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Me Against The World

2Pac

1995

Buy At Rough Trade
Me Against The World
Album Summary

Me Against the World is the third studio album by American rapper 2Pac, released on March 14, 1995, by Interscope Records and Jive Records. 2Pac draws lyrical inspiration from his impending prison sentence, troubles with the police and poverty, the album is described as being Tupac's most introspective album. According to him, Me Against the World was made to show the hip hop audience his respect for the art form. Lyrically, he intentionally tried to make the album more personal and reflective than his previous efforts. Considered by several music critics to be the best of any of his albums up to that point in his career, the album's musical production was handled by his mentor Shock G, Easy Mo Bee, Tony Pizarro, Johnny "J" and the Danish hip-hop duo Soulshock and Karlin, among others. Me Against the World features guest appearances from rap group Dramacydal and rapper Richie Rich. Released while Tupac was imprisoned, Me Against the World made an immediate impact on the charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks, and also topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. "Dear Mama" was released as the album's first single in February 1995 and would be the album's most successful single, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart, and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. While he was in prison, the album overtook Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits as the best-selling album of the year in the United States at the time. Me Against the World was eventually certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). At the 38th Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for Best Rap Album and "Dear Mama" was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. The album received acclaimed reviews by critics, being ranked among the best albums of the 1990s. It has been ranked by many critics as one of the greatest hip hop albums, as well as one of the greatest albums of all time. In 2008, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM), in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, included Me Against the World in its list of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time.

Wikipedia

Rating

3.26

Votes

12747

Genres

  • Hip Hop

Reviews

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Nov 16 2021
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1

Man, time has a weird way of changing the way thinks look. I mean, as far as mid-90s rap goes, this is probably as good as it gets if your name isn't De La Soul. I didn't listen to this back then, but I knew it was a big assed deal. But today, listening to this and reading about Tupac... I mean... I feel like I would hate this dude automatically if he was a bearded white guy. 1992 he dropped his gun, it discharged and killed a 6-year-old. He beat another rapper with a baseball bat. He raped a 19-year-old and went to prison for it. So I mean... sure, it's you against the world, I guess. You sound like an asshole.

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May 11 2021
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1

I might be biased because I am a huge Kanye West fan, but most indicative is the difference between Late Registration's "Hey Mama" and "Dear Mama" from this record. The lyrics on 2Pac's version made me wince, the rest of the album is devoid of creative samples and clever wordplay and I am having a hard time remembering the differences between most tracks. This might be due to the generic and repetitive style in most songs, which gives more reason to the fact that this type of rap has aged terribly to my ears. Only song memorable to me is Death Around The Corner, and that is mostly because of the hard-hitting instrumentals. Overall score is a 2(Pac) out of 10.

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Nov 07 2022
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1

Fitting that this album is by 2pac, not Tupac, cause it stinks like a big ol' number 2!

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Nov 16 2021
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4

You know about 2Pac's mom, right? If not, look her up. Pretty fascinating family. Anywho, I found this really incredibly easy to listen to, which seems like an odd thing to say considering the image that followed this dude back in the day. Not gonna lie, "Old School" completely worked for me and also made me feel like there was a millennial right behind me with their arms crossed thinking, "Of course it did, DAD." Whatever. I would listen to this again and I don't have that reaction a ton with the stuff on this list.

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Oct 13 2022
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1

The most overhyped and over-esteemed artist of the 90's. He was unjustly martyred when he died and has become a false idol for morons to worship. Sorry, not sorry. His music sucks and I'm not into it and he sounds like he was an absolute garbage human to boot.

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Jul 27 2021
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5

Some of the smoothest sounds and engaging, emotional, and aggressive lyricism I've heard in a while! 2Pac was truly one of the greats.

