In the heart of Los Angeles, where hip-hop culture and sports history intertwine, a once-overlooked image has transformed into a cultural touchstone bridging generations of fans.
The legacy of iconic rapper Tupac Shakur came alive at Crypto.com Arena as the Los Angeles Kings celebrated a collaboration featuring the late artist’s final studio album.
The iconic photograph of Tupac Shakur wearing an LA Kings hat, captured by Peter Darley Miller in 1991, has become the centerpiece of an unexpected collaboration between music and sports memorabilia giants.
“Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory – LA Kings Edition” and limited-edition 2Pac x LA Kings merchandise debuted Saturday during the Kings’ game against the Nashville Predators. Throughout the evening, 2Pac’s music and videos energized the crowd.
The collaboration highlights the Kings’ adoption of “To Live & Die in L.A.” — one of the album’s singles — as the official game song for all home games moving forward.
Released on Nov. 5, 1996, less than two months after the rapper’s death under Shakur’s alter ego Makaveli, “Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. The Recording Industry Association of America has since certified the album four times platinum.
The merchandise collection features a meticulously recreated New Era cap matching the one from Miller’s photograph, complete with Tupac’s logo discreetly embroidered on the side. Mitchell & Ness contributed a limited-edition t-shirt featuring the original picture and a sweatshirt emblazoned with custom Tupac x LA Kings branding.
Limited quantities of the collaboration items are now available online for fans who missed the in-arena opportunity.
This partnership bridges Los Angeles sports culture with one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, whose connection to the city remains strong nearly three decades after his death.
