Demetrius Shipp

“There's so much black content on multiple platforms, and it's all getting great ratings. If you think about the Oscars snubbing 'Straight Outta Compton,' in a way, that kicked all of this off.”

“I submerged myself in his life. Before I went to sleep at night, that's what I was watching. The videos would literally be going on while I was sleep; that's what I was hearing in my sleep. I woke up in the morning, Tupac.”

“I'm ready for the opportunity to speak about things. I've always dreamed about the opportunity to speak about stuff.”

“If you want it, and you want to get it, then you've got to work hard for it, like Tupac was working hard for it.”

“Everybody has the Tupac that they admire. Certain people love the hip-hop person, the rapper. Strictly just the rapper. A lot of people, the newfound Tupac fans... they're into Death Row-era Tupac. But that was only nine months!”

“Black films and television are growing and getting the recognition... and the opportunities.”

“In high school, we would do improv. Me and my boy were, like, the stars of the class.”

“I will say this: Rapping-wise, there has never been anybody to match Tupac's energy when coming on a song, like when rappin'. It's unmatched. You can't duplicate it.”

“I was working - just a regular working-class guy - but, at the same time, always aspired to do music.”

“My father's relationship with Pac was something I was proud of.”

“'Dear Mama' is my favorite song from Tupac, man. It touches you, and I think that that's the most important thing with music.”

“I just have to remember that everybody has their time.”

“I was always critiquing my work. I let everybody else around - producers, directors, other actors - they give the nod of approval or the praise. Because I tried to always bring the best, so even if they were happy with it, I was still scrutinizing it.”

“I definitely want to keep acting now. I've got all kinds of projects I want to do.”

“I have to say that I'm a very passionate person.”

“In 10th grade, I was kicking it with the seniors. I introduced myself, and they were like, 'Yeah, Demetrius is cool, but we're gonna call you Pac.' That was it! It could be worse!”