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May 06 2021
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4

This is not the first album I think of when I think of 2pac, but it is perhaps his most personal and reflective album. Arriving between a shooting incident (to which the opening track makes reference in a skit) and an impending prison sentence, this album deals with feelings of paranoia, gangster violence, and the state of not only being an artist but also a black man in America. He reflects on the cycle of gangster life, the prison system, and the hopelessness of the situation when one is simply trying to survive with the cards they've been dealt. 2pac asks the listener to be sympathetic towards those who live this lifestyle as it is born of economic insecurity and paranoia. Paper keeps you alive and out of trouble, but it's a lot of trouble to get that paper. The standout tracks are "If I Die Tonight" seriously some of 2pac's best rapping, the alliteration is insane, "Dear Momma", "So Many Tears"

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May 25 2021
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5

This is peak 2Pac and the pinnacle of introspective/conscientious hip hop in the heyday of gangsta and dance hip hop. Lyrics are poetic throughout and I love the contrast of the vividly painted stories of urban struggles against generally calm and chill beats and bass lines. Really not any misses here despite a somewhat long album. Dear Mama and the title track are classics but temptations, death around the corner, and others are underrated. I'm really not even the biggest 2Pac fan but it's hard to not respect and appreciate this album in it's context. Probably a 4.5 because of a bit of a lack of replay value overall, but gets a bump up for historical and cultural significance, and that it's still enjoyable and a classic work, even outside of it's narrowly targeted demographic.

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May 22 2023
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1

This sounds like a Will Smith album if it was made by the ‘Keep my wife’s name out of your fucking mouth’ Will Smith.

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May 09 2022
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1

I'm middle aged, white, non-American. I'm not the target market for 2Pac. I listened to this with my 13 year old son. He liked the rude words. I liked it only when there were no words.

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Feb 09 2023
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5

Having listened to what feels like a lot of hip hop/rap in this project, I hadn't yet (or ever, really) listened to Tupac Shakur. I haven't every really known much about him, beyond his being killed violently. A lot of the violent gangsta rap is distressing to me for many reasons. This felt a little like someone was finally explaining it all to me—the background and the context and the emotions of someone finally trying to process his life experience as he reached adulthood. It goes beyond the protective bravado to, for me, a more interesting place. Beyond being interesting lyrically, a good album has to be good musically, and I think this is high up there in the hip hop genre. Good beats that make your body move. This one made quite an impression on me overall.

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Dec 15 2022
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1

As I was listening to the intro, I was thinking, this isn't so bad. I was wrong. I get that it may be a prophetic look into a world that I will never experience. But that doesn't make it an album that I have to hear before I die. There has to be noteworthy rap albums better than this.

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Mar 10 2022
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1

Dull as mud from start to finish. Mono toned, mono rhythmic and mono paced.

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Sep 09 2021
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1

It seems to just drone on, i really do not like it

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Sep 01 2021
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1

Did not enjoy this album at all. I guess the primary quality is in the lyrical content (especially with 2pac's backstory in mind), but the music just does not appeal to me enough.

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Apr 24 2024
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5

I always thought of Tupac as more of a singles artist, but this album is so good. The production is g-funked and crisp as hell. Tupac’s flow still sounds fresh 30 years on. There’s something so emotive about Tupac’s raps, a complex song like Dear Mama evokes so many feelings, but even one as simple as Old School has the same impact. The formula of rap verses and R&B choruses also helps punctuate the vibe. I didn’t think Pac had a classic album in his repertoire, but I guess I was wrong.

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Jul 18 2023
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5

You know what, this album is about 2Pac against the world. Yes, in case you were not aware, Me Against the World is about 2Pac against the world. And it is amazing. Some of the best G-Funk I have heard. While this album isn’t as hardcore as some of his other work (I really wouldn’t consider it hardcore to be honest), it’s one of his more introspective. The songs are usually slower and follow themes related to his past and the concept of death. And this album does detail 2Pac’s fear of death. Even though on a lot of songs he says he isn’t afraid of death and knows he will die eventually, I think this can be seen as him trying to make it seem that he isn’t afraid, even though death is a major theme of the album. Mostly how he’s paranoid of others and other’s deaths. He truly does fear death. But that’s not all. The album also discusses his past like the excellent Dear Mama, where 2Pac thanks his mother for all the she has done. It’s very easily his best song. 2Pac also discusses poverty and gang violence a lot. And all of this ties into death. It’s really a showcase of 2Pac’s fears and worries, something that would, sadly, ring true in the end. This album also has some other bangers like So Many Tears, Lord Knows, and It Ain’t Easy. Speaking of which, the sound is pretty good. It’s kind of the thing holding back the whole record but G-Funk is kind of outdated as a whole so it’s not really a fault for the album. If it means anything, I kind of like the sound, especially the synths (I find the synths during this era to just hold up really well). The more stripped back beats are better though. Despite that, 2Pac’s lyricism really brings the album home. 2Pac is interesting in the discussion of the greates rappers of all time because he doesn’t have the best word play unlike some of the greats, but this album sort of taught me why he is in the running for the best. His performance. He pours out all of his heart into a performance. That is why he is the best. It’s not because he has the best bars, but because he puts a level of heart and personality into it that really makes him stand out. That is why he is the best. He still stands out today when there is a million rappers out there. There is truly nothing else like 2Pac. I won’t tiptoe around it; this album is amazing. Truly fantastic. While the sound may not hold up the best, everything else about the album is truly phenomenal and just goes to show why 2Pac is the best. May he truly rest in peace. 10/10.

