For all you doubters out there who wonder if rapper extraordinaire Snoop Dogg can top himself at a live show, then consider what happened at the Coachella Music and Arts Festival in April 2012. Iconic West Coast rapper Tupac Shakur appeared before the live audience via hologram form. As Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg started to end the show, Tupac got some technologically advanced love and rose onto the main stage for a brief appearance.

Yes, it was an incredible moment and felt more than a little creepy, since Tupac was murdered over 15 years ago. However, fans got to see a hologram of Tupac walking and talking. Not only did he gesture and get into the feel of the event, but he also greeted the crowd with what fans remember as the late Tupac’s distinctive voice. People are still talking about it one day removed from the event and the Twitter world is all-abuzz. Some people had criticism, some people laughed and some people reminisced.

Snoop Dogg definitely brought the house down and even got to rap with Tupac as they performed 2 of “Americaz Most Wanted”. Tupac also rapped “Hail Mary” and soaked in the adulation of the crowd. How did they do that? The hologram was created by Musion Eyeliner, which uses a stage illusion trick and high definition video to make moving images appear with a live stage setting. The technology also earned fame by recreating Frank Sinatra, as well as creating animated characters for the Gorillaz and the Genki Rockets.

With this audacious and yet brilliant move of showmanship, Snoop Dogg has presented himself not just as a great rapper but also as a great entertainer. We’re kind of surprised Dogg and Dre thought of this before Madonna or Lady Gaga. No word yet on whether Tupac will appear on the next Star Trek movie, but hey, hologram entertainers are definitely on the “IT” list in 2012. Why not come experience the music and the magic of today’s rap icon Snoop Dogg? Rest assured, he shows an equal amount of respect and disrespect at his live shows, always keeping us guessing.