2Pac, also known as Tupac Shakur, was a highly influential American rapper, actor, and activist who emerged as one of the most iconic figures in the history of hip-hop music. Born on June 16, 1971, in East Harlem, New York, Tupac moved to California in his teenage years, where he began his career and eventually achieved worldwide fame.
With his powerful and introspective lyrics, Tupac addressed issues such as racism, social inequality, and urban violence, making him a voice for the voiceless. His music was a reflection of his personal experiences and struggles, resonating with millions of listeners who could relate to his raw emotions and candid storytelling.
Tupac’s albums, including “Me Against the World,” “All Eyez on Me,” and “The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory,” showcased his versatility as an artist, combining thought-provoking lyrics with catchy beats. He effortlessly switched between aggressive, hard-hitting tracks and introspective, soulful ballads, demonstrating his multifaceted talent.
Beyond his musical career, Tupac was an outspoken advocate for social justice, using his platform to shed light on issues affecting marginalized communities. He embraced his role as a leader and inspired many with his dedication to making a positive impact on society.
Tragically, Tupac’s life was cut short when he was fatally shot in Las Vegas on September 13, 1996, at the age of 25. Despite his untimely death, his legacy continues to resonate, as his music and activism remain relevant to this day. Tupac Shakur is remembered as an icon of the hip-hop genre, a symbol of resilience, and an artist who used his voice to speak truth to power.
1. ‘Papa’z Song’ – Strictly for my N.I.-.-.A.Z
This track showcases 2Pac's raw expression of struggle, with lyrics referring to his father's absence and the impact that had on him. 'Papa'z Song', featured in the album 'Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z…', is a poignant narrative-driven masterpiece that takes listeners through a journey of emotions.
The song's hard-hitting lyrics touch upon the difficulties he faced growing up without a father, as well as the resulting pain and anger. With its powerful beat as its backdrop, Tupac shows authenticity in his flow, which results in one of his most vulnerable and deeply personal tracks.
'Papa'z Song' is distinct due to its contemplative and introspective mood that stands out from typical gangsta rap themes. The track showcases Tupac's exceptional writing and delivery skills, coupled with choppy rhythms that add depth to the song.
Interestingly, Tupac wrote this song after having nightmares about his deceased friend who was gunned down too early. He then turned it into an emotional father-son ballad for all those who lost someone they looked up to.
According to Rolling Stone magazine, this track "poignantly represents" the late rapper's emotional state and urges listeners to look beyond what meets the eye.
'Me Against the World? More like Me Against My Tissues after listening to ‘So Many Tears’'.
2. ‘So Many Tears’ – Me Against the World
This song from Tupac's album 'Me Against the World' showcases his reflective storytelling abilities. Through heart-wrenching lyrics, he narrates his struggles as a young Black man in America and the pain that comes with losing loved ones. The slow-paced beat with subtle piano melodies compliments Tupac's emotional rendition perfectly.
The track was released after Tupac survived an assassination attempt and before he eventually went to prison. It is essentially a masterpiece that demonstrates the rapper's ability to evoke emotions through his music.
In contrast to many of Tupac's other tracks, 'So Many Tears' exhibits genuine vulnerability and introspection. Tupac rhymes poetically about accepting personal responsibility for societal ills such as gang violence, drugs, and poverty while lamenting hopelessness in finding solutions.
One interesting fact about 'So Many Tears' is that it was originally meant for Prince Ital Joe featuring Tupac. Still, Gladys Knight, who discovered him in Baltimore and became his mentor, convinced him to rap the verses himself.
Tupac has left an indelible mark on hip-hop with this song, and it remains one of his most celebrated works of art.
2Pac pays tribute to his mother in ‘Dear Mama’, proving that even gangsters have soft spots…and moms everywhere are adding it to their playlists.
3. ‘Dear Mama’ – Me Against the World
This track from 2Pac’s iconic album, Me Against the World, is a poignant tribute to his mother and her struggles in providing for him as a single parent. The heartfelt lyrics are infused with emotion and sincerity, making it one of the best songs he ever composed. ‘Dear Mama’ showcases his ability to be vulnerable and introspective while still shedding light on the harsh realities of life. With its powerful message and smooth melody, this song is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who listen.