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May 31 2023
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5

I did not think that my white as marshmallow fluff ass would like this as much as I did. F-cking brilliant!

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May 04 2023
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5

Buttery smooth production and performance. Social commentary. Expressing his perspective on the life he lived up to this point. I'm into it.

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Feb 09 2023
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5

I was quite well-taken with this one. It was thoughtful and poignant, emotionally deep. Well done.

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Feb 09 2023
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5

90s gangster rap isn’t in my wheelhouse. I was starting to resent having to listen to bombastic denigration over catchy beats. It’s tiresome. I’ve run out of giving passes to horrific lyrics because they are delivered with great talent. Being unfamiliar with 2Pac’s music, I was bracing for another endurance session that couldn’t end soon enough. Instead what I found is an incredible moving, vulnerable, introspective album by a rapper of great talent. Here is a rap album that was illuminating, moving, and real. Totally unexpected, it has made me reconsider a sub-genre I was ready to walk away from. This is an unflinching, hard hitting slice of life that respects its subjects. What an incredible album!

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Apr 22 2022
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5

2pac is easily the most popular 90s rapper that tragically lost their life due to violence, and the only one that can even have the same title in the conversation is his rival, The Notorious B.I.G So, I hadn't really heard many 2pac tracks before listening to this album. The only 2pac track that I had heard was "California Love", plus that interview that Kendrick Lamar sampled on "Mortal Man". I was super excited to listen to this album, and the reason was because of the main artist. A lot of Rap fans and rappers have stated that 2pac is one of the best rappers ever, this being an album from the 90s also made me look more forward listening to it. Holy fuck, this album is amazing. I'm not gonna lie, I did also think that this was gonna be the same situation as the N.W.A. album, where it's an album that many love that I disliked, but it was the exact opposite for this one. The first thing that I'll speak about is the production, it's so good. Boombap is easily one of my favourite styles of productions ever, but that being mixed with the quiet background vocals on tracks like "Might Die 2nite" was even fucking better. It might be kinda simple for today's standards, but 2pac's writing was just perfect for it. 2pac is a lot like someone like J. Cole, where the rhymes are super impressive and shit while not having the tracks be super complex. Now I'm not saying if I think that 2pac is worse than J. Cole since I haven't really listened to many 2pac tracks, but I was just using him as an example. The intro and the title for this album perfectly describe the situation that 2pac was in. He was basically getting blamed for shit that he didn't even have a part in, which must've felt horrible. It was basically a me against the world situation, and 2pac made sure that he would prove the press wrong. Album art is so fucking good, with 2pac leaning at the wall with he black, white and yellow blending together. Maybe people think that it’s basic, I think that it’s dope. FAV TRACK would have to be "Dear Mama". Tracks about loving your mother is always positive, and the stuff 2pac says in this track is super interesting. LEAST FAV TRACK: N/A 10/10

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Dec 14 2021
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5

