Reviews (page 2 of 7)
Relic from hip hops golden age. Not nearly as expansive as what came after but still an ever shifting mix between the instrospective and primal. Can you keep calm with your back against the wall?
Absolute perfection, no notes
The Duke Ellington of Rap next to the Count Basie that is Biggie.
I’m not really keen on incarcerated thugs or bald people for that matter but this is superb stuff. Smooth grooves, swag beats. Such a sensitive poet! The synths, the samples, the sexy lady vocals… it’s a smorgasbord of fantasticness that always manages to feel slinky, sexy, street smart and spiritual even on the rawest, grittiest tracks. The title song is a supreme poppin highlight near the start and Dear Mama is a next-level heart-tugging, soul-searching tribute-paying masterclass but there are lots of heavy-hitting bangers throughout. Even though he did quickly end up in the casket, I may have to add the vinyl of this to my Amazon shopping basket.
Rap/hip hop is born from a mix of beats and samples created by other artists. This alone has never been enough to make this genre good music. The difference lies precisely in the authenticity and personal depth displayed in the lyrics, and in this aspect, which carries the entire genre on its shoulders, there has been no one more authentic and original than Tupac Shakur, undoubtedly the greatest rapper of all time.
Superb 2pac is the top of the game I this genre
The first Tupac album I listened to, and I definitely understand why he is considered one of the best rappers of his time. This album is everything I’d want from a 90s rap album.
Just superb
Amazing album by an incredible artist ! One of my absolute favorits !
For some reason I've always avoided 2Pac, I now realise this was a mistake.
I'm innately familiar with 2Pac's final two albums (excluding posthumous releases, so this and "All Eyez on Me"), so revisiting this will be fun. "Me Against the World" is unique in the sense that it is one of the more personal and vulnerable gangsta rap albums I've ever heard, especially coming from a rapper of 2Pac's prominent, yet controversial, status. Yeah, there's the expected street life/ghetto anecdotes featured throughout, but there's also some darker and more intrapersonal themes like despair and loneliness. 2Pac also takes the time to pay homage to his favorite hip-hop acts ("Old School"), as well as provide the ultimate ode to his mother ("Dear Mama"). Tupac Shakur was certainly no saint, but he made a massive impact as a rapper, mixing conscious rap through his poetic and commanding lyrical delivery. Despite this album sounding "lighter" compared to his other releases, this might be among his best mainly in terms of emotional depth. The production was a large group effort and is top-notch for 90's west coast rap standards. The first half of the album may shine a tad brighter than the second half, but I won't be too nitpicky in the rating. This might be the only 2Pac album on this list too. A strong 4.5-5/5
Ggg
It's 2Pac, I have been listening to his music since I was 10. Of course this gets full marks. Poetic in the way most rappers (and singers in general) just aren't.
Smooth, powerful rap - loved this album all the way through. I love that it didn't have a lot of the gimmicks/skits that some other rap albums have.
Excellent album although for me All Eyez On Me is peak 2Pac, but I’m still giving this one 5 stars.
All Eyez On Me has the better hits, but I think this album takes the cake in terms of his best all around album
Flawless. One of the greatest of all time. Beats, flows, writing, all incredible. Nothing more to be said.
Listened before. Practically every song is iconic, sincere, but not forced. Beautifully combined conversation snippets. Surprisingly good instrumentals compared to peers (producer?). However, some snippets overstay their welcome, song becomes chaotic. + So Many Tears + Temptations + Dear Mama
Great album. I don’t listen to rap music outside of this list but this is one of the best rap albums I’ve had so far. Top Track - Temptations
Great album
again: tolles album das ich tagelang hören könnte. das ist wie rap sein soll: flow und sound!
A total vibe and the complexity of 2pac on one album
This is fantastic, the production, the verses, the storytelling
Getting shot would make me paranoid too.
While not as famous as All Eyez on Me, this is still some essential west coast hip-hop. 4.5 bumped up to 5.
