Since the announcement of the forthcoming Tupac Shakur biopic, All Eyez On Me, fans of the slain artist have been patiently waiting for its reported September release. Just a few months ago, the team behind the film shared the news that production was complete, and even posted celebratory videos on Instagram. But a wrench has been thrown in the production’s machine, bringing the feat to a screeching halt.
TMZ reports that a dispute with the song “Ambitionz as a Ridah,” which is featured in the movie, will push the motion picture’s premiere to November if the issue isn’t resolved before then.
Daz Dillinger, a pivotal member of Tha Dogg Pound, says he possesses the rights to Pac’s song since he produced the melody, which is listed on Shakur’s ’96 All Eyez On Me album. But BMG, a mega publishing company, states they’re the sole holders of the track, and can give the approval on whether or not the song will be heard in the flick. Dillinger and BMG’s legal battles have stemmed back to April when he first sued the entity for upwards of $75,000 in publishing.
Directed by Benny Boom and starring Demetrius Shipp Jr. as the legendary rapper, All Eyez On Me has since received praise from those who’ve seen it early, including The Game and Diddy.