Young Noble of The Outlawz and American Rap Star director Omar "Ice Man" Sharif, have acquired the rights to a film chronicling the life of Afeni Shakur, mother to beloved rapper Tupac.
The movie, titled Dear Mama: The Life Story of Afeni Shakur, will focus on Afeni's life from her birth in Lumberton, North Carolina as Alice Faye Williams to her involvement with the Black Panther Party.
The flick, which will be released through Noble and Sharif's HollyHood Filmz production company, will detail Shakur's drug addiction, the murder of her son, and her legal battles to obtain the rights to Pac's unreleased material.
"The Dear Mama story is long overdue," Young Noble explained via a statement. "I'm just so blessed to be in a position to produce this movie and make sure Afeni and Pac is proud when it's done. This movie will offer hope and be an inspiration to the millions of people who will see it."
"This incredible lady defended herself in court while pregnant with Tupac during a bomb conspiracy trial, facing 352 years and was acquitted of 156 counts against her and 20 other members of the Black Panther Party," he added. "I felt that the world needs to know where Tupac got his mind, heart, spirit and courage, so I called Afeni with the idea. She was excited and gave me her blessing. The rest will be movie history."
HollyHood Filmz is presently in negotiations with various producers and directors for the project. Afeni's Amaru Entertainment will also participate in the movie's production.
Dear Mama's soundtrack will be produced by Young Buck and The Outlawz for Cashville Recordz/1nationentertainment in conjunction with Amaru Entertainment. The set will feature music from 50 Cent, T.I. ,Young Buck, The Outlawz and their protégés Stormey and Begetz, among others.
Afeni is also developing a feature film based on Tupac, a book, and several forthcoming posthumous albums containing unreleased music.