This was the album that convinced me that Tupac truly desires the praise/status he’s achieved in his legacy. As a youth, his rapping and style wasn’t immediately clear to me, but as soon as you hear “They say pussy and paper is poetry, power, and pistols,” followed by an assault of lyrical alliteration, I was sold. I don’t love his beat selection 100% of the time. His G-Funk/West Coast beats are typically the most bland, watered-down version of the style, his soft songs are really grating, especially if he’s not doing the hook. There are exceptions (“Hey Mama”) but I think Pac is at his best when he’s doing gangsta rap, if only because his tone fits it so well, and he’s really not the greatest at it until this record, when his own game is undeniable. But all his albums are a mix of styles and tonal shifts. Some people love that, and even argue it’s why he’s so great. I disagree; to me, it means he doesn’t have a flawless album. But of his 5 albums, I’d have to say this is the closest he has to a legitimate classic. I’d say all his other albums have higher highs (my favorite track here, “Old School,” is my least favorite of my favorite Tupac songs), *but* this record also has quantitatively the most highs in his discography. Maybe if 7 Day Theory wasn’t posthumous, or if All Eyez on Me was one disc, I’d prefer it, but Me Against the World is the tightest of all Tupac records imo, so therefore my favorite, and the one I’d say is his definite classic. Honestly, though, while the first half is all gold, I don’t think Side B gets good until “Old School,” and even then, all those final tracks are notably weaker. High water marks for sure, but not on the same caliber as Side A/any of his best tracks that released after this album. I don’t know - I’ve always felt odd about Pac. On the one hand, when I like him, I love him. But when I don’t, I really don’t. Maybe that dichotomy is why people love him. Idk - I was always a Biggie fan first. But my distaste for Pac still isn’t distain - bad 90s hip-hop is still an A- for me, so while this isn’t like my favorite album ever, it’s still my favorite Tupac record, and therefore 5 stars.

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Oct 21 2021
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5

Legendary. His storytelling, emotion, and fearlessness about his content is why he is unanimously considered one of the greatest rappers ever. In my opinion this is his best work. I knew i loved it going in, but it’s always nice to revisit a classic. Must listen for everyone in my opinion, but especially fans of hip hop.

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Sep 29 2023
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4

2pac had a way of telling stories to make you feel like you were there. and he had flow. there is a strange duality within this album that, depending on the song, he either seemed like he was glorifying life on the streets or cautioning against it. almost as if he was trying to escape his past, but it kept pulling him back in. fascinating listen. i had never listened to any 2pac before (i’ve never considered myself much of a fan of rap music), but i totally understand the allure of this artist.

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Apr 20 2022
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4

I hardly ever listen to rap or hip hop, but I was pleasantly surprised by this album. It was easy to listen to and had a nice flow. The lyrics are interesting, because he sounds very honest and open about his struggles. Lots of clever lines as well.

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Dec 01 2021
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4

This album has all the best parts of west coast rap. Great listen all the way through

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Oct 16 2021
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4

Pretty damn introspective, thematically strong. Very confessional and raw, probably was a bit uncommon to show vulnerability in hip hop at this time. I probably wouldn't listen to a lot of it, but I can respect it.

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Apr 28 2021
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4

Great old school hip hop album, melodic, poignant lyrics and some beautiful soul moments

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Jan 24 2024
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3

I didn't want to like this, as he seems such an insufferable prick and the themes are both juvenile and tediously serious, as opposed to e.g. Snoop/Dre where it sounds like they are at least enjoying themselves. However, you gotta admit he's a skilled rapper, has a quality production team, and it's good to hear some Lady Levi in the background on Heavy In The Game. Dear Mama is cringeworthy. 3(Pac)

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Nov 26 2023
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3

Good, not great. Not like “this album doesn’t deserve to be here”, just feels like something I don’t hate but also don’t care if I hear again. I can hear his talent in the flows but I found the album dragging on a bit. Not a ton of variation to my ear.

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Jan 24 2024
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2

The opening burst of morbidity, the I’ll-die-in-a-hail-of-bullets-(no-big-deal) spree, arrests attention with its clever play against the luscious production, dark chuckle material for grimmer types with hindsight. After that, pretty sounds, forgettable tunes, nothing hooked me. The title track’s delivery of “Kill kill kill, murder murder murder” is nifty and funny. I won’t linger over why this is the one line that’s stuck to my lips as I drive to the nursery pick-up.

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Dec 19 2024
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1

Awful I'm sorry he died but that doesn't make the music any better

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Nov 22 2024
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1

Misogynistic, violent, racist, vulgar. What the eff is this, yo? Pure garbage.

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Jan 18 2024
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1

When the opening song used the N word three words in and then motherf**ker, at which point I knew this was not for me. In general, rap just sounds like crap to me.

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Jan 10 2024
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1

I'm a gangsta, kill, kill, kill. Murder, murder, murder. Dead.

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Dec 05 2022
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1

Normaly, I don't like this kind of music.

