Here at Ology, there's only thing we love more than talking to our favorite musicians, artists, athletes and celebrities... not talking to them. In our ongoing series of Non-Interviews, we'll be asking hard, probing, no-nonsense questions to a rotating cast of influential men and women who are much too busy to actually speak with us.
Last weekend, hip-hop fans everywhere were alternately stunned, amazed, confused, and annoyed when a lifelike 2D hologram of deceased rapper Tupac "2Pac" Shakur appeared on stage with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre during their closing night headline set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Idio, California. Designed and created by Digital Domain and AV Concepts, the hologram has sparked fierce debate amongst fans and critics, inspired rumors of other high-profile musician holograms, and might even be hitting the road on its own solo tour.
Watch: Was Tupac's Coachella Performance A Brilliant Fiasco?
I recently attempted to ask the 2Pac hologram about his creation, his Coachella performances, 21st century hip-hop and his plans for the future. Check out our non-conversation below.
Hi, 2Pac Hologram, thanks so much for taking the time to talk with me. The response worldwide over your Coachella appearances has been staggering. How does it feel to be back in the hip-hop game?
The cops is hot for me, the projects is full of bullets, the bodies is droppin', there ain't no stoppin' me, constantly movin' while makin' millions, witnessin' killings, leavin' dead bodies in abandoned buildings... can't raise the children cause they're illin', addicted to killin' and the appeal from the cap peelin', without feelin', but will they last or be blasted? Hard headed bastard!
Hmm, it's interesting to hear you say that... is there any truth to the rumors you'll be touring later this year?
I give a holler to my sisters on welfare. Tupac cares, and don't nobody else care. And, um, I know they like to beat ya down a lot, when you come around the block brothas clown a lot, but please don't cry, dry your eyes, never let up. Forgive but don't forget, girl keep your head up.
...Right. Well, we can come back to that later. Suge Knight is reportedly furious about your performances, pointing out that the Digital Domain designers forgot to add your Death Row Records chain. Any thoughts on that?
[Pause] Death Row, that's where motherfuckers is endin' up.
In the wake of your Coachella spot, they're talking about resurrecting Michael Jackson, Jimi Hendrix, and others as performing holograms. How does it feel to be the first in this exciting new wave of musical innovation?
I'm far from cheap, I smoke skunk with my peeps all day. Spread love, it's the Brooklyn way...
Wait a minute. I'm sorry, 2Pac Hologram, could you say that again?
[Editor's Note: At this point in our non-interview, two Digital Domain programmers entered the room to re-start the 2Pac Hologram. The rest of our non-conversation is as follows.]
Hi again. Feeling okay?
[Pause] What the fuck is up Coachellaaaaaa?
Great to have you back, Pac. A lot has changed in hip-hop since you've been away. What's your reaction to modern hip-hop? Are there any MCs out there truly carrying on your rich legacy?
My enemies scatter in suicidal situations, never to witness the wicked shit that they was facin'. Pockets is packed with presidents, pursue your riches, evadin' the playa hatin' tricks, while hittin' switches. Bitches is bad-mouth, cause brawlin' motherfuckers is bold, but y'all some hoes, the game should be sewed. I'm sick of psychotic society, somebody save me. Addicted to drama so even Mama couldn't raise me. Even the preacher and all my teachers couldn't reach me. I run in the streets and puffin' weed wit my peeps... I'm duckin' the cop, I hit the weed as I'm clutchin' my Glock...
[Editor's Note: At this point in our non-interview, the 2Pac Hologram began to sniffle a bit and then openly weep. The two Digital Domain programmers re-entered the room with a hologram box of Kleenex, insisting that we cut this part of the interview. Our non-conversation concludes below.]
Finally, Hologram 2Pac, if you could correct one regret in your life, what would it be?
[Thinks] What the fuck is up Coachellaaaaaa?
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Yes, it's true that Hologram 2Pac is noticeably hush-hush about his future plans, but I think we can all agree that 2D holograms of dead singers is truly the future of music and a technological marvel to behold. In closing, I'd like to thank 2Pac Hologram for his time and the crack team of Digital Domain programmers for making our enlightening non-chat a possibility.
Be sure to check back next week, when I won't be speaking with more of the biggest names in music, film, sports and politics. See you then!
Follow Brett Warner on Twitter: @Erasurehead
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