2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for rapper SKG, born Helecia Choyce. As she reflects on her career, she is especially mindful of the 24th anniversary of Tupac Shakur’s legendary album Until the End of Time, a project that holds significant meaning in SKG’s journey. As a teenager, SKG not only wrote and performed on the album’s #4 single, “Let Em Have It,” but she also experienced life-changing support from someone whose influence would continue to shape her career: Afeni Shakur, Tupac’s mother.
To commemorate this milestone, SKG has released “Thank You Afeni,” a heartfelt tribute to the woman who helped her when she needed it the most. In the short doc, SKG expresses her deep gratitude for the way Afeni played a pivotal role in her life, helping her secure a five-figure check from Interscope Records during a time when SKG was struggling with homelessness and single motherhood. The support allowed SKG to provide a better life for her young daughter and gave her the financial stability to continue chasing her dreams.
But the tribute goes beyond just the financial help Afeni offered. SKG credits Afeni with sparking a crucial shift in her perspective, motivating her to learn the business side of the music industry. Afeni’s mentorship pushed SKG to see herself as more than just an artist in front of the mic but also as someone who could navigate the complexities of the music industry behind the scenes. This guidance would go on to shape SKG into a versatile “jack of all trades,” thriving both as a performer and a behind-the-scenes contributor.
“Thank You Afeni” is not just a interview tribute, but a powerful testimony—a reflection of the significant impact Afeni Shakur had on many artists, particularly on the West Coast. Afeni’s wisdom, strength, and guidance extended far beyond Tupac, helping to shape the careers of several other artists, including SKG. In a world where the influence of behind-the-scenes figures is often overlooked, SKG’s tribute to Afeni highlights the transformative role she played in the lives of so many.
As the anniversary of Until the End of Time approaches, SKG’s tribute serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of mentorship, kindness, and the wisdom passed down by those who truly believe in the potential of others. Through “Thank You Afeni,”
SKG not only honors Tupac’s legacy but also the incredible influence of Afeni Shakur, a woman whose legacy continues to resonate through hip-hop culture.
This anniversary serves as an opportunity to reflect on the timeless impact of Tupac’s music, but it also gives us the chance to acknowledge the unsung heroes, like Afeni, whose influence continues to inspire and uplift future generations of artists. Through her guidance, SKG is now using her platform to give back to the next wave of talent, ensuring that the cycle of mentorship and empowerment continues.
Watch “Thank You Afeni” Now
Edited and Directed by Kris Petersen
KPE Media
