News of November 28, 2000
"The Rose That Grew from Concrete": Artists Read Tupac's Poems
In November 2000, an album was released on which musicians and actors perform Tupac's early poems, from Mos Def to Danny Glover.
Tupac’s poems can now also be heard. In November 2000, Amaru and Interscope released the album The Rose That Grew from Concrete. The texts come from the book of poetry of the same name, which had been published after his death. They are recited by poets, rappers, and actors. According to RapReviews, part of the proceeds went to charitable causes, including the Diabetes Research Institute and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.
From Mos Def to Geronimo Pratt
Mos Def took on the poems about the Black Panthers, Sonia Sanchez and Jasmine Guy read as well as Dead Prez, Q-Tip, Reverend Run, and the Outlawz. Afeni Shakur can be heard together with Danny Glover and the cast of The Lion King. Geronimo Pratt recited In the Event of My Demise, Quincy Jones and Mac Mall shared Starry Night, a poem about Vincent van Gogh. Tupac’s own voice is heard on the opening track and the title track.
RapReviews gave the album seven out of ten points. NME praised the poems, but found the music underneath too slick.
Afeni Shakur: Panther, Mother, Keeper of the EstateGeronimo PrattThe Outlawz: Tupac's Own Crew