In a recent interview, Maino spoke on Tupac's impact and how he was able to speak to the black male experience like no other. He told Shirley Ju, "He was able to put the feelings and the emotions of being a young n***a trapped, you know, in and out of jail, being in the streets." "Dealing with confrontations and conflicts with other black males," he continued, "you know hustling and getting money, dealing with death of your homies and prison." Maino says, "He spoke to [the black male experience] like no other, still even to this day I don't think nobody speaks to that experience like him."
Tupac received additional praise today, when he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Various other Tupac supporters have shared how they feel as though he should have received a star sooner. "It took them 25 years + to give Tupac a star on Hollywood Blvd?” YG asked. “Y’all got him f****ed all the way up.” Boosie Badazz added, "Don’t worry he saying F**K YALL from the Grave." Ana Martinez, producer of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, said “This iconic artist has continued to be part of the zeitgeist for decades after his passing and will continue to be an important cultural figure for many years to come," ahead of the ceremony.
Maino Says Nobody Does It Like Tupac
Maino also recently shared his thoughts on Ja Morant's behavior. Morant was suspended from the Memphis Grizzlies in May, following an incident where he flashed a gun on Instagram Live. Maino says the behavior has nothing to do with rap, claiming that Morant just needs to learn from his mistakes. He told TMZ, “All of us — as men, as adults — we have responsibilities and decisions to make. That’s like when keeping it real goes all the way wrong. How real do you need to keep it?"
Maino went on to say, “We know you like the music, you come from a culture. But homie, truth be told, you got way more opportunity than the average person. Don’t throw the opportunity away trying to keep up with what’s going on.” “It’s sad but sometimes we gotta learn the hard way,” he added, "What else can you say? You already was in this situation. I’m the last person to try to condemn somebody for making mistakes because I’ve made many, but c’mon, it’s not even about being a role model…you have the opportunity to change lives.”