2Pac’s lyrical genius shines through in ‘Dear Mama,’ making it an unforgettable tribute to his mother. He pours out his emotions in every verse as he recounts the hardships his mother faced while raising him. From dealing with poverty to drug addiction, he lays bare their struggles and gratitude towards each other. His heartfelt message echoes through each line, leaving the listener feeling touched and inspired.
What sets ‘Dear Mama’ apart from some of 2Pac's other works is its emotional impact. This song gives us a glimpse into the artist's personality that viewers may not have seen before. It showcases that Tupac was more than just a rapper; he was also an incredibly compassionate man capable of profound feelings and love towards others.
In one interview, 2Pac revealed that writing ‘Dear Mama’ brought many tears to his eyes since it helped him come to terms with some unresolved issues with his mother before her passing away five years later.
‘Dear Mama’ leaves an indelible mark on anyone who hears or listens to it, making it one of 2Pac's most famous songs.
2Pac may have been trapped in his music, but with 'Trapped' he brought a raw energy that broke free from societal constraints.
4. ‘Trapped’ – 2Pacalypse Now
This song from 2Pac's debut album, which is titled 'Trapped', showcases the rapper's anger and frustration towards the societal issues of poverty, racism, and police brutality. In this track, he emphasizes how these circumstances have made it difficult for him to escape his current situation. In addition, the beat and sample used in this song helps to amplify the sentiment of a feeling trapped. It has been praised for its powerful lyrics that continue to be relevant today.
Furthermore, Trapped was inspired by Tupac's own experiences growing up in impoverished neighborhoods where he witnessed and experienced first-hand these societal evils. With this track, Tupac exposes the harsh reality of being a Black man in society while also recognizing his own resilience.
Overall, Trapped is a quintessential 2Pac classic that highlights important themes still prevalent in today's society. The song is an anthem for those who feel trapped by their circumstances and desire freedom. It remains one of his most beloved tracks and is remembered as one of his greatest contributions to hip hop culture.
Listening to ‘Changes’ makes me wonder what Tupac would have thought about the changes in today's society…besides the obvious fact that he would have hated TikTok.
5. ‘Changes’ – Greatest Hits
Exploring one of the greatest hits of 2Pac, this section highlights the iconic track 'Changes'. The song features poignant lyrics that reflect on societal and political issues from the period. It's a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Below is a table presenting information about 'Changes':
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Album | Greatest Hits |
| Release Year | 1998 |
| Genre | Hip hop |
| Songwriter(s) | Tupac Shakur, Bruce Hornsby, Deon Evans |
Apart from its thought-provoking verses, 'Changes' also stands out for its production value. With sampled beats from Bruce Hornsby's "The Way It Is," blended with 2Pac's unique rap style and message, it showcases his profound ability as an artist to create music that goes beyond entertainment or simple rhymes.
Facts state that 'Changes' has been included in many lists of top rap songs across various platforms. Rolling Stone ranked it at number three on their list of The 50 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs of All Time while VH1 placed it at number one on their list of The 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.
2Pac and Dr. Dre team up to deliver a West Coast anthem that hits harder than a Biggie diss track.
6. ‘California Love’ – All Eyez on Me
One of the greatest hits from Tupac Shakur’s fourth studio album, ‘All Eyez on Me’ is ‘California Love’. The track features Dr Dre and Roger Troutman, and it was released in 1995. This west coast anthem was produced by Dr Dre and has an upbeat tempo that will make you groove instantly.
The song samples Joe Cocker’s classic tune “Woman to Woman” and showcases 2Pac's high-spirited energy coupled with his do-or-die delivery style. The accompanying music video became a milestone in hip-hop history for its chopper rider sequence, special effects and performance shots of late rapper.
‘California Love’ skyrocketed to the top chart positions and earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group.” It's now considered as one of the most influential gangsta rap songs of all time.
