Are You the Next Tupac?
For that curiously specific cross-demographic that loves gangsta rap and musical theatre, today's your lucky day.
As Allhiphop.com reports (via Playbill), Holler If You Hear Me, a new musical based on the life of Tupac Shakur, will be holding open auditions on Saturday, March 10 in New York.
So what does it take to do "Hit 'Em Up" in the style of Sondheim? Producers are looking for "African American male and female rappers ages 18 – 35. Additionally seeking one Caucasian actor ages 20 – 25 with a strong facility for rap and terrific guitar skills. Strong legit singing voices a plus for all, but not required."
Aspiring 'Pacs need to be ready with "A rap of choice under two minutes. We will supply a boom box if needed. Singers should prepare 16 - 32 bars of an uptempo song to sing a capella. You may bring your own accompaniment if you want." Guys, have you never been to a hip hop show? In rap, "Your own accompaniment" means 12 hypemen, six beatboxers, four b-boys and 20 random hangers-on in puffy jackets thug dancing. This could get ugly.
Directed by Broadway veteran Kenny Leon, the musical has been approved by Shakur's mother. So if past experience follows suit, expect to see 38 more versions of the musical released, all with the same songs, but re-ordered to look like a new version.
Get the full details on Playbill, but if you need inspiration:
57m
46s
1h 42m
2m
21m
1h 30m
21m
18m
21m
3m
20m
21m
24m
23m
20m
1h 21m
5m
21m
2m
1m
2m
1h 21m
1m
1m
3m
1m
6m
1m
1h 2m
1h 45m
2m
1m
2m
1h 27m
1h 20m
1h 34m
23m
45m
44m
20m
21m
1h 21m
3m
5m
21m
1m
5m
2m
20m
21m
21m
20m
20m
57m
1h 7m
1h 17m
20m
1h 30m
20m
1h 22m
1h 15m
22m
9m
21m
20m
57s
20m
22m
59s
44m
1h 22m
1h 3m
21m
22m
23m
1h 36m
48m
24m
46m
1m
20m
21m
1h 23m
2m
12m
1h 27m
2m
1m
45m
22m
44m
22m
21m
44m
2m
1h 25m