Nelly Honors Tupac Shakur With "California Love" Routine On "DWTS"

The rapper even re-recorded Pac's iconic verse for the performance.

BYErika Marie
Link Copied to Clipboard!
8.8K Views
Brad Barket / Stringer / Getty Images

Last week, things took an emotional turn for Nelly as his Dancing With The Stars routine was dedicated to his late sister who passed away from leukemia many years ago. In the most recent episode, Nelly switched things up as he gave a nod to the Golden State with a jazz step to Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre's "California Love." Nelly donned Tupac attire with the late rapper's signature bandana and leather torso 'fit during his dance and spoke about why he decided to go with the West Coast classic for his routine.

"He was multi-talented," Nelly said Pac. "We all come with luggage, the good and the bad, but the passion behind his songwriting and ability to touch other people has inspired me." He added, "I'm actually re-doing my version of the song... The fact that I had a chance to re-do such a great song by such a great person, and the fact that I got the chance to display that on national TV was dope to me."

Nelly recreated Tupac's iconic verse on the Hip Hop classic and fans seemed to enjoy every step. Watch his Dancing With The Stars performance with dance partner Daniella Karagach and let us know what you think.


  • Link Copied to Clipboard!
About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.