Busta Rhymes Honors Tupac With Belated Birthday Tribute
Veteran MC took over Instagram to salute the late rap star on the anniversary of his birth
Image: Instagram
Busta Rhymes took to Instagram this week to celebrate what would have been Tupac Shakur’s birthday with a vibrant belated message. The Grammy-nominated rapper, known for his animated flows and dynamic energy, tapped into his signature enthusiasm in the post, writing, “THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP SO WE WON’T EVER STOP!!! NEVERRRRR!!! HAPPY BELATED GDAY TO @2pac ON ANOTHER JOURNEY AROUND THE SUN!!!!!! CONTINUE TO REST WELL KING!! 👑👑👑👑👑👑🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🎂🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥” under a photo showcasing his trademark gold chains and a backdrop of crown and cake emojis. The tribute honors the late hip-hop legend on June 16, the anniversary marking Tupac’s 52nd birthday this year.
A Message For The King
In the Instagram update (https://www.instagram.com/p/DLCzj9_if6G/), Rhymes saluted Tupac’s enduring legacy more than two decades after the rapper’s untimely passing. By addressing him as “King,” he underscored the deep respect he and countless fans still hold for an artist whose work defined West Coast rap in the early 1990s. Tupac Shakur, famed for tracks like “Dear Mama” and “California Love,” was born on June 16, 1971, and remains an inspirational figure for generations of performers, including Rhymes, who first broke out with Leaders of the New School and later as a solo star.
A Tradition Of Tributes
This heartfelt message isn’t out of character for Rhymes, who frequently uses social media to honor peers and influences. Earlier this month, he posted a similar belated birthday message to Lauryn Hill: “THE BLESSINGS DON’T STOP so we won’t ever stop!!!… HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO MY SISTER AND QUEEN @mslaurynhill” alongside crown and cake emojis (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK-cqwQR5i_/). In May, he celebrated producer Harvey Mason Jr.’s birthday with the caption, “HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO ONE OF OUR GREATEST ADVOCATES…” in a festive grid of images (https://www.instagram.com/p/DK_njRuuSnF/). These tributes highlight Rhymes’s commitment to acknowledging the artists and industry figures who shaped hip-hop culture.
Fans React To The Post
Followers were quick to engage with Rhymes’s Tupac tribute, flooding the comments with heart and fire emojis. One fan wrote, “Love seeing you pay homage to the legend,” while another noted, “Two kings linking through time.” The post has since garnered thousands of likes and shares, confirming that Tupac’s influence resonates as strongly today as ever.
Legacy And Influence
Over a career spanning nearly three decades, Busta Rhymes has released ten studio albums, collaborated with icons from Missy Elliott to Janet Jackson, and carved out a reputation for his rapid-fire delivery and larger-than-life persona. His decision to spotlight Tupac’s birthday on his platform reflects both personal admiration and broader cultural memory. As hip-hop celebrates milestones old and new, such tributes help bridge the gap between past innovators and today’s stars.
Hip-hop Remembers
In recent years, musicians have turned to Instagram and Twitter to mark birthdays, anniversaries, and milestones for heroes no longer with us. Rhymes’s choice to go big—complete with multiple crown, cake, and flame emojis—speaks to a broader trend of visually rich social-media homages. By publicly recognizing Tupac’s impact on his own artistry, he strengthens the bridge between hip-hop’s early pioneers and today’s innovators. These posts often spark renewed interest in classic albums and prompt fans to revisit the voices that shaped their favorite tracks.
As Busta Rhymes continues to champion his peers, fans can expect more epic shout-outs in the months to come, proving that for true hip-hop heads, the blessings never stop.
Trivia
Read full bio of Poulami Nag
