Actively Black, a global Black-owned sportswear brand, has partnered with the Shakur Estate to present a new collection: Tupac X Actively Black. Inspired by the late rapper's enduring legacy as a musical icon and poet, the first drop in the new line will be available for purchase on Christmas Day (December 25th), exclusively at activelyblack.com.
In a statement announcing Tupac X Actively Black, the Shakur Estate commented: “With this collaboration, Actively Black celebrates Tupac's lasting impact on culture, creativity and art. Actively Black's commitment to empowering the black community aligns perfectly with Tupac's mission to inspire and spark meaningful change. Inspired by [the poem] “The Rose That Grew From Concrete,” this collection honors Tupac's voice and message, ensuring it resonates with a new generation.
The first launch features a collection of unisex hoodies and t-shirts illustrated with custom artwork and images from Tupac's archives. The standout piece in the new collection is a relaxed gray wash hoodie featuring a graphic rendition of the late rapper's handwritten poem.
“I grew up listening to Tupac and even before I fully understood the content of his music, there was something moving about his delivery that resonated with me and so many others to this day,” he said. Lanny Smithfounder of Actively Black. “In Tupac's early interviews, you can see his passion to breathe new life into the Black pride movement. His awareness of the truths of society and his determination to improve people's lives were awe-inspiring.”
Tupac X Actively Black is Actively Black's latest collaboration. The company recently unveiled a new apparel collaboration with Disney to celebrate the latter Mufasa: The Lion King. Earlier this year, Actively Black partnered with the Nigerian Olympic delegation, serving as the official clothing and apparel sponsor for Team Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The company's additional partnerships and collaborations include the estates of Mohammed Ali, Michael Jackson and Bob Marley as well as Sacramento Kings and Houston sports franchises Rockets.
A former NBA player for the Sacramento Kings, Smith released Actively Black in 2020. From his upcoming debut Tupac X Actively Black, Smith singled out a favorite Shakur quote in announcing the release. “One of his quotes has always stayed with me: 'I may not change the world, but I guarantee I'll spark someone's brain to change it.' I'm one of the minds that Tupac sparked. and Actively Black is an extension of our shared mission to uplift and empower our people. Tupac X Actively Black is an ode to the genius of Tupac Shakur. He represented us: the black community, boldly and unapologetically. his legacy embodies what it means to be an ENERGY Black.”
