Tupac Shakur, known by his stage name 2Pac, was a highly influential American rapper, actor, and social activist. Born in 1971, his impactful career was tragically cut short when he was fatally shot in 1996, but his legacy continues to resonate.
2Pac’s music, characterized by his distinctive flow, thought-provoking lyrics, and passionate delivery, tackled social issues such as racial inequality, poverty, and urban life. He was a powerful voice for the marginalized, addressing topics like police brutality and systemic injustice. Hits like “Changes,” “Dear Mama,” and “California Love” became anthems for a generation and showcased his ability to convey raw emotion and personal experiences.
Beyond his music, 2Pac’s charismatic personality and strong beliefs made him a polarizing figure. He used his platform to speak out against social injustices and to advocate for change, becoming an inspiration for many. His intense performances and charismatic stage presence captivated audiences, and his authenticity resonated with fans around the world.
2Pac’s impact extends beyond music. He was one of the pioneers of gangsta rap, and his influence on the genre and subsequent generations of artists is undeniable. He remains one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with millions of records sold worldwide.
Even years after his passing, 2Pac’s music continues to inspire and provoke thought. His words and messages have had a lasting impact on hip-hop and society as a whole, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and iconic figures in rap music. 2Pac’s music and his commitment to speaking truth to power have made him an enduring symbol of resilience and cultural significance.
1. California Love – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of Tupac Shakur's songs that stands out is a 1996 hit, which many consider one of his masterpieces. The song in question is a popular tune that features Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman, and it's from the album, All Eyez on Me. This particular track was called "The Anthem" by some fans but officially titled "California Love."
This single was among the first released after Tupac's release from prison in 1995, and it quickly became his most successful hit to date. The start of the catchy tune samples Funkadelic's "(Not Just) Knee Deep," which sets the mood for what's to come. Tupac then raps about how he loves California while fist-pumping alongside Dr. Dre as they ride around Los Angeles.
What made this song famous was its incredible hook sang by Roger Troutman who worked wonders with the talk-box instrument to produce something magical. The beat remains timeless and still elicits reactions, especially when played in clubs or music venues today.
In an interview with MTV News, Dre revealed that it took him months of perfecting to get everything just right on this jam, but once completed, he knew he had something special on his hands: a record for all generations.
The story behind California Love is as rich as its beats and rhymes- not many know how much effort went into creating this masterpiece that remains so popular even almost three decades later!
2Pac's tribute to his mother hits harder than a truck full of tissues.
2. Dear Mama – Me Against The World (1995)
Tupac's 'Dear Mama' is an emotional and touching song from the album, Me Against The World. The song paints a beautiful picture of what it was like for Tupac growing up with his mother and the struggles that she went through to raise him and his siblings. In the song, he talks about how his mother worked hard to make ends meet, despite facing challenges such as addiction and poverty. Tupac also speaks about the love he has for his mother and how grateful he is for everything she has done for him.
Not only is 'Dear Mama' one of Tupac's best songs, but it is regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop tracks of all time. The song became an instant classic due to its heartfelt lyrics, melodic beat, and Tupac's raw emotion that shines through in every word. 'Dear Mama' is a tribute to all mothers who sacrifice everything to ensure that their children have a better life.
Furthermore, this song helped to redefine how hip-hop can portray genuine love towards one's family members in music. It showcased the more vulnerable side of Tupac that was often overlooked in favor of aggressive or violent lyrics.
Changes may be a great hit, but it's just one of the many ways 2Pac continues to inspire and influence listeners to this day.
3. Changes – Greatest Hits (1998)
The compilation album which ranks as #3 among the '10 Best 2Pac Songs of All Time' is a collection of Tupac's greatest hits. In this album, 'Changes' stands out as one of the most iconic songs produced by the rapper. The song was released posthumously and features music by Deon Evans and lyrics written by Tupac himself.
Below is a table displaying some important information about 'Changes':
| Song | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Changes | Greatest Hits | 1998 |
In addition to its commercial success, what makes 'Changes' unique is its poignant commentary on racism, police violence and social unrest in America. Through his lyrics, Tupac expresses his disillusionment with the world he lived in and calls for change. His message continues to resonate with listeners today.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, 'Changes' ranks as one of the "500 Greatest Songs of All Time".