I’m at an easy 5. Not too much to say from me, other than a bit of anger that I chose to listen to “All Eyez On Me” when I was younger because it was the one that had “California Love” on it. I should’ve listened to this one, after giving it a full listen for the first time, it may very well be 2pac’s magnum opus, as some people say. Not a single miss here, with the only real minor complaint I have being the runtime. 65 minutes is a little long here, and that’s enough to make even 2pac’s flows & structures start to feel a little stale, in part because it does start to circle the bases just a little bit on subject matter after “Dear Mama”. Trust me, I see the irony of saying that it gets stale when “All Eyez On Me” is literally twice as long, but I haven’t heard that album in full in years, and I'd be probably REALLY worn out by it nowadays. I’m too pressed for time to go super deep into this album, so I do have to keep this shorter, but I have two mandatory bits of praise. 2pac’s rap flow has a melodic tone to it that very few people of this era could match – it’s all in the timing & inflection that he raps with, as even his voice reaches kind of a crescendo at the climax on a lot of verses, structuring them in a way that feels like an R&B track, leading into the chorus in a way that feels super satisfying. It helps that, much like Jay-Z, his voice just feels made for rap, and his lyricism throughout this album only enhances it. There are bars upon bars upon bars on this thing, and I can fully understand why Kendrick would quite literally still go to war for the guy, like he did against Drake. West Coast production in the ‘90s is a fucking dream, man. This might have some of the tightest beats of the whole decade. At the very least, it feels like a rather early pinnacle to the Chronic / Doggystyle / G-Funk era, before production advanced further & further going into the latter half of the 1990s. 2pac flows on these, no matter what tempo, but the variety of styles in the production work is what gives the album the variety it needs. The only reason that the 65 minute runtime isn’t a bigger thing for me is because, despite the subject matter starting to loop on itself, each beat feels fresh, and gives the tracks their own shelf life without it really affecting the enjoyment of the album. It really is a ridiculous stretch through the first 8 tracks though (9 if you count the intro). I really wish Kendrick would hop on something like “Young N****z”. As a whole though, just a banger of an album. “Dear Mama” is very obviously THE highlight, but each track brings something to the table. 2pac may have never been more prescient in his life than the constant presence of paranoia & self-fulfilling prophecies that’s in the lyrics throughout this album. He did, however, channel that paranoia into more of a celebration of existence, tinged with the newfound knowledge after the attempt on his life that it’s all indeed that fragile, while pleading with the streets to stay smart. It gives the album a more intimate sense of depth than “All Eyez On Me”, which was perhaps a bit too sharpened by the desire for "revenge via living" borne out of his own prison experience, and a little too heavy on the party / gangsta side of things. I’m still just mad at myself for not spinning this one years ago, and I’m mad at myself for really only knowing 2pac by “All Eyez On Me” (still a great but very long album!) and some of his bigger singles. It’s as good as advertised, and if only one 2pac album could make the list, I’m glad it was this one. A very easy 5 for me, held back from being a 10 only by everything after "Dear Mama" not hitting quite as hard. I might need to go spin "The 7 Day Theory" now.
Dear Mama could make any album a classic, but multiple other great songs on the album. Even the misses are listenable which is not a guarantee for a 2pac.
Peak 2Pac album, probably one of his top albums. Tied maybe with Strictly...
The O.G. Poet would be appalled by the world today after leaving too soon.
2Pac has always been like a cryptid to me - I’d heard so much about the legend that I assumed an investigation of my own would be kind of futile. I was wrong and am glad I listened though. I feel like the legend at once fell to earth and came to life.
The people dismissing this album as just another gangsta rap album… Did we listen to the same album? Tupacs flow is incredibly smooth, the production is g funk at its best and in terms of lyrics, this is very introspective and he paints an incredible picture of his life, POV and a place in time. Incredible stuff and the fact that this still feels incredibly fresh is proof of its quality.
This is a good one!
Er egentlig ikke glad i rap, men dette albumet er så sterkt produsert og har så mye melodiøse hooks av ulike slag som hele tiden gjør det interessant. Kun to av de femten sangene som ikke fenget.
Absolute favourite 2Pac record. The last real record before he turned on the gangsta/ thuglie persona. I can only imagine the impact and life he would of had if he had of stayed on this path.
Westcoast at it's finest
I wasn't sure where I'd land as this album played. I liked it from the start, but it took me a few tunes to really connect. But connect I did. The music and arrangements were consistently interesting, and I was struck by 2Pac's willingness to honestly explore the complexities of his life. Unlike others in the genre (and far be it from me to try to speak as some sort of expert), his stories struck me as the real deal, real life — and the inherent contradictions drove that home. And while it hardly paints an exemplary picture, he certainly doesn't come off as some sort of hero, I was drawn in and by the end of the album, I was feeling like I learned a few things and feel ever more disgusted by the failings of our society. The disparity between classes, the bleakness of life in a ghetto, unbalanced justice, hopelessness. And joy, friendship, and love. Contradictions. As these thoughts swirled in my head, and being genuinely moved by Dear Mama, I guess I landed on realizing this is a dense, complete, and grand work by an artist. This album is an experience I'll return to.