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Nov 08 2024
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5

Fire. Added to my album collection

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Oct 30 2024
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5

Tupac's magnum opus, and a must-listen staple for west coast hip-hop. While it definitely shows it's age more than other 90's hip-hop records, this album has no skips. I grew up listening to this album, and it was my first real introduction to hip-hop as a child. Not many of Tupac's 'best of' appears on here, but this is arguably his only album that is solid from start to finish. Something that you actually *want* to listen to from start to finish. Tupac never replicated that again on any of his albums both during his tenure & posthumously. Don't get me wrong, this dude was an unbelievably disgusting scumbag who deserved everything that happened to him, but separating artist from music, it's a pretty damn perfect album.

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Oct 21 2024
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5

A lot of people have made bones about the conflicting views expressed in this album. But I think that Tupac was ineffective luminary for the lifestyle. That was evident at the time. Clean order to live in such conditions, one must accept multiple conflicting truths. The album is a wonderful example of beauty in a low vocabulary. The production values are excellent and, while there weren't any real standout tracks aside from "Old School" and "Dear Mama", The album as a whole is magnificently composed In total.

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Oct 03 2024
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5

Das Opfer ne Legende, noch Rauch aus dem Ende, Pacs Frau jetzt ne Witwe, ja? dicker Ständer ist schon da Die Schamlippen, ich split sie, dein Boy, MC Big Rösti

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Sep 29 2024
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5

Never listened to this one before and absolutely loved it. Excellent rhythms and lyrics that delve into personal and societal affairs

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Sep 29 2024
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5

Loved it. Really made me think about where music would be if he wasn’t murdered. Poetic and beautiful and sad and great

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Sep 22 2024
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5

2pac holds a special place for me just because of the conspiracy theory that he would be still alive, 15 years later and I’m still waiting for a new album to drop

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Sep 11 2024
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5

