2Pac, also known as Tupac Shakur, was an influential and iconic American rapper, actor, and activist. Born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York City, 2Pac rose to prominence in the 1990s as one of the most impactful and talented figures in hip-hop.
Known for his raw lyricism, poetic storytelling, and socially conscious messages, 2Pac’s music captured the struggles and realities of inner-city life. His powerful and emotionally charged verses addressed topics such as poverty, racism, police brutality, and social injustice, resonating with a generation seeking to be heard and understood.
2Pac’s albums, including “Me Against the World” and “All Eyez on Me,” became instant classics and are regarded as some of the greatest rap albums of all time. Hits like “California Love,” “Dear Mama,” and “Changes” not only showcased his lyrical prowess but also demonstrated his ability to blend elements of West Coast gangsta rap with introspective and thought-provoking themes.
Beyond his musical talent, 2Pac’s charisma and magnetic personality made him a cultural icon. He used his platform to advocate for social change and shed light on the issues affecting marginalized communities. His activism and outspokenness earned him both devoted followers and controversial attention, solidifying his status as a cultural provocateur.
Tragically, on September 13, 1996, 2Pac was fatally shot in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas, leaving a void in the music industry and the hearts of his fans. Despite his untimely death, his influence on hip-hop and popular culture continues to reverberate. 2Pac’s poetic lyricism, passion, and unapologetic approach to addressing societal issues have made him an enduring and legendary figure in the world of music.
1. Dear Mama – Me Against The World (1995)
This hit song by the legendary rapper 2Pac touches the hearts of listeners as he pays tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur. It is known for its relatable lyrics and catchy hook that creates a timeless vibe. The song narrates the struggles faced by his single mother while raising him and expresses gratitude towards her. Its emotional depth and personal touch make it a fan favorite.
The production includes a mellow beat with soft piano keys that complement 2Pac's raw and vulnerable delivery. The track stands out as one of the most sincere songs in hip-hop history, showcasing both his mastery of storytelling and technical skills. It remained at number nine on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart for five weeks.
Overall, 'Dear Mama – Me Against The World' captures 2PAC's unique ability to connect with his audience through real-life experiences and showcases his immense contribution to the genre.
California Love will make you want to hop in a lowrider and cruise down the Golden State's highways, even if you're stuck in traffic on the interstate.
2. California Love – All Eyez On Me (1996)
This 1996 hit, found on the album 'All Eyez On Me', boasts a catchy beat and hard-hitting lyrics that showcase 2Pac at his finest. By employing his signature storytelling style and working together with the legendary Dr. Dre, 2Pac's 'California Love' has earned its place as one of his most iconic tracks. The song's triumphant chorus and memorable verses remain influential in hip-hop to this day. 'Keep Ya Head Up – Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.' follows as the next entry on our list of the best 2Pac songs.
One unique thing about 'California Love' is it initially started out as a Dr. Dre track featuring Ice Cube but was eventually passed to 2Pac, leading to an instant classic being born. It's also interesting to note that this song features background vocals from a young Nate Dogg, who went on to have a successful solo career in addition to collaborating with many other huge artists in the rap game.
According to Ranker.com, 'California Love' remains one of the most beloved songs in all of rap music history.
Changes may have been a hit, but let's not forget about the other tracks on 2Pac's Greatest Hits album that are worth a listen.
3. Changes – Greatest Hits (1998)
The compilation album titled after one of 2Pac's most poignant tracks, showcases some of the rapper's most relevant and socially conscious work. Its opening track "Changes" is a masterpiece, using samples from Bruce Hornsby's 1986 hit "The Way It Is" as a backdrop to the sobering lyrics about police brutality and societal inequalities. The song has become an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement and a timeless representation of 2Pac's vision for revolution through music.
Hail Mary isn't just a prayer, it's also one of 2Pac's best tracks that'll have you feeling like a gangsta in no time.
4. Hail Mary – The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)
This iconic track is listed as one of the 10 best 2Pac songs due to its powerful and provocative lyrics. Found on his album, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 'Hail Mary' has become a staple of not just hip-hop culture but also pop culture as a whole.
The song's opening line "I ain't a killer but don't push me, revenge is like the sweetest joy next to getting pu***" sets the tone for the rest of the track which continues to delve into themes of violence, betrayal and street life.
One of 2Pac's most famous songs, it stands out from his other hits due to its ominous production and eerie feel – elements that have resonated with fans over time.
Some argue that the song takes on religious undertones with Pac referring to himself as 'the second coming' and speaking of heaven and hell in different verses.
Despite being released over two decades ago, fans still find themselves drawn to 'Hail Mary', proving that good music never truly fades away.
(Source: Complex)
2Pac and Snoop Dogg team up for a rap duet so good, it's criminal – which makes sense since they're both former inmates.
5. 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of the best tracks from 2pac's classic album 'All Eyez on Me' is a collaboration with Snoop Dogg called '2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted'. The song was released in 1996 and showcases the lyrical prowess of both artists.
Below is a table that highlights some key features of the song:
| Song Name | Album | Artists | Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted | All Eyez On Me | 2Pac, Snoop Dogg | May 7, 1996 |
This track stands out for its hard-hitting lyrics and unstoppable energy. The powerful lines make it clear why these two guys are some of the most respected rappers in history.
It's impossible to mention this iconic song and not feel the urge to revisit it immediately. Don't miss out on this timeless masterpiece – give '2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted' a listen today!
