Erykah Badu, Bun B To Celebrate Tupac’s 40th Birthday with Tribute Show

Tupac Shakur would've turned 40 years old this Thursday, June 16, and though he's been gone for nearly 15 years, he's clearly not forgotten. The rapper will be celebrated on Thursday at a tribute event featuring Erykah Badu, Bun B and Too Short.

The 2Pac 40th Birthday Concert Celebration, hosted by comedian Mike Epps and Shakur's mother, Afeni, takes place at Atlanta Symphony Hall.

Badu was humbled by the invitation to headline the event.

"I am greatly honored to have been invited by Afeni Shakur to celebrate her son's 40th birthday," Badu said in a statement. "I do not take this honor for granted."

Other acts on the bill include DJ Drama, Eric Roberson, Roy Ayers, 8Ball & MJG, Meek Mills, Pill, Big Staxx and a Nate Dogg tribute.

Tickets start at $45 and top out at $150 for a spot in the orchestra pit. Proceeds benefit the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation.

2Pac was killed in 1996 when he was shot four times in Las Vegas while riding in a car driven by Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight. His influence goes far beyond his five No. 1 albums and hit singles like 'California Love,' 'How Do You Want It' and 'Keep Ya Head Up.' Last year, the Library of Congress added 'Dear Mama' to the National Recording Registry, citing its support of single mothers and those affected by poverty and addiction.

Watch the 2Pac 'Dear Mama' Video