Even 25 years later, Hail Mary still hits harder than my ex's breakup text.
4. Hail Mary – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)
One of the top 10 songs by 2Pac is a track from his album The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory released in 1996. This song is an absolute masterpiece and goes by the name of Hail Mary.
Hail Mary showcases Tupac’s aggressive style with powerful lyrics, strong beats and compelling storytelling which makes it one of his most iconic tracks ever made. It captivates all his listeners with its deep and thought-provoking lyrics that touch upon various themes like faith, spirituality, betrayal and much more.
This track undoubtedly highlights Pac's writing and rapping skills at its best as he reflects on his past experiences while giving out intimidating vibes in this hard-hitting song.
Pro Tip: Enjoy this highly provocative classic while you take a long evening walk.
If 2Pac and Snoop Dogg are wanted, I'm turning a blind eye – I'm too busy jamming out to '2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted'.
5. 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of the most celebrated tracks in 2Pac's discography, the rap legend teams up with fellow rapper Snoop Dogg to deliver a fiery performance on '2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted'. Part of his fourth studio album 'All Eyez On Me', the song deals with themes of police brutality, racism and societal oppression in a way that only 2Pac can pull off.
For better readability, below is a tabular representation of key aspects:
| Song Name | Album Name | Collaborator |
|---|---|---|
| 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted | All Eyez On Me | Snoop Dogg |
The track features aggressive verses from both rappers paired with an unforgettable hook and some killer production. This was also one of the last songs Tupac recorded before he was tragically killed, making it a poignant and powerful addition to his legacy.
Pro Tip: The song remains popular among fans and is often cited as one of the best collaborations between two West Coast powerhouses. Even if you're mad at cha ex, you can still appreciate the smooth flow of 'I Ain't Mad At Cha' on repeat.
6. I Ain’t Mad At Cha – All Eyez On Me (1996)
This entry in the list showcases Tupac's reflective side as he takes the listener on a journey through his life. "I Ain't Mad At Cha" is a soulful and emotional track that touches on themes of regret, loss, and growth. Its somber melody and Tupac's heartfelt lyrics make it a standout song from the album "All Eyez On Me." The track also features samples from DeBarge's "A Dream" and is a truly unique fusion of rap and R&B.
One of the standout elements of this song is how honest Tupac is about his own personal demons. He admits to making mistakes and losing friends along the way but ultimately expresses that he holds no ill will towards anyone. This level of vulnerability was rare in rap at the time and helped cement Tupac's legacy as one of the most introspective artists of his generation.
Overall, "I Ain't Mad At Cha" is a deeply personal song that provides insight into Tupac's complex psyche. Its timeless message of forgiveness resonates even to this day, making it one of his best tracks ever produced. For those looking for an emotional journey through Tupac's life, "I Ain't Mad At Cha" is definitely worth a listen.
If you're looking for a song to fuel your inner gangster, 'Hit 'Em Up' is the perfect soundtrack to your next drive-by grocery run.
7. Hit ‘Em Up – Non-Album Single/Greatest Hits (1996/1998)
One of 2Pac's most iconic tracks is a non-album single that broke waves in 1996, 'Hit 'Em Up'. The song is included in the Greatest Hits album released in 1998. It's a powerful diss track aimed at East Coast rappers and has become a legendary part of hip hop history.
| Song | Album Name | Year Released |
|---|---|---|
| Hit 'Em Up | Greatest Hits | 1996/1998 |
This track stands out for its heavy beats, fiery lyrics, and blatant callouts towards other rappers. 'Hit 'Em Up' is notorious for igniting the infamous West Coast-East Coast hip hop feud.
Legend has it that Tupac wrote this song as soon as he heard about the robbery incident that happened to him earlier that year. He suspected Biggie Smalls (Notorious B.I.G) and Puff Daddy's (Sean Combs) involvement, calling them out on the track along with their label mates. This led to a series of escalating confrontations between both coasts.
Rumors even suggest that Tupac left hidden messages in his lyrics, predicting his own death which unfortunately came true just months later. What remains undeniable is that Hit 'Em Up will always be one of Tupac's greatest masterpieces, due to its fervent energy and historical impact on hip hop culture.
