Personal Top 30 #2Pac Songs
I’m barely able organize my thoughts in order to say how much I love, admire, respect and in so many words worship this man. 2Pac exceeds mere categorization as an artist, rapper, lyricist, actor, MC or whatever title people have attempted to place upon him. This man is a revolutionary. Musically, he is an artist who challenged himself to discuss topics that to this very day, people avoid. He assessed so much of society in such a short time span. People completely forget the fact that professionally, Tupac only worked on music for just 6 years. In that amount of time, he was able to amass an incredible amount of work. There are artists who cannot crack 5 albums given a decade and change. The music that allowed me to gain so much more perspective on life cannot be overlooked. I connect to 2Pac lyrics in a way that I have only witnessed in very few artists.
Holding so much power in such a young host must have been an unreal experience. My fascination with all things Tupac began in childhood and has followed me into adulthood. Hearing his hope, hunger and intensity early on made him larger than life in my eyes. As much as rappers love to put on the face of being fearless, ‘Pac never hid his fear. Knowing that there was an element of realness to him, that not even rap could dissolve, was awe inspiring. There’s also an intimacy that exists within the bulk of Tupac material. While he may have earned platinum plaques for much of it, these songs contain very private moments. I’m just thankful that he was compelled to record them and release them to the public. There’s no possible way for me to honor this man, but please join me as I give it my best shot. Let’s get into some 2Pac.
1. Smile [Scarface feat. 2Pac] (The Untouchable, 1997) – You might be looking at this and asking, “Why is a Scarface song #1?” 2Pac’s first verse on this particular song is in a very special class to me. I hold this in extremely high regard. There are not too many verses that I commit to memory in this fashion. I know this verse like the religious types know scripture. He captures so much of his reality in this song on which he is a guest. You can picture so much of what he’s describing. Life was moving at a pace that was unreal for him at the time. So when he slowed down to review it, he would later be able to recall why there was no time focus on those things he didn’t have. When you’re busy laying the foundation to ensure that you have more than the nothing you’re accustomed to, through either hustling or rhyming, it gets hectic. Those struggles you endured up to that point still aren’t enough for you to not recognize that you, at the very least, have a reason to smile every day. Motivated by the fact that he made it with seemingly impossible odds, he wanted his life to inspire those who witnessed his success. If he should happen to die or leave before he was done showing you his completed vision, you would have his words and work to push you forward. These two verses mean a whole hell of a lot to me. I interpret them as him letting those behind him or those worse off know that it will get better. All we need sometimes is encouragement. Coming up I didn’t have it the best and didn’t have it the worst, but I would cling to music for dear life. To this day I have a dependency on music. It is what keeps me sane. Scarface does an excellent job on here as well. And even though we lost ‘Pac before the song was officially released, I connected to it immediately. Everything about it is amazing.
2. Brenda’s Got A Baby (2Pacalypse Now, 1991) – I remember watching The Box as a young kid and being unable to turn away any time “Brenda’s Got A Baby” aired. In 1991 the oldest I could have possibly grown to be was 4 years old. I’ve listened to rap music for my entire life. The fact that I was a small child mesmerized by the message of this song and video was profound. 2Pac tells a story of a young woman who was dealt one hellish hand. Her surroundings do nothing to foster her mind and help her develop into a smart, ambitious lady. Instead she’s preyed upon by an older man in her life. We watch as she is forced out of her youth and thrust into motherhood with no type of preparation. Brenda doesn’t even have the relationship with her own mother to reference in order to be a good parent to her newly born baby. At the time of conception, Brenda was a preteen. She had no life experience whatsoever, but had to grow up almost overnight to provide for her newborn. Turning to any avenue as means to earn a living, she landed on prostitution. Her life soon came to an abrupt close when she was murdered. Tupac was often asked if Brenda was real. It was an insulting question, and he almost seemed annoyed to answer. There are Brenda’s of the world who aren’t shown what the world can truly hold for them before someone reduces their world to a never ending cycle of sorrow, suffering and sacrifice. It’s one of the best stories in Hip Hop history. I thank 2Pac for being brave enough to write it.