**"Me Against The World" by 2Pac: In-Depth Review** Released on March 14, 1995, "Me Against The World" is Tupac Shakur's third studio album and is often considered his magnum opus. The album stands out as a seminal piece in hip-hop history, capturing 2Pac’s complex persona—both as a poet and a prophet of urban realities. Recorded during a turbulent period in his life, while facing legal battles and recovering from a shooting, the album serves as a vivid snapshot of 2Pac’s mindset at a crucial juncture in his life. ### **1. Lyrics** "Me Against The World" is a deeply introspective album that showcases 2Pac's lyrical prowess. Throughout the album, 2Pac delves into themes of struggle, survival, mortality, and social injustice. His writing reflects a poetic depth rare in hip-hop at the time, painting vivid pictures of life in inner-city America. Tracks like "So Many Tears" and "If I Die 2Nite" explore his awareness of his mortality. The lyrics convey a palpable sense of paranoia and desperation, reflecting 2Pac’s belief that he might not live to see another day. On "Dear Mama," he opens up about his tumultuous relationship with his mother, showing a softer, more vulnerable side. This song is a heartfelt tribute that has become a staple in hip-hop for its honesty and emotional depth. "Temptations" sees 2Pac exploring his romantic side but with an underlying message about the complexities of his relationships. 2Pac's storytelling ability is another highlight, evident in tracks like "Young Niggaz," where he reflects on the struggles of black youth in America. His vivid narrative style, coupled with his knack for blending street tales with social commentary, creates a layered listening experience. The lyrics throughout the album are raw, unfiltered, and deeply reflective, showing his ability to address both personal pain and broader societal issues. ### **2. Music and Production** Musically, "Me Against The World" diverges from the heavier, more aggressive sounds of 2Pac's earlier albums. Instead, it features a more soulful and melancholic sound. The production, handled by a range of producers including Easy Mo Bee, Johnny "J," and Shock G, incorporates lush instrumentation, sampling, and classic boom-bap elements. The album’s production is characterized by its use of deep bass lines, slow, haunting melodies, and heavy beats, giving it a somber yet potent sound. Tracks like "Lord Knows" and "So Many Tears" utilize soulful samples and piano loops that accentuate the emotional weight of the lyrics. Meanwhile, songs like "Old School" lean into nostalgia, using samples from classic R&B and funk tracks to evoke a sense of reflection. While the production is mostly consistent, some tracks, such as "It Ain't Easy," feel slightly dated due to their use of early 90s synths and beats. However, the overall cohesion of the album's sound is one of its strengths, creating a unified backdrop that complements 2Pac’s themes of pain, paranoia, and perseverance. ### **3. Themes** "Me Against The World" explores a wide range of themes, from personal introspection to broader social commentary. The overarching theme is one of struggle and resilience. 2Pac positions himself as both a victim and a fighter, caught between the harsh realities of life and his desire for redemption. - **Mortality and Paranoia:** Tracks like "If I Die 2Nite" and "Death Around the Corner" explore 2Pac's preoccupation with death, reflecting his sense of impending doom. These songs illustrate his paranoia and fear, which are intensified by his brushes with death and legal troubles. - **Love and Family:** "Dear Mama" is a standout track that highlights 2Pac's complex relationship with his mother, who was both a source of pain and inspiration for him. The song is a powerful ode to motherhood and a candid reflection on family dynamics. - **Social Commentary:** On tracks like "Young Niggaz" and "Outlaw," 2Pac critiques systemic racism, police brutality, and the socio-economic conditions that trap young black men in cycles of poverty and violence. These songs underscore his role as a voice for the marginalized. - **Self-Reflection and Growth:** The album frequently touches on 2Pac’s personal growth and his attempts to reconcile his past actions with his desire for change. Songs like "Lord Knows" and "Me Against The World" see him grappling with his own demons and the choices he has made. ### **4. Influence** "Me Against The World" was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 while 2Pac was in prison—a testament to his popularity and the album's resonance with listeners. It is considered one of the most influential hip-hop albums of all time, both for its lyrical content and its production. The album solidified 2Pac's status as one of the most important voices in hip-hop. It set a new standard for introspective rap, paving the way for future artists to explore deeper and more personal themes in their music. "Dear Mama" has become an iconic track, inspiring countless tributes to mothers and influencing subsequent artists to incorporate personal storytelling into their music. Furthermore, "Me Against The World" helped shift the focus of mainstream rap from the West Coast's G-funk sound to a more diverse range of styles and themes. It showed that rap could be both deeply personal and commercially viable, expanding the scope of what hip-hop could achieve artistically and thematically. ### **Pros and Cons** #### **Pros:** 1. **Lyrical Depth:** 2Pac's ability to blend personal reflection with social commentary is unparalleled. His lyrics are both poetic and hard-hitting, offering listeners a deep dive into his psyche and the struggles of inner-city life. 2. **Cohesive Themes:** The album is thematically consistent, presenting a unified narrative of struggle, resilience, and introspection. This cohesion makes the listening experience more impactful and engaging. 3. **Emotional Resonance:** Tracks like "Dear Mama" and "So Many Tears" are emotionally charged and resonate with listeners on a personal level. 2Pac's vulnerability and honesty are among the album's strongest qualities. 4. **Production Quality:** The production is soulful, melancholy, and well-suited to the album’s themes. It combines traditional hip-hop beats with samples and live instrumentation to create a soundscape that complements 2Pac’s lyrics. 5. **Cultural Impact:** "Me Against The World" had a profound impact on hip-hop culture, influencing countless artists and solidifying 2Pac's status as a legend in the genre. It showcased that rap could be deeply introspective and still achieve mainstream success. #### **Cons:** 1. **Inconsistent Production Quality:** While the production is generally strong, some tracks, like "It Ain't Easy," feel somewhat dated due to their use of early 90s sounds. A few beats lack the depth and innovation seen in the standout tracks. 2. **Pacing Issues:** The album’s length and slower tempo may cause it to feel a bit sluggish in places. Some listeners might find it overly introspective, lacking the energetic and aggressive tracks that characterized much of 2Pac’s earlier work. 3. **Repetitive Themes:** Though the album is thematically cohesive, some tracks cover similar ground, making the themes feel repetitive at times. This could limit its appeal to those who prefer more varied subject matter. 4. **Limited Sonic Diversity:** While the production is effective, it is not particularly innovative. The album sticks to a familiar formula of boom-bap beats and soulful samples, which may feel monotonous to listeners seeking more variety. ### **Conclusion** "Me Against The World" remains a landmark album in hip-hop, showcasing 2Pac’s dual identity as both a poet and a provocateur. Its lyrical depth, emotional resonance, and social commentary make it a timeless piece that continues to influence artists and resonate with listeners. Despite some minor flaws in production and pacing, the album's strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. "Me Against The World" captures the essence of 2Pac as an artist who was unafraid to bare his soul and confront his demons, making it not just a great hip-hop album but a significant cultural artifact.

