John Singleton to Helm Tupac Shakur Biopic

According to Deadline, John Singleton (BOYZ IN THE HOOD, SHAFT) has signed on to direct the long-planned Tupac Shakur biopic from Morgan Creek Films and Emmett/Furla/Oasis Films. Singleton will also produce and re-write the current script.

Shakur, best known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was a rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. His force was evident during the height of his popularity in the Nineties, but his influence as the voice of the streets continues to echo today throughout urban culture. He has become an eternal icon of youthful brilliance and rebellion with an immeasurable impact on each new generation. He was killed in a Las Vegas drive-by shooting at 25. The case remains unsolved.

"Tupac was the guy who I planned to do a lifetime of films with," Singleton told Deadline. "His passing deeply affected my life.. As well as countless people in this world ... His life story is as important to my generation."

The musical HOLLER IF YA HEAR ME, also inspired by the life of Shakur, is set to open on Broadway this summer. The production shows the world inside Tupac Shakur's music and lyrics, blazes to life in a non-biographical story about friendship, family, revenge, change and hope. Inner city lives struggle for peace against the daily challenges they face in this entertaining and original musical. Through the poetry of one of the 20th century's most influential and culturally prominent voices, we are given a window into realities of the streets still relevant today.