Michael Jackson – $115 million
US singer and actor, Elvis Presley – $100 million
US keyboardist, Ray Manzarek – $45 million
US cartoonist, Dr. Seuss – $40 million
US cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz – $30 million
US singer, Prince – $30 million
US singer, Whitney Houston – $30 million
British singer, John Lennon – $22 million
Jamaican singer, Bob Marley – $16 million
US singer, Bing Crosby – $14 million
British singer, George Harrison – $14 million
US golfer, Arnold Palmer – $10 million
US singer, Marilyn Monroe – $10 million

'Thriller' Resurfaces as a Halloween Hit

Halloween witnessed the haunting revival of one of Michael Jackson's most iconic tracks, "Thriller." The spine-chilling masterpiece reclaimed its throne at the No. 1 spot on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales chart, demonstrating that even after decades, its allure continues to captivate music enthusiasts.

The R&B Digital Song Sales chart tracks the bestselling R&B songs in the United States. "Thriller" sold over 2,400 copies during the recent tracking period, marking the sixth time it has ascended to the chart's zenith, with the Halloween season consistently propelling its resurgence.

"Thriller" isn't content with merely topping the R&B Digital Song Sales chart; it has also ascended to No. 11 on the Digital Song Sales ranking, spanning various musical genres. As Halloween festivities continue, "Thriller" is poised to ascend even further on the charts, keeping alive the enchanting spirit of this timeless masterpiece.

Renowned Drummer Aaron Spears, Collaborator of Music Icons, Passes Away at 47

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Aaron Spears, a highly acclaimed drummer known for his extraordinary talent and contributions to the music industry, has passed away at the age of 47, according to a statement from his family. Spears, who played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of pop and hip-hop music, leaves behind a remarkable legacy.

The news of his passing was confirmed by Spears' family on Monday. Spears' wife, Jessica, took to Instagram to share the heartbreaking news with his countless fans.

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"It is with a heavy heart and overwhelming sadness that I share the news of the passing of my beloved husband, Aaron Spears," wrote Jessica in a heartfelt post. She described him as not only an incredibly accomplished drummer but also a devoted father to their son, August. She acknowledged the outpouring of thoughts and prayers during this difficult time and requested privacy as the family navigates through this trying period.

Spears, who had recently celebrated his 47th birthday, rose to prominence with a Grammy nomination as a producer for Usher's 2004 album, "Confessions." His innovative style and unrivaled drumming prowess caught the attention of music enthusiasts worldwide. Notably, Spears delivered a show-stopping performance at the Grammys in 2004, blending Usher's "Caught Up" with James Brown's "Sex Machine." This iconic display made him a household name among drummers and ignited his rise to stardom.

Spears also showcased his talents on national television, appearing on "Late Night with Seth Meyers" and serving as the music coordinator and drummer for a season of "The Masked Singer."

The accomplished drummer collaborated with an array of A-list artists. His drumming skills graced the performances of superstars like Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears and the Backstreet Boys. Spears' influence extended far and wide, making him one of the most sought-after drummers in the business.

Born on October 26, 1976, Spears began his musical journey at a young age, honing his skills by playing gospel music in his hometown of Washington, D.C. His early years saw him sitting on someone's lap to reach the drum kit's upper elements while they managed the pedals, he fondly recalled in an interview with DrumTalk.

Ariana Grande, who had the privilege of working with Spears, shared a touching tribute to him on her Instagram Story. "I can’t wrap my head around this. We were all so incredibly lucky to know Aaron. The absolute brightest light of a human being," wrote Grande. She praised his kindness, brilliance, and warmth, adding, "I will miss your hugs. You are so, so loved and will be so very missed."

Questlove, a fellow drummer and producer, paid tribute to Spears, highlighting the impact of his contributions. "You've seen Aaron drum probably 5-10 times in your life if you attend concerts, and sometimes without even knowing it. That's how much in demand his services were," he remarked.

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In addition to his significant achievements in the music industry, Spears was a dedicated advocate for the arts and music community. Aaron Spears is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their son, August.