Actively Black, a distinguished Black-owned global sportswear brand, has proudly partnered with the Shakur Estate to launch an exciting new apparel collection: Tupac X Actively Black. This collection draws inspiration from the late rapper’s powerful legacy as a musical icon and a profound poet. The initial drop of this unique line will be available for purchase on Christmas Day, December 25, exclusively at activelyblack.com, allowing fans to celebrate the holiday with a piece of Tupac’s enduring influence in the fashion world.
In a heartfelt statement regarding the Tupac X Actively Black collaboration, the Shakur Estate expressed, ?Through this partnership, Actively Black honors Tupac’s lasting impact on culture, creativity, and artistry. Their dedication to empowering the Black community aligns seamlessly with Tupac’s mission to inspire change and cultivate meaningful dialogue. Drawing from the essence of [the poem] ?The Rose That Grew from Concrete,? this collection pays tribute to Tupac?s voice and message, ensuring it resonates with both the current and future generations.?
The inaugural drop showcases a diverse range of unisex hoodies and T-shirts adorned with custom co-branded artwork and imagery sourced from Tupac?s extensive archives. Among the standout pieces is a relaxed hoodie in a stylish washed grey, featuring a graphic representation of the poem in the late rapper?s distinctive handwriting, allowing fans to wear a piece of his artistic legacy in a contemporary context.
?I grew up listening to Tupac, and even before I fully grasped the depth of his musical messages, there was an undeniable resonance in his delivery that connected with me and countless others, even today,? reflected Lanny Smith, the visionary founder of Actively Black. ?In Tupac’s early interviews, you can witness his fervent passion for revitalizing the Black pride movement. His acute awareness of societal truths and unwavering determination to uplift his community was nothing short of inspiring, driving me to create a brand that reflects those values.?
Tupac X Actively Black represents the latest in a series of impactful collaborations by Actively Black. Recently, the brand unveiled an apparel partnership with Disney to celebrate the release of Mufasa: The Lion King. Earlier this year, Actively Black also took on the role of official outfitter and apparel sponsor for the Nigerian Olympic delegation at the anticipated 2024 Paris Olympic Games. The brand’s impressive roster of partnerships includes collaborations with the estates of iconic figures such as Muhammad Ali, Michael Jackson, and Bob Marley, as well as with renowned sports franchises like the Sacramento Kings and Houston Rockets.
Founded in 2020 by former NBA player for the Sacramento Kings, Lanny Smith, Actively Black is set to make waves with the debut of Tupac X Actively Black. In the announcement, Smith highlighted a powerful quote from Shakur that has always inspired him: ?I may not change the world, but I guarantee I will spark the brain of someone who will.? He stated, ?I am one of the minds Tupac sparked; and Actively Black is an extension of our shared mission to uplift and empower our community. Tupac X Actively Black serves as a tribute to the genius of Tupac Shakur, who represented the Black community with boldness and authenticity; his legacy truly embodies what it means to be ACTIVELY Black.?