3. Ambitionz Az A Ridah (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – The song I am about to shamelessly shower with praise has been my ringtone on every phone I’ve owned since 2006. The very first track on the legendary 1996 double disc All Eyez On Me. Daz produced the FUCK out of this. I’m such a huge fan of this song. When you begin a song with Michael Buffer, shit is about to get REAL! Listen to the way it begins. The song builds at pace that makes this a real treat to watch. From the calm start, to the acceleration in the second verse, to the entire song culminating in the closing verse it’s one hell of a ride. It was delivered with such fire and controlled rage. 2Pac can be heard getting ready to leap out of the damn booth. Tenacity isn’t taught. Tupac was really ready to take it to these niggas, man. It was on.
4. White Man’z World (The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 1996) – I love the fact that you hear all of his revolutionary roots on this one. 2Pac does an excellent job at mapping out the importance of us coming together and helping each other out. The love and connection that he feels to the people is in his blood. All power to the people is the objective. It apologizes for sometimes not making that effort to be a better man, but doesn’t make excuses. Educate yourself and learn to overcome the social issues that are holding us back. Here he pays homage to his heroes and the many people who sacrificed in the name of the struggle. They dedicated their lives to the cause. We can still bring that to fruition. I’m hoping I see the day, and working like hell to carry on with that plan. Power to the people.
5. Only God Can Judge Me feat. Rappin’ 4-Tay (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – The time finally came when ‘Pac had enough of the speculation and people talking shit. “You aren’t my judge, so go fuck yourself.” It seems like it would be a nice response to the adversity. The man survived prison, a shooting that could have been fatal and was still handling an abundance of problems that just 6 years prior, he wasn’t facing. When that spotlight is now on you and it feels a few degrees warmer than the surface of the sun, most people would let it overwhelm them. Not Tupac. He handled it.
6. Pain feat. Stretch (Above the Rim: The Soundtrack, 1994) – Stretch produced a good one. R.I.P. What I will take a moment to do is discuss how they play this song throughout Above The Rim—YET IT’S NOT ON THE ACTUAL SOUNDTRACK! Way to piss me off, guys. If anybody knows pain, it’s 2Pac. The government ripped his family apart, what they didn’t manage to do, drugs filled in to finish it off. ‘Pac held a dangerous occupation as black man in America. The fact that he was able to make it this far in his journey to a share this with us is quite the accomplishment. Beautiful song.
7. Thugz Mansion feat. Anthony Hamilton [7 Remix] (Better Days, 2003) – This is an examination of the afterlife as imagined by 2Pac. In this particular setting, it’s a variation of heaven that houses those torn apart by the pressures of society. These people aren’t the typical inhabitants of heaven. He paints this scene almost from memory. You hear references to people that he’s mentioned in previous songs. Even though it appears on Better Dayz (a posthumous release) it fits perfectly amongst the rest of his catalogue. One day we’ll all be free from the suffering we see on Earth, and when that happens, we’ll be better off for it.
8. Holla At Me feat. Nanci Fletcher (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – Do not get me started. From the moment this track begins, you know it’s about to be on. 2Pac unloads on this track. His delivery was a bit quicker than we’re used to, but this one rattled off the tongue like a tommy gun. You were getting mowed down. While he never names the person who wronged him, that person sustained many open wounds with this incredible character assassination. I fuck with it. Whenever cornered, count on ‘Pac to come out swinging.
9. Picture Me Rollin’ feat. Big Syke, Danny Boy & CPO (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – When you’re sentenced to 4 years in prison for a crime you didn’t commit, and are suddenly freed with a chance to tell your story, this happens. Everyone who didn’t want 2Pac to see the light of another day could kiss his ass on this track. No one is exempt. If you didn’t fuck with him before, please do not try to be down now. It’s the ultimate revenge. And to think, someone was paid to ensure he went to jail. Boy were they pissed when they heard he came home early.
