LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2011 -- On June 16, 2011, Tupac Amaru Shakur aka 2Pac, the biggest selling rap/hip-hop artist in history with more than 75 million albums sold worldwide (more than 38 million in the U.S.), would have celebrated his 40th birthday.  On July 5, five 2Pac albums (Interscope/UMe), including his first three solo albums, will be issued in the digital format for the first time:

--2Pacalypse Now, his 1991 debut album which will mark its 20th anniversary on November 12, 2011, includes "Brenda's Got A Baby," "Trapped" and "If My Homie Calls."

--Strictly For My N.I.G.G.A.Z., his 1993 platinum album featuring "Holler If You Hear Me," "I Get Around," "Keep Ya Head Up" and "Papa'z Song."

--Thug Life - Volume 1, originally released in 1994 from his group that also included Big Syke, Macadoshis, Mopreme and The Rated R, with "Bury Me A G," "Cradle To The Grave," "Pour Out A Little Liquor," "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" and "Str8 Ballin'."

--Me Against The World, the triple platinum 1995 smash that debuted #1 and was Grammy nominated for Best Rap Album, with "Dear Mama" (also Grammy nominated), "So Many Tears" and "Temptations."

--R U Still Down?, the posthumous, two-disc, quadruple platinum 1997 album (in its explicit version), featuring "Do For Love" and "I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto."

Sal Manna, a journalist, interviewed 2Pac and wrote the press biographies for many of his albums during his lifetime. Sal penned the following tribute which until today was unpublished:

"Tupac never strayed from one message: Be somebody.  No matter the obstacles, be somebody, and be proud.  It was a message that 2Pac represented for everyone, no matter their race, creed or color ... In the end, too much has been made of his dying, and not enough of his living.  His death was the tragedy, not his life.  Today, it is in his work, in his art, that 2Pac still lives."

Since 2pac's passing on September 13, 1996, at the age of 25, his music has continued to inspire and motivate millions across the globe. 2Pac leaves a legacy of honesty and passion in his songs. Respected by many, 2Pac has become an inspiration for artists and a standard in rap music.

Universal Music Enterprises proudly announces the release of these digital albums on this, the 40th anniversary of Tupac Shakur's birth celebrating the life and music of a great artist.  

www.2pac.com

SOURCE Universal Music Enterprises