T.I. Calls Tupac Hologram An "Oh Sh*t" Hip-Hop Moment

The self-proclaimed "King of the South" T.I. recently offered his take on the late Tupac Shakur making headlines last weekend with a jaw-dropping hologram Coachella performance.

In Tip's perspective, the digital Shakur set could have an ever-lasting impact on future hip-hop performances.

"I think it adds to the experience of a show, man. I think it's technology used to benefit the consumer when they come to a concert," T.I. said in an interview. "Basically, it was an 'Oh sh*t' moment. .... I'm really thinking, 'Wait a minute - if I could get this same technology to perform in three cities at one time, then that's another stream of revenue!' I could do six shows a night in six different places." (Shade 45)

Former Pac nemesis Nas even co-signed the hip-hop moment.

For Nas, the hologram was a reminder of the fallen rapper's cultural significance. And who better than West Coast legends Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg -- who are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Dre's "The Chronic" later this year -- to herald that message? "It makes sense that Dre and Snoop would bring him out -- they are kings in the hip-hop business, and they prove it time and time again," says Nas. "That's what it's all about. We love Tupac, the world loves Tupac, and he's one of the greatest hip-hop artists who ever lived. He deserves that, to be celebrated like that and remembered like that." (Billboard)

A few days ago, West Coast producer Dr. Dre talked about the eye-catching performance.

While nothing has been made official, Dre said, "I think everybody's in love with it right now. We're having fun." The rapper-producer noted that the current technology only allows for flat projections that appear three-dimensional from the front, but he said he's "working on some new and different things for the future." He also mentioned how he hopes other artists will be able to bring out their favorites in hologram form: "Hopefully we can see Jimi Hendrix and Marvin Gaye . . . Let's see what happens." Following the success of the performance, there's been plenty of talk about the possibility of taking the Tupac hologram on tour. (Rolling Stone)

Still in the early stages, a possible hologram Pac tour could take place in the future.

Representatives for Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg plan to discuss logistics for a tour involving the two performers and the virtual Tupac, according to a person familiar with the discussions. One option would be a tour in stadiums, involving other hip-hop stars, including Eminem, 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa. Alternately, they could stage a more limited tour, featuring only Dre, Snoop Dogg and the virtual Tupac, in smaller arenas. (Wall Street Journal)

Check out T.I.'s interview below: