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Cynthia Erivo to Play Tupac Shakur’s Mother in Universal’s Snoop Dogg Biopic (Exclusive)
Developing story first seen 1 hour ago
Cynthia Erivo has joined Universal Pictures’ Snoop Dogg biopic, playing Afeni Shakur, mother of rapper Tupac Shakur. Her casting adds a significant family story to the film, as Afeni was the subject of Tupac’s hit “Dear Mama”.
The film, titled *Snoop*, is in production in southern California, with Craig Brewer directing. Jonathan Daviss plays Snoop Dogg and Camron Jones plays Tupac; the cast also includes Myles Bullock Be, Lauren London and Algee Smith. Snoop Dogg and Death Row Pictures president Sara Ramaker are among the producers, and the film will feature music from Snoop Dogg’s catalogue.
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In short
- Cynthia Erivo will play Afeni Shakur in *Snoop*.
- The film follows Snoop Dogg’s life and career.
- Production is under way in southern California.
How this story developed
- 23 minutes ago Cynthia Erivo has joined the cast of *Snoop*, Universal Pictures’ biopic about Snoop Dogg, playing Afeni Shakur, the mother of rapper Tupac Shakur.
- 31 minutes ago Cynthia Erivo has joined Universal Pictures’ Snoop Dogg biopic, playing Afeni Shakur, mother of rapper Tupac Shakur. Her casting adds a significant family story to the film, as Afeni was the subject of Tupac’s hit “Dear Mama”.
Explained simply
Snoop Dogg is a rapper and producer who became prominent in the 1990s, when he was associated with Death Row Records, a Los Angeles label central to West Coast hip-hop. Tupac Shakur was another major rapper of that era, known for songs that addressed family, poverty and social issues.
Afeni Shakur was Tupac’s mother and an activist. His song “Dear Mama” was a tribute to her and their relationship, making her part of the personal history behind his music.
A film about Snoop Dogg’s life also touches on the wider story of hip-hop and the people around him. The connection between Snoop Dogg, Tupac and Afeni Shakur helps explain why the film’s account may extend beyond Snoop Dogg’s career alone.