The Oral History of Holler If Ya Hear Me (Episode 110)

Happy 10th anniversary, Holler If Ya Hear Me!

A decade ago, today, a musical featuring a score from one of history's most influential rappers, Tupac Shakur, opened at Broadway's Palace Theatre and we are celebrating with a special episode!

Though the production only lasted 17 previews and 38 performances, it impacted the Broadway landscape through its fearless integration of rap and hip hop with musical theatre and its addressing of social issues like gun violence in Black communities.

Dive into the musical's creation process and legacy with the people who were there: director Kenny Leon, book writer Todd Kriedler, music supervisor Daryl Waters, music director Zane Mark, and company members Ari Groover, Christina Sajous, Jahi Kearse, and Jaime Lincoln Smith.

Check back soon for the episode's full transcript.

Full list of the company and production team members:

https://playbill.com/production/holler-if-ya-hear-me-palace-theatre-vault-0000014051

Resources to learn more:

• https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/saul-williams-why-broadways-tupac-musical-closed-early-232821/

• https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/31/theater/a-tupac-musical-gets-a-second-chance.html

• https://www.baltimoresun.com/food-drink/bal-tupac-shakur-baltimore-school-for-arts-hall-of-fame-induction-story.html
  

• https://playbill.com/gallery/forever-hop-cause-it-dont-stop-on-my-block-a-first-look-at-tupac-shakur-scored-musical-holler-if-ya-hear-me-com-320942#carousel-cell7256746

• https://www.youtube.com/@HollerBway

• https://www.nytimes.com/2014/06/20/theater/holler-if-ya-hear-me-inspired-by-tupac-shakurs-rap.html

• https://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/16/theater/closing-of-holler-if-ya-hear-me-raises-questions.html

Want another oral history about a Black Broadway musical?

https://playbill.com/article/the-oral-history-of-the-scottsboro-boys