Last night at Coachella Fest, Dre and Snoop had a special
treat for those in attendance. Before
anyone asks, no, they didn’t finally announce a release date for Detox.
The surprise they had in store was something much more ethereal. None other than Tupac Amuru Shakur showed up
to perform onstage with his former label mates.
Well, it wasn't really Tupac,
as the fallen Icon has been dead for some time. Instead, a holographic image of
the most revered rapper of all time was projected onstage. After performing "Hail Mary" for
the astonished crowd, it joined Snoop Dogg for a rendition of their duet "2
of Amerikaz Most Wanted."
It’s clear that this amazing creation was meant to be seen
live, where it could be properly appreciated in all its glory. Any of the detail work that went into the
design is obscured by both the quality of the YouTube video and the lighting at
the event. Likewise, the 3D effect is undermined by watching a filmed video of
a projected image. Still, it registers
on both a visceral and instinctual level.
The reaction it elicits in the viewer is involuntary. The emotions override the intellect because
the physics on display simply feel right.
Digital Domain and AV Concepts perfectly capture Pac’s mannerisms and
physicality.
Stunning though the final product may be, this of course
raises a ton of ethical and moral dilemmas. Could this be considered a bit dishonest on
the part of both Dre and Snoop seeing as how Pac wasn’t on good terms with
either at the time of his passing? Is it
exploitive to use technology to “resurrect” dead and beloved artist in such a
way, especially when there was no way to get his consent? Is it truly any worse than releasing and
remixing Pac’s unfinished works posthumously?
All of these questions are valid, but none of them negate the majesty of
this visual.
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