2025 marks a monumental 12 months for rapper SKG (born Helecia Choyce), a 12 months that sees her reflecting on the previous whereas honoring the legends that formed her profession. As we strategy the twenty fourth anniversary of Tupac Shakur’s Till the Finish of Time album, a venture SKG was deeply concerned in as a younger artist, she takes a second to honor the contributions of one of the vital vital girls in hip-hop historical past: Afeni Shakur.
SKG was solely a teen when she wrote and carried out on the album’s #4 single “Let Em Have It,” a monitor that helped launch her profession. But it surely’s not simply her musical contributions which have stayed together with her—it’s the non-public influence Tupac’s mom, Afeni Shakur, had on her life that has remained together with her to this present day. To mark this highly effective anniversary, SKG launched “Thank You Afeni,” quick documentary, which is a heartfelt tribute to the lady who, by way of her steering, helped change SKG’s life.
Within the interview she remembers how, on the time, she was combating homelessness and single motherhood. Afeni, who was recognized for her power, knowledge, and advocacy, made a major influence on SKG’s journey by serving to her safe a five-figure examine from Interscope Data. This monetary windfall not solely helped SKG present for her younger daughter but in addition gave her the steadiness to pursue her goals within the music trade.
However “Thank You Afeni” isn’t nearly monetary assist; it’s a couple of spark Afeni ignited in SKG—a spark that inspired her to know the enterprise aspect of the trade, to discover ways to navigate the advanced world of music past the microphone. Afeni’s mentorship planted the seed for SKG to turn out to be a “jack of all trades” within the music trade, contributing each in entrance of the digital camera and behind the scenes.
“Thank You Afeni” is a strong testimony, a tribute to a girl who not solely raised a legendary artist but in addition uplifted the various others who got here by way of her orbit. Afeni’s affect stretched far past Tupac’s legacy, shaping the careers of many West Coast artists, together with SKG, who’s now paving her personal manner and utilizing her platform to raise others within the trade.
Because the twenty fourth anniversary of Till the Finish of Time approaches, SKG’s reflection on her previous serves as a reminder of how one particular person’s kindness, knowledge, and mentorship can ceaselessly change the course of somebody’s life. By “Thank You Afeni,”
SKG continues to honor the legacy of Tupac Shakur and his unbelievable mom, Afeni, whose influence on hip-hop and on the lives of numerous artists won’t ever be forgotten.
This anniversary is not only a second to look again at Till the Finish of Time and Tupac’s revolutionary music, however a time to acknowledge the unsung heroes behind the scenes—those like Afeni Shakur, whose affect extends far past the general public eye and continues to encourage future generations of artists like SKG.
Watch “Thank You Afeni” Now
Edited and Directed by Kris Petersen
KPE Media