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Aug 15 2024
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5

This made me feel gangsta as shit on my way to pick up my arthritis medicine.

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Aug 15 2024
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5

One of the greatest hip hop albums of all time and exceptionally artistic from 2Pac. So many great hits and a smoother, self-reflective listen throughout. This album helps establish him as one of the greatest hip hop artists of all time. 10/10

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Jul 21 2024
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5

I remember these days. I’d gotten excited he’d been saying it was time to let up on negative life choices… Which didn’t last long. God read him though, gone way too soon.

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Jul 17 2024
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5

This album is really good. The lyrics and the beats are all pretty much as good as it gets. I wouldn't want to be friends with 2pac but his music is great.

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Jun 27 2024
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5

2pac just has such a full sounding voice and gives the music such groove. Groove is such an important aspect of true 90s Hip Hop, so truly this is just such a classic and is definitely some of the best rap out there.

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Jun 27 2024
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5

Literally such a vibe im so happy, great music

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Jun 20 2024
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5

Nem vagyok nagy old school rap imádó, de ez az album nagyon tetszett. A szövegnek szinte minden számban súlya volt.

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Jun 11 2024
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5

Tupac had such a nice voice. I’m not sure what exactly it is about his intonation but I find his rapping so much more pleasant than a lot of other rappers. He really exposes his vulnerabilities on this album. The highlight for me is It Ain’t Easy. It’s sad that this style of rap seems so rare these days. Can we just get rid of mumble rap and bring this back? G-Funk Revival, maybe?

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May 22 2024
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5

Only really knowing the song "California Love" but aware of 2Pac's well-regarded status as one of the great rappers of all time, I was excited to listen to this especially, and I was not disappointed. This record is the perfect glimpse into the struggles of 2Pac's upbringing and a morbid foreshadowing of sorts of his untimely death. You really see his outlook of paranoia and impending doom with tracks like "Me Against The World", "If I Die 2Nite", and "Death Around The Corner", the anxiety almost fueling his lyricism and musical ability. In a slightly different but also vulnerable vein, "So Many Tears", "Young..." and "Dear Mama" (the most notable track from this record), show the more sentimental side of Pac. This openness was ahead of its time in the rap genre as a whole. 2Pac's rap prowess is unmatched as shown terrifically here, paired with some stellar vocal features and the catchy beats, this album hits on all cylinders. Though this music is not representative of me in particular, it's evident why and how 2Pac is so mourned and beloved by his generation. 9/10

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Mar 27 2024
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5

I think this is the first 2Pac album I get. Super diggin this album! 1995. I was just transitioning to Utah from Montana when this came out. I was tainted by all the racism in Montana, so I feel like I was always ridiculed for liking rap and therefore didn't really hear as much as I would have otherwise. But I do like this so far. I really like the Jamaican Patois in Heavy in the Game. He's got a pretty unique flow and sound. Ah man, Dear Mama is so good. 5 stars

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Mar 20 2024
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5

Such a fucking good album. A rare case of the original being the best.

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Mar 08 2024
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5

I don’t think it’s Pacs strongest release, which really speaks to his body of work. Nonetheless it’s here we get a glimpse into his upbringing. How the streets taught him but how his mothers MADE him. Sometimes beautiful and often times brutal it’s a fitting portrait of a man whos been placed and dealt with things.

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Dec 21 2023
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5

The album is characterized by Tupac’s personal experiences. Creative Sound!!! Awesome Singer/Songwriter!!!!!! personal top3 in no order: Young Niggaz Fuck The World So Many Tears

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Dec 17 2023
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5

Classic California hip hop and Tupac at his finest.

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Dec 10 2023
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5

A brilliant album with amazing flow, introspective lyrics, almost to becoming a life story of Tupac. A hip-hop classic and a must for anyone looking to explore the genre.

