Justin Bieber Covers 'Thugz Mansion' on BBC Radio 1

Accompanied only by a guitarist, Justin Bieber sang a stripped-down version of Tupac’s “Thugz Mansion” at BBC Radio 1’s Los Angeles headquarters in early September 2016. He also played Tracy Chapman’s “Fast Car” and his own songs such as “Let Me Love You,” “What Do You Mean?,” and “Love Yourself.” Billboard and Rolling Stone reported.

A Cover Shortly Before the 20th Anniversary of His Death

The performance came only a few weeks before the 20th anniversary of Tupac’s death on September 13. Bieber had already named Tupac as an influence in a 2015 Billboard cover story. “Thugz Mansion” had been released in 2002 as a posthumous single.

Cover Versions Marked the Anniversary Year

Such cover versions were frequent throughout the anniversary year. On September 13, Billboard compiled “7 Brilliant Tupac Covers” by Lil Wayne, Miguel, Bieber, and others. More on Tupac’s influence on other musicians is brought together on the topic page Influence on other artists.