10. Lord Knows (Me Against the World, 1995) – Mortality is discussed so much in 2Pac’s music. It’s why people feel he had a prophecy about his death. I love the flow used on this track. It’s almost like he’s fed up, but not angry. This is him venting his frustrations. Remember, during the recording of this album he was going through hell in court and still trying to make as many moves as possible professionally. So much was happening that anyone would have the right to be a little stressed.
11. Got My Mind Made Up feat. Tha Dogg Pound, Redman & Method Man (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – This is one of my all-time favorite posse cuts. Daz kicks it off and does an amazing job at setting up the ‘Pac verse on this one. Rappers who rap just to prove they can do it well is never a problem over here. People try to criticize Tupac for not being Rakim. Fuck, if you want to listen to Rakim LISTEN TO RAKIM! (By the way, Rakim is the greatest EVER! I listen to Rakim. There is no country for Rakim slander.) I appreciate 2Pac as a lyricist because it’s a dope balance of charisma and verbiage. Everybody rocked it on this one. But I straight scowl through that Redman verse. He did this track something nasty. And Kurupt was just—Man. Classic cut.
12. If I Die 2Nite (Me Against The World, 1995) – On the opening track to Me Against The World, 2Pac wastes no time with needless setups. He dives into this lyrical exercise with some well-placed alliteration. I’m a fan of the elements of poetry getting some shine. This one moves at a steady pace and is themed around his untimely passing. While I’m pretty sure he hadn’t been shot at this point, you start to notice the paranoia emerge on this album. All things considered, had he passed away in ’95, it would have probably left us mourning him bit differently.
13. Ratha Be Ya Nigga feat. Richie Rich (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – What do you say about a man volunteering to relieve your man of his bedroom responsibilities? Shiiiiiiit, lol. It’s all good for your man to remain your man. In the meantime, you’re fulfilling your needs elsewhere. The indecent proposal of it all is quite comical in ways. ‘Pac and Richie Rich don’t mind the arrangement one bit. And the rules are simple; they’re not the boyfriends, confidants or caretakers. They’re simply here to knock boots and be out. 90s music celebrated the fuck out of casual sex in song.
14. 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted feat. Snoop Dogg (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – Snoop Dogg is 2Pac’s charismatic equal. I truly feel that had he not been taken from us so soon, there would have been a joint album in the works. These two go back and forth over another Daz soundscape. It’s flawless. They interact effortlessly with each other. Both had been through high profile court cases and were heavily scrutinized for violent and misogynistic lyrics. This was a match made in heaven. Plus this video is dope as hell. You gotta love it.
15. Papa’z Song feat. Wycked & Poppi (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993) – Fatherhood in Hip Hop is regarded quite differently than motherhood. 2Pac explored his struggle with not having his father in his life. Though the song is not entirely derived from his life, the importance of this song does not go unnoticed by me. Coming into your own under the circumstances that surrounded Tupac had to be difficult. Because he yearned for the relationship, but never found it, he was unrefined in areas. Anger is prevalent and he even speaks on the fear of not being a good father to his children. Not too many men will let on how deeply it hurts them or affects them, but here ‘Pac had no reservations. The bravery in much of his early recordings needs to be commended. I’m grateful to him for displaying his vulnerability so brilliantly.
16. Blasphemy feat. Ital Joe (The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 1996) – On ‘7 Day Theory’, 2Pac had an intensity to him that didn’t appear in his earlier music. My favorite part of this song is the fact that he dismisses the foolish notion that people are somehow owed acceptance into heaven because they want it. Religious bootlicking is still bootlicking. ‘Pac only offers an opinion of what he was told to believe. I respect a man with principles and I admire individuality. Everybody might not interpret the song in the same way, but that’s how I hear this one.