When it comes to the title track of this album, all eyes are definitely on Pac – and rightfully so.
8. All Eyez On Me – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of the standout tracks from 2Pac's iconic album All Eyez On Me, this song is a tribute to the rapper's rise to fame and the experiences that accompanied it. The production on this track is top-notch, featuring a smooth yet aggressive beat and incredible guest verses from Snoop Dogg and Tha Dogg Pound. The lyrical content of "All Eyez On Me" is classic 2Pac, with themes ranging from loyalty and friendship to power and success.
As one of 2Pac's most famous songs, "All Eyez On Me" captures the spirit of his music perfectly. The intense energy of the track combined with its impressive guest features make it an unforgettable listening experience. Furthermore, the song's place on an equally iconic album cements its status as one of 2Pac's all-time best.
It's interesting to note that "All Eyez On Me" was released just months before 2Pac's untimely death, making it one of the last pieces of music he ever recorded. This adds a layer of emotional weight to an already powerful track. Overall, "All Eyez On Me" remains a beloved piece of hip-hop history for its combination of powerful lyrics, stunning production, and unforgettable guest performances.
2Pac proves he can make you cry just as easily as he can make you nod your head with 'Brenda's Got A Baby'.
9. Brenda’s Got A Baby – 2Pacalypse Now (1991)
The heart-wrenching track from 2Pac's debut album reveals the gritty reality of poverty and teenage pregnancy. The song follows the story of a young girl named Brenda who gets pregnant and receives no support from her family or community. The vivid narration and poignant lyrics earned it critical acclaim and cemented 2Pac's reputation as a storyteller. This socially conscious track remains an important contribution to hip-hop culture and the fight against societal injustice.
In his inimitable style, 2Pac portrays Brenda’s harrowing journey from sexual assault to hidden pregnancy and eventual abandonment by society. The use of sound effects, like a baby crying, coupled with intense wordplay expresses the consequences of broken familial relationships in underprivileged areas. This classic serves not just as an anthem for neglected women but is also a melody that draws attention to the nuances of societal problems.
Brenda's Got A Baby showcases 2Pac's understanding of street life, racial inequality, social issues and the pressures that young people face every day. Despite being written about thirty years ago, it is sadly still relevant today; teen pregnancy rates remain high in low-income communities across America where struggle for resources create large social disparities. While many rappers glorify gangsters' subjects in their music like he does in his Art Nevertheless seeing him pour out empathy for knocked-up teens exemplifies his gravitas as both a rapper and activist talking about real-life struggles.
2Pac had ambition, but my only ambition now is to blast 'Ambitionz Az A Ridah' on repeat.
10. Ambitionz Az A Ridah – All Eyez On Me (1996)
A standout track on Tupac Shakur's iconic third album, Ambitionz Az A Ridah sees the rapper boast about his rise to fame and success over a hard-hitting beat. The song is notable for its memorable hook and Tupac's aggressive delivery, which perfectly captures his bravado as he proclaims himself "the baddest rapper in the history of rap." With its catchy chorus and intense energy, it's no surprise that Ambitionz Az A Ridah remains one of Tupac's most popular tracks.
Continuing his reign as the king of West Coast hip-hop, Tupac delivers another classic with this track from All Eyez On Me. With its gritty production and raw lyricism, the song showcases Tupac at his most authentic and uncompromising. From his opening lines ("I won't deny it, I'm a straight ridah"), he sets a confrontational tone that never lets up throughout the track. Despite its tough exterior, however, Ambitionz Az A Ridah also contains moments of introspection and vulnerability as Tupac grapples with the pressures of fame and fortune.
As well as being a standout example of Tupac's unique style and talent, Ambitionz Az A Ridah also reflects the cultural moment that gave rise to it. At a time when gang violence had reached epidemic proportions in many American cities, Tupac emerged as a powerful voice for those who had been marginalized or oppressed by society. Through his music, he offered both catharsis and hope to millions of fans around the world, inspiring generations of artists to come. For these reasons and more, Ambitionz Az A Ridah deserves its place among 2Pac's greatest hits.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
