Tupac Shakur musical set for Broadway

A musical inspired by the music of slain rapper Tupac Shakur is set to make its Broadway debut.

Holler If Ya Hear Me, based on music by the rapper - who was killed in a drive-by shooting in 1996, aged 25 - is set in the present in an unnamed Midwestern industrial city and follows the struggles of two childhood friends and their families.

The non-biographical musical is currently underway in a New York workshop production but is expected to move to Broadway as part of the 2013/014 season.

Director Kenny Leon told Broadway.com: "Tupac was a prophet and I want everyone to see that. ['Holler If Ya Hear Me'] is a present day musical using all of Tupac's music, but Tupac is not a character in the musical."

It will include choreography by Wayne Cilento, musical supervision by Daryl Waters, set and video design by David Gallo, costume design by Reggie Ray, and lighting by Mike Baldassari.

Tupac's mother, Afeni Shaku, is one of the show's producers.

When he died, Tupac left behind an extensive catalogue of unreleased material, which his mother recently vowed to make public so a new generation of fans can hear his music.

She said: "I believe it is our responsibility to make sure that Tupac's entire body of work is made available for his fans. My son left many incomplete pieces and even more unfinished ideas. Using the blueprints he gave us, I am committed to fulfilling this duty."

The rapper's mother - who runs the Tupac Amaru Shakur Foundation, which helps underprivileged children receive an education - was the head of her son's estate following his death, but has since handed it over to Jampol Artist Management (JAM), who have dedicated themselves to preserving the Changes star's legacy.

JAM founder Jeffrey Jampol added: "It's our responsibility, and our privilege, to ensure that new generations of fans experience the power of Tupac's music, his ideas and his storytelling."

Tupac, who was known under stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, released six albums during his lifetime, while six more records were posthumously released following his death in 1996

His last record - 2006's Pac's Life - marked the 10 year anniversary of the rapper's death.