17. Last Wordz feat. Ice Cube & Ice T (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993) – How cool is it that 2 of my heroes appear on this song? 2Pac, Ice Cube and Ice T form a three headed monster. Each had been attacked by the music industry, law enforcement, government and the media for their lyrics. Since everyone had a chance to chime in on what they felt they needed to address, they fired back. And can we talk about how dope that was? This wasn’t a false attempt at forming a super group. These MCs just decided to kick something that would please all of their fans. When you all have a common enemy, why not unite against them?
18. Changes (Greatest Hits, 1998) – You’re reminded of the revolutionary 2Pac was born to be on this song. Assessments of our people often come off heavy and somewhat bleak. It acknowledges what’s already in place, and how it desperately needs to be changed. Does ‘Pac have the answer? No, but sometimes it just takes someone to speak out against it. I truly believe that he was going to leave rap at some point and become an activist. While it wasn’t going to be the most lucrative thing ever, I would have backed him regardless.
19. Skandalouz feat. Nate Dogg (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – Getting into one of my favorite songs on 1996’s epic double disc, I have to big up Daz Dillinger. 2Pac and Nate Dogg kick a cautionary tale about women who can’t be trusted. Women employ many tactics when they’re out to catch a man slipping. While it’s nothing I have any experience in, it made a dope song. Sonically, it’s just dope to listen to. There’s sharpness to the funky production. It also reminds you of why Daz was promoted to such a high role within the in-house production team.
20. Hold Ya Head feat. Tyrone Wrice (The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 1996) – 2Pac offered sage advice, once again, making you forget he was only 25 years old. Lyrically, this one is more poetic than most recordings from this era. I believe ‘Pac matured immensely as 1996 progressed. You hear him speaking more from a place of elder to fledgling. He recalls encounters that taught him lessons when he probably didn’t have someone shedding this knowledge on him. This was an incredible change of pace from his previous album All Eyez On Me. You’ve got to hold your head and carry on.
21. Heartz Of Men (All Eyez On Me, 1996) - First and foremost, let me praise DJ Quik for the Prince sample that appears in this song. You, sir, kick so much ass. Thank you. 2Pac is ready to ride out and strike fear in the hearts of his enemies. Vengeance was such a heavy theme in much of ‘Pac’s post shooting music. Anyone who hadn’t aligned themselves as an ally was lumped into those oftentimes unnamed people who got eviscerated lyrically. Everyone was waiting to hear what he would have to say once he was released, he didn’t disappoint here.
22. How Long Will They Mourn Me feat. Nate Dogg [with Thug Life] (Thug Life, 1994) – Death has always appeared to be an unfortunate circumstance that surrounded 2Pac, his peers and affiliates. This is a dedication to all of the fallen soldiers. The inquiry was almost a premonition, as we lost ‘Pac and I still mourn him terribly to this day. We also lost Nate Dogg, many years down the line. The lyrics suggest that we mourn, but not entirely out of sorrow. One day we’ll all see our loves ones again. But while they’re gone, there’s no shame in admitting how much you wish they were still here.
23. Hail Mary feat. The Outlawz (The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 1996) – 2Pac emerges ready for war on this one. He calmly issues the warning to those who he feels have wronged him. Backed by The Outlawz, ‘Pac appears to haunt the track. It’s methodic and deliberate in what it sets out to do. Even the video is marked ominously. Though these songs were recorded before his untimely passing, it seems as though he had it in mind to instill this type of fear whether he was alive or not. Nothing could stop 2Pac. And if you thought the shooting would, you were proven wrong.
24. Keep Ya Head Up (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993) – Words of encouragement are offered in 2Pac’s inspirational anthem. So many rap artists patronize women and come off as disingenuous, but this is as natural to him as breathing. He places himself across from women and sympathizes with them. Sympathy is also met with awe as he celebrates the strength of women who persevere through all of the trials they face. Providers, givers of love, life and light, he extends himself to the fairer sex because he is so deeply moved by them. I will always appreciate that.