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Dec 06 2023
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5

I don't think I can separate this objectively from the time in my life when I listened to it originally. Such a great album

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Nov 30 2023
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5

lyrics are amazing and im rly into the instrumentals too

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Nov 30 2023
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5

Loved it. Crazy delivery and dear mama actually touched me

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Nov 16 2023
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5

There are a select few across the varied history of rap who have ever come remotely close to 2pac's command of the genre. The raw power and energy that emittes from Shakur when he steps in the booth is something to admire. This record is one of his greatest and is a shining example of why so many label him as the greatest of all time. One of his strength's as an MC is his ability to display his emotions, his anger, his fear, his frustration of the world he was born into, in a way that feels real and relatable to the listener and that is exactly what he does on this record. By beginning the album with a track of recordings of various news and TV personalities talking about his arrest and the attempt on his life, we are able to get a clear idea of what is going on his head as he goes into the second track, If I Die 2Nite. The man is fed up in more ways than one. This album is a mix of many different emotinos, but above all else, it was clear that the man felt isolated by his fame and notoriety and had some feelings he needed to get off his chest. If one were to make a ranking of the greatest rap albums of all time, it would be downright criminal to exclude this record.

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Oct 25 2023
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5

2Pac really is a man ahead of his time this album goes personal, like from the intimate retelling of his childhood and his addicted mother along with his personal dealings with depression, to full picture, like the system blacks are forced to face and women’s rights. With these 2Pacs flow is done like no other, easy to the ear but powerful wording. Every song I had a great time with.

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Oct 16 2023
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5

This album is such a jam and such a gem! Tupac was truly one of a kind, incredibly poetic in his songs, flowing like a knife through butter. This album is a testament to his skill and creativity. The world could use more of this in Hip Hop. 9 out of 10

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Sep 18 2023
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5

first time listening have heard so many tears dear mama

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Jul 21 2023
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5

2pac is awesome. Really tender while remaining cool. 2pac has a great sense of melody, 66 minutes just vibes on by.

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Jul 21 2023
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5

this is a hard listen knowing what happened to pac about a year later. it’s so personal, so intensely about his experience getting shot. regardless, it’s (of course) technically perfect lyrically and production-wise, and emotional on top of that. really excellent album

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Jul 20 2023
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5

"Me Against the World" is 2Pac's best album. It best focuses all of the different sides of his personality on one album, with the social commentary, the pleas for kids to get off the streets, the mournful losses of his friends and, of course, songs about his potential immediate death. If 2Pac had cut "All Eyez on Me" down to one album, then it would have been the superior album, simply due to how he expands his sound on the album and tries new things. The album is too bloated though and "Me Against the World" contains fewer guest appearances, less focus on beats and lyrics that focus more on his mental health struggles. Even the "lesser" songs on the album tackle heavier issues, like "Lord Knows" where 2Pac talks about how he feels hopeless and the grief of seeing his friends die. He knew the life he led could lead to his death and he felt it was inevitable.

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Jun 11 2023
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5

Stunning. This was a really pleasant surprise, and exactly the reason I joined this project; to discover masterpieces like this that I otherwise would never have listened to. This young man was so wise, so humble, so angry, so insightful and thoughtful, with a truly incredible voice and take, and the beats are just so soulful. Think that a lot of today's 'rappers' could learn a lot from going back and listening to this again and remembering what they forgot. Absolutely stellar, and perfect summertime listening (listening in June '23). Rest in power, 2Pac.

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Jun 09 2023
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5

Not a bad song on this album, I like that this album takes a deeper dive into 2Pac's life like in Me Against the World and Desr Mama.

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May 26 2023
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5

yo! some old school bangers on here!

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May 03 2023
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5

One of the best poet rappers to do it.

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Apr 27 2023
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5

I have to say, I thought this was pretty good. The lyricism, the emotion, the catchy bangers. Really one of the better 90s rap albums I've heard so far, with some real funk, soul and R&B moments. I don't really think my opinion on Hip-Hop has flipped yet, I still don't care that much for it in general, especially not the state of it nowadays, but this classic 90s Hip-Hop album is great. Favourite: Me Against The World

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Mar 08 2023
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5

Just great, flows easy and sweet (“Dear Mama,” “Old School”) and melancholic enough (“It Ain’t Easy,” “Young N’z”) to add resonant depth and poignance. One must look up samples. Distinct vocal tone and excellent use of backing vocals. Oh, does the g-funk work wonders.

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Feb 21 2023
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5

Tremendo disco, muchos classi pac, el disco lo termino justo antes de que le disparan y se nota la diferencia de como encaraba sus letras respecto a all eyez on me. Back to back classic, 9/10

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Feb 11 2023
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5

I think I get 2pac now. The man really knew how to put words together.

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