Stars for 2Pac and Tavis Kevin Fleming June 25, 2013 Entertainment Tupac Shakur and Tavis Smiley are the latest celebrities who have been nominated to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. The honor comes nearly 17 years after the rapper’s death. With over 75 million albums sold worldwide and a legacy of social activism and change, Pac’s recognition is well overdue. Shakur, who recorded music as 2Pac, will be awarded his star for his recording career. 2Pac got his start touring as a roadie and dancer for Digital Underground. From there he went on to appear on Digital Underground’s 1991 single “Same Song.” The song was featured in the film Nothing But Trouble earning Shakur his first big break. To capitalize on the buzz surrounding his rising career, that same year Shakur released his debut album, “2Pacalypse Now.” The 13-cut collection featured the singles “Trapped,” which discussed police brutality, and “Brenda’s Got A Baby,” which focused on a 12-year-old girl who became pregnant after being sexually abused. New batches of entertainment professionals, skilled in the categories of Motion Pictures, Television, Radio, and Recording were chosen to receive the coveted Walk of Fame star. There are seven recording artists, Motown singers/songwriters Holland Dozier Holland, Electric Light Orchestra’s Jeff Lynne, Latin rockers Mana, “Ghostbusters” performer Ray Parker Jr., pop star Katy Perry, rock icon Rick Springfield and mega rapper Tupac Amaru Shakur, who will receive a posthumous star will all be honored with their own induction ceremony next year. Tavis Smiley is also set to receive a star during next year’s Hollywood Walk of Fame. As most know, Tavis is a talk show host, author, liberal political commentator, entrepreneur, advocate and philanthropist. “The Walk of Fame Selection Committee is proud to announce the new Class of 2014,” stated David Green, Chairman of the Walk of Fame selection committee. “We have a great mix of celebrities and industry executives who have made Hollywood what it is today – one of the greatest entertainment destinations in the world. The new selections will bring great joy and fond memories for those millions who visit Hollywood each year!” Meanwhile, as Smiley’s criticism of President Obama’s policies has increased, Tavis has been finding it more difficult to get his political voice and social views heard over radio airwaves, although his PBS TV program seems to be doing just fine. Smiley’s not so nice split from the Tom Joyner Morning Show several years ago has taken its toll on the clout he was once held in the African American community. He has also seen many public radio stations cancel his Public Radio International talk show and his “Smiley & West” program (with co-host Dr. Cornel West) as well. Now Smiley has turned to the Internet and has a new deal at BlogTalkRadio. Related