NEW YORK -- The upcoming Broadway musical inspired by Tupac Shakur songs will star Saul Williams, the poet and singer best known for the film "Slam."

Producers said this week the rest of the cast of "Holler If Ya Hear Me" will include Tonya Pinkins, Christopher Jackson, Saycon Sengbloh, Ben Thompson and John Earl Jelks.

The musical is not a biography of Shakur but uses his songs to explore the story of two friends who live in a low-income neighbourhood in the Midwest. It will feature "California Love," "Keep Ya Head Up," and "Me Against the World."

The musical has a story by Todd Kreidler, who was a dramaturge for "Radio Golf," and is directed by Kenny Leon. It begins performances May 29 and will open June 19 at the Palace Theatre.