If you ain't got this song on your playlist, I ain't mad at cha…but you're missing out on some serious 2Pac vibes.
6. I Ain’t Mad At Cha – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of the iconic songs off 2Pac's album, All Eyez On Me (1996), is the sentimental yet emotional track "I Ain't Mad at Cha." The song explores the struggles and transformations from his past with lyrical depth. Pac mentions his friends who have died or turned their backs on him while simultaneously expressing his understanding and forgiveness towards them. The rhythm and beats complement the lyrics by providing a smooth melody for listeners to vibe along with. "I Ain't Mad at Cha" was released as one of the last singles that 2Pac got to see before he was tragically killed.
Not only does "I Ain't Mad At Cha" describe a raw, emotional story, but it also shows how despite losing people close to you, you can still love them in your heart. For instance, Tupac mentioned in an interview with MTV how he wanted this song to show a softer side to him as well. This track stands out from others on his album because it's stripped down to purely Tupac's voice and emotions connecting directly with listeners.
Listeners gained insight into Tupac's thoughts through real experiences shared in “I Ain't Mad At Cha”. He sings about his old friends turning away from him because of their successful pursuits while Tupac wanted more than just rap success; he saw bigger things beyond that life stage. Despite their unchanged circumstances after achieving their goals, Tupac still declares that nothing will change between them which resonates deep into social aspects within people today.
The All Eyez On Me album became one of the best 2Pac albums due to massive commercial and critical success along with extraordinary widespread popularity among rap fans worldwide!
If you thought 2Pac had beef with Biggie, wait till you hear 'Hit 'Em Up' and his beef with half the hip-hop industry.
7. Hit ‘Em Up – Non-Album Single/Greatest Hits (1996/1998)
For this iconic 2Pac single, we explore the details behind ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ from his Non-Album Single/Greatest Hits collection released in 1996/1998.
| Release year | 1996/1998 |
| Album | Non-Album Single/Greatest Hits |
Although not on any album, ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ remains one of Tupac’s most notorious records for its feisty lyrics aimed at rival rappers. The single was dedicated to Tupac's long-standing feud with The Notorious B.I.G and accused him of copying his music style.
The story goes that when the song first dropped, radio stations received anonymous calls warning against playing it and many people considered it too inflammatory to be broadcast. Despite this, the track went on to become a classic hip-hop anthem.
Listening to All Eyez On Me is like taking a trip down memory lane, if memory lane was lined with bullet casings and lyrical masterpieces.
8. All Eyez On Me – All Eyez On Me (1996)
This song from Tupac's 1996 album "All Eyez On Me" is a fan favorite. It speaks about the hedonistic lifestyle of success and fame in the music industry. The track features guest verses from Snoop Dogg and Daz Dillinger, who add to the overall energy and vibe of the song. With its catchy chorus and memorable beat, "All Eyez On Me" embodies 2Pac's signature style and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Interestingly enough, this song shares a name with the album it is featured on, which was released just months before Tupac's untimely death. Despite his tragic passing, his music remains relevant and iconic to this day.
It's important to note that while "All Eyez On Me" may not be one of 2Pac's most socially conscious songs, it still showcases his skills as a lyricist and rapper. The track highlights his confidence and swagger, which made him such a beloved figure in both hip-hop culture and mainstream society.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, "All Eyez On Me" is one of Tupac's most influential works, solidifying his status as an icon in the rap world. Its impact can still be felt throughout modern music today.
2Pac may be known for his gangsta rap, but "Brenda's Got A Baby" shows his compassionate side – next up, tissues not guns.
9. Brenda’s Got A Baby – 2Pacalypse Now (1991)
This track from 2Pacalypse Now tells the tale of a teenage girl named Brenda who becomes pregnant and faces challenges as a result. The lyrics discuss financial troubles, societal pressures, and even suicide. Tupac's powerful storytelling ability is on full display here, as he sheds light on difficult social issues affecting young girls in disadvantaged communities.
The song addresses the harsh realities of Black women in America and their struggles to raise children in poverty-stricken environments. With its haunting melody and raw lyrics, "Brenda's Got A Baby" stands as one of the most poignant moments on 2Pac's debut album.
In addition to highlighting economic hardships, Tupac also critiques institutionalized racism that contributes to these complex issues. Through this song, Tupac opened up important conversations about reproductive justice, poverty alleviation and racial inequalities.
Missing out on the message of this track will be unfair not only to hip hop fans but also to society's progress for creating a better future with fundamental equality. It sets an excellent representation of how music can hold tremendous power beyond just entertaining masses.
2Pac was a ridah before Uber even existed.
10. Ambitionz Az A Ridah – All Eyez On Me (1996)
One of the tracks that stands out in 2Pac's discography is from his 1996 album 'All Eyez On Me'. The track in question truly showcases his lyricism prowess and musical abilities but avoids sounding repetitive or overdone. The song, with its catchy hook and laid-back beat, presents a perfect balance between braggadocio and storytelling.
The lyrics of the song indicate 2Pac's determination to rise above adversities and push forward. He talks about his past experiences and how they have shaped him to become the person he is today. This amazing single from 2Pac demonstrates his talent for mixing different cadences and emotions within a single number.
Interestingly enough, in "Ambitionz Az A Ridah," the iconic line "I'm a straight up menace" was not written by Tupac at all but rather by Kurupt from Tha Dogg Pound.
Overall, it is safe to say that 'Ambitionz Az A Ridah' remains one of the most characteristic singles by Tupac Shakur till this date.
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.