Great
10/10
Pretty much 2pac in his prime, albeit that was basically his whole short lived career. This shit is bumpin and full of messages, and introspection, and thematic layers…you can see why he was such an icon. Top 3. Old school, if I die 2nite, lord knows
One of the most sophisticated rap albums I've listened to. Engaging, entertaining, reflective, and poignant. No weak spots on a longer album that is full of great songs and seamlessly toes a fine line between mellow and intense in such a satisfying way
An album that shows the power of hip hop/rap, is entertaining, and accessible enough for the non fan to understand the artistry and power.
For all that I'm aware of Tupac I have never really listened to him. This album is good and tough and real.
Tupac is such a phenomenal MC because of the emotion he can evoke from his listeners through his lyrics and his delivery. You can hear the pain through his voice and that he means what he says. This album was amazing to me because it didn’t feel like I was listening for an hour because I was entrenched in the journey he was taking me on. Classic album from a classic artist that left this earth too soon!
Im a fan of 2pac so I would rate this album a 10/10 its nice and chill and I love all of his songs. The second song played I don't think I've heard before but its pretty nice I like the beat. Ive always been a fan of hip-hop so id recommend this album to someone who is also a fan and familiar with the genre.
I rate well in dear mama a 5 star because I listend to this befre and I liked it and I always listen to 2pac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I rate so many tears a 5 star because I listend to this before and I liked it and I always listen to 2pac and I like rap and this is my favorite song by 2pac ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐. I rate Outlaw a 5 star because I listend to this before and I liked it and I always listen to 2pac and I like rap and this is my favorite song by 2pac and it has mutipul voices ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.
I like this album a lot. I like the lyrics and Tupac is the goat. I also love rap in general, especially 90s rap !!
I like this album because it has a good beat and is just fire bc its Tupac so like duh
I like this song because i like the beat and i like how he sings and it has a cool beat. i like this song too because it has a cool instrument and cool beat . i like this song too because of the beat and how they sound singing . i recommend this song because of the cool beat
Classic 90s West Coast rap. It really defined the genre going forward, and Tupac's lyricism is at it's best. "Dear Mama" will always be my favorite 2pac song, and there really isn't any filler on this record. Rest in Power.
Rap music gets a bad rep, which I get. Most of it is violent and misogynistic, and the genre is overrun with so many mediocre artists. If anyone ever needed to be challenged on their preconceptions of rap music, listen to "Dear Momma." What a beautiful song and tribute. The album as a whole stands out for the deep lyricism and complexities of topics that are touched on. Plus 2Pac has a flow to his music that ties it together for an exceptional album.
Blown away by how good this album is. Absolutely in awe.
great
Pac Perfect.
One of the smoothest hip hop albums I've ever heard! Love his flow. One thing about this is that I did not expect his lyrics to be so depressed and borderline suicidal. Like it'll have the funkiest beats and the background singers are like "I wish I was deaddd" and he's rapping about how he can't sleep because everyone wants him dead. Idk. Disturbing if you listen to the lyrics, bop if not. Fav Songs: So Many Tears, Dear Mama, It Ain't Easy
Fire. Added to my album collection
5, easily.
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.
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.
TUPAAAAC
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
Never listened to this one before and absolutely loved it. Excellent rhythms and lyrics that delve into personal and societal affairs
Loved it. Really made me think about where music would be if he wasn’t murdered. Poetic and beautiful and sad and great
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
Super
**"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.
This made me feel gangsta as shit on my way to pick up my arthritis medicine.
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
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.
Great album
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.
I give it ten stars
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.
Literally such a vibe im so happy, great music
Nem vagyok nagy old school rap imádó, de ez az album nagyon tetszett. A szövegnek szinte minden számban súlya volt.
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?
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
Really great, pretty smooth
Seminal.
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
Such a fucking good album. A rare case of the original being the best.
AMAZING!
Awesome
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
Classic California hip hop and Tupac at his finest.
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.
Ripper
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
lyrics are amazing and im rly into the instrumentals too
Loved it. Crazy delivery and dear mama actually touched me
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.
Najbolji 2Pacov album.
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.
A solid debut with smooth g funk backing. I like when he gets vulnerable.
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
Yees
2Pac is the best
first time listening have heard so many tears dear mama
2pac is awesome. Really tender while remaining cool. 2pac has a great sense of melody, 66 minutes just vibes on by.
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
"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.
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.
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.
yo! some old school bangers on here!
five brilliant stars
One of the best poet rappers to do it.
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
Amazing!!!
👍
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.
He just like me fr
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
I think I get 2pac now. The man really knew how to put words together.
I'm a simple west coaster. I hear Tupac, I like.
What should I say? That album is just fucking great. Cool beats, more on the dark side of the mood, minimalistic music support and outstanding texts as well as melodies.
Fucking awesome album. Every song was a great listening experience that focuses on an incredibly foreign life to me. The song intro was cold as all hell