25. Dear Mama (Me Against The World, 1995) – Me Against The World is the 1995 masterpiece that served almost as an audio memoir. 2Pac discusses matters close to heart and delivers an amazing ode to his mother, Afeni Shakur. Their relationship is chronicled as the song unfolds, putting a spotlight on the leading lady in his life. Despite the hard times they’ve both known, he beams with pride on this track because he knows she loved him, nurtured him, fought with and for him. Throughout it all, he has loved her unconditionally and just wanted to offer his gratitude. I love him for it.
26. Point The Finger (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993) – Being thrust into the hot seat by the media, government and various police departments is enough to make some people just give up. Due to the politically charged themes on his first album, 2Pac was most wanted. He was under fire after run ins with authorities who no doubt felt like they needed to make an example out of him. Hip Hop is no stranger to the blame game, but he always let them know just how much he didn’t give a fuck. Point two middle fingers in the air for those punk ass police and politicians trying to block his message.
27. Heavy In The Game feat. Richie Rich & Lady Levi (Me Against The World, 1995) – Every hustler has to have an anthem, ‘Pac is no exception. This one features a necessary assist from the smooth Richie Rich. They instruct those on the come up on ways to maintain yourself and your wealth in the dope game. As much game as they drop, it’s also a tale of caution. Hustling is not a lightweight endeavor, so watch your back and keep the focus on grinding. You gotta dig that advice.
28. Until The End of Time feat. R.L. (Until The End of Time, 2001) – Modern era ‘Pac is not always great, but this song is. 2Pac examines his actions and where that places him in history. For what reasons will he be remembered? He offers his insight on situations that changed him throughout the years and his impact on those around him. No matter how he left this Earth, he knew that the world would always hold onto the memories he left behind. If that isn’t the truth, I don’t know what is.
29. Holler If Ya Hear Me (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., 1993) – After emerging on the scene with 1991’s 2Pacalypse Now, 2Pac appears more experienced in life and the recording industry. He discusses the backlash to lyrics rapped on his debut and addresses those who spoke ill of him after his quick rise to fame. Because this album was created in the backdrop of the Rodney King trial, ‘Pac once more vocalized his contempt for police brutality. He called bullshit on those who falsely portrayed him, and I was here for it.
30. California Love feat. Roger Troutman & Dr. Dre (All Eyez On Me, 1996) – “Out on bail, fresh out of jail” and off to one hell of a start, 2Pac wasted no time letting people know he was home. “California Love” became a party anthem across the country. You couldn’t escape it, nor could you deny it. The Dr. Dre production is only magnified by the supercharged lyrics ‘Pac placed over it. This was such a dope track, and both music videos left this music video junkie satisfied. What a welcome back into the game that he would come to dominate.
So there you have it, folks. You don’t know how hard I tried to keep this to a 25 song post. Somewhere around the 20 mark, I noticed I only had 5 more slots but could name 20 more songs that I wanted to include. I guess you could say these blogs are to explain why I listen to the artists and how I apply their music to my life. Interpretation isn’t going to be the same for everybody. The songs that I picked aren’t all notable to most people. Majority of them aren’t singles and at least half of them are from 1996. 2Pac represents the best qualities in a man to me. He was vulnerable, but incredibly strong. There are times when ‘Pac is about as eloquent as a goat, but he writes some of the most moving poetry. His mind and passion drive so much of his music. While I don’t discuss much of his technical flow in these posts, I’m not grading him. I’m a fan of his flow and how it requires him to let a verse circulate through his entire body to record it. You can actually hear him bouncing to the track. That’s intensity, that’s something you can’t teach. It overflows until it has to be captured somehow, someway. Nothing I can think of is a fitting tribute. I love Tupac for so many reasons unrelated to rap. The man was brilliant, and I miss him dearly.
Peace, Hip Hop & Purple Rain,
GoddessCru
You know… I’m doing 30 years since the passing of 2Pac this year and I have changes to make to this 30 song list. Pac songs gotta be added.
