Nelly chose to honor Tupac for Icons Night on “Dancing with the Stars,” and even recorded a cover of his song “California Love.”

When “Extra’s” Rachel Lindsay caught up with Nelly after the show, they chatted about how “DWTS” uses cover songs, and Nelly said he didn’t want to dance to anyone else performing the hit song.

Nelly, who was joined by partner Daniella Karagach, said, “He is such an icon to me… If anybody is going to emulate this great man, it is going to be me,” he said.