LOS ANGELES (by Phyllis Pollack/ Def Press Public Relations) -
Geto Boys member Bushwick Bill has been slated as the special surprise celebrity guest to model at the First Annual Makaveli Branded Fashion Show, scheduled for New Years Day in Los Angeles, California. The line represents hip-hop clothing inspired by today's latest fashion trends, utilizing exclusive Tupac photos and excerpts of his legendary poetry.
States Bushwick, 'It is significant that this event is being held in Los Angeles on New Years. This day represents the birth of a new year, and this clothing line, owned by his mother, Afeni, is one more way of representing the streets and the realism of his life and hiphop style. Through his clothing, we are sending a reminder of Tupac's words and messages.' Bushwick was originally introduced to the late rapper by their mutual friend, Treach of Naughty By Nature.
Bushwick explains, 'Pac had just finished filming Juice, and he told me he always loved the Geto Boys and the intelligence I expressed in interviews. His whole energy of how he felt about my music told me that he was a fan of the music, and not just an artist. That gave me an insight as to how I should feel as an artist about the music. To him, music was oxygen.'
Bushwick explains, 'Pac and Makaveli Branded are the same thing to me because people put on clothing according to how they feel, and how they want to express themselves and Pac's lyrics covered all emotions, like Tupac's clothes cover all people.'
This event will also celebrate the release of 2Pac's latest album Loyal To The Game on Interscope/Amaru Records. Bushwick elablorates, 'For those of us who were personal friends of Tupac, the clothing line has a special meaning.'
He adds, "Because Tupac has always expressed his life experiences through hiphop music, and because those of us who have travelled these roads know the truth, I feel blessed to stand up for something that is right and that is true, and in this case, the clothes are the extension of the man."
Special Invited Guests include the likes of Lisa Raye, Jon B., Digital Underground, The Outlaws, Warren G, the late Eazy-E's son Lil' E, who will debut his latest single that features Tupac and Biggie, at the event, Alex Thomas, Anthony Anderson, Lamar Odum of the L.A. Lakers, Cedric The Entertainer and many more celebrity surprises. There will also be special live performance by Sly Boogy, along with many more to be announced.
Bushwick will be releasing a solo album, Gutta Mixx, on Adex Records on March 8. He said there is a lot to look forward to in the '05, including the introduction of Makaveli Rose, the female apparel line represented by Tupac's sister.
The fashion show will be held at L.A.'s Century Club, and will feature several DJ's spinning tributes of 2Pac's greatest hits, accompanied by a 3D interactive projector show that bounces to the beat of the music, presented by VJ Sound Brew. This event will feature live coverage from B.E.T.
There will also be special giveaways all night from Makaveli Branded, Interscope/Amaru Records, Raw Dawg and DUB Magazine.
The primary organizers of the event were Khass street team, Lollipop Marketing and Entertainment, and Bobby Hernandez, known for his work with Nexetooserve and Dub Magazine.
