The highly anticipated and often delayed 2pac biopic is one step closer to actually becoming a reality. John Singleton has been tapped to rewrite, direct and produce the film, which he’s long wanted to do anyway.

"Tupac was the guy who I planned to do a lifetime of films with," Singleton told Variety. "His passing deeply affected my life as well as countless people in this world. His life story [is] important to my generation."

Singleton directed Shakur in his breakthrough role in the film "Poetic Justice" alongside Janet Jackson, and has grown close with the slain rapper’s family since his death in 1996. Here’s how close the two were back in 1994:

The next step is casting the actor who will play 2pac. Singleton said that he hopes to begin production in June.