Lil Xan may not have too much love for 2Pac. But that didn’t stop him from playing Tupac Shakur’s “California Love” at a recent show in Pomona, Calif.
Xan threw the classic Dr. Dre collaboration on during his concert. Fans chanted along to the California anthem, while the burgeoning rapper danced across the stage. He sang a portion the legendary hook but failed to recite any the rap lyrics in a video that surfaced online.
The move comes on the heels controversy. Last month, Xan gave Tupac a “clout” rating “2” during an interview with Revolt. He complained that the iconic MC made “boring music.”
Fans and fellow artists weren’t having it. Waka Flocka Flame “banned” Xan from hip-hop altogether. Some supporters reportedly chased him around his hometown Redlands, Calif. demanding an explanation.
The backlash got so intense, in fact, that Xan allegedly called the police to help him get to safety. “They’re saying I’m a pussy for the police escorting me,” he said. “Call me a pussy all you want. I’m not a gang-banging rapper.”
Xan would later backtrack from his 2Pac statements. “The media twisted my words,” he said. “I think 2Pac is a legend. 2Pac is a definitely legend. They just twist your words and want you to hate me. Don’t hate me.”
Lil Xan’s debut album, Total Xanarchy, is due April 6.