Interestingly, after serving nine months in prison for sexual abuse charges, this song marked Tupac's return to mainstream audiences with positive acclaim from critics.
Tupac did several other collaborations with different artists throughout his career but ‘California Love’ perfectly captured his larger-than-life persona as well as his vision for unforgettable soundtracks that transcend musical boundaries.
2Pac didn't hold back any punches in ‘Hit 'Em Up’, just like you shouldn't hold back from adding it to your playlist.
7. ‘Hit ‘Em Up’ – Greatest Hits.
This track from Tupac's Greatest Hits album is 'Hit 'Em Up'. It's a highly controversial song and considered one of his most aggressive works. Released in 1996, the song disses notorious rival Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records. The lyrics are extremely violent, filled with explicit profanity and threats to those who cross him. It's one of the most iconic diss tracks in hip hop history.
'Hit 'Em Up' showcases Tupac's lyrical prowess and determination to defend himself against all odds. The song embodies his unwavering dedication to pursuing justice, even if it meant going against some of the biggest names in the industry. Tupac was not afraid to call out anyone who he felt disrespected him or his music.
What makes this song stand out is its ability to create controversy while keeping listeners engaged throughout the experience. Even today, it still invokes strong emotions from fans and critics alike.
If you haven't listened to 'Hit 'Em Up', you're missing out on one of Tupac's most unforgettable performances that shaped hip-hop culture forever.
2Pac speaks to his Unborn Child in this heartfelt track, proving that even the toughest gangsta rapper has a soft side.
8. ‘Letter 2 My Unborn’ – Until the End of Time.
This track from the album ‘Until the End of Time’ is a heartfelt message to his unborn child. 2Pac reflects on his regrets and past mistakes while providing wisdom and guidance for his future child. The lyrics showcase a vulnerable side of the rapper, as he apologizes for his absence in their life and promises to be there in spirit. The production features a soulful sample from a Curtis Mayfield song, providing an emotional backdrop for the powerful lyrics.
Listening to this song is like attending a funeral for your eardrums – a mournful yet satisfying experience.
9. ‘How Long Will They Mourn Me?’ – Thug Life: Volume 1.
This track from 2Pac's project Thug Life: Volume 1 is a poignant reflection on mortality. The rapper contemplates how his inner circle will react after his demise, wondering if they'll mourn him long or simply brush it off. With features from Nate Dogg and Simple E, the song showcases Pac's introspective side alongside the hardcore persona that made him infamous.
The song begins with a sample of Tupac talking about being shot multiple times and feeling like he was dyin'. He then launches into an opening verse in which he acknowledges his reputation as a troublemaker but still expresses a desire for his legacy to be remembered fondly. Nate Dogg delivers a hook that encapsulates the central question of the song: "How long will they mourn me?"
"What's next on the list" – Another classic track from 2Pac, 'California Love', would not have been possible without Dr. Dre's beat-making skills.
2Pac reminds us that even in the toughest times, we should 'Keep Ya Head Up' and stay inspired by his powerful lyrics.
10. ‘Keep Ya Head Up’ – Strictly for my N.I.-.-.A.Z
This track, originally released in 1993 as part of the album ‘Strictly For My N.I.-.-.A.Z’, is one of Tupac Shakur's most iconic songs. It’s known for its uplifting message and focuses on confronting the issue of sexism prevalent in society. The song emphasizes how women should be treated with respect and dignity, encouraging them to ‘keep their heads up’ during tough times.
'Keep Ya Head Up' features a nostalgic instrumental style that encapsulates Tupac's rapping genius. Powerful lyrics that drive home social messages are coupled with a soulful backing vocal from Dave Hollister, famous for his work with R&B group Blackstreet.
Did you know this song was played at Nelson Mandela’s birthday concert as well? This speaks volumes about the universality of its message and appeal. A true icon of his time, Tupac crafted some musical masterpieces, but none quite like ‘Keep Ya Head Up'.
I remember listening to this song growing up and realizing how society treats women differently from men. I cherish how the song still makes me feel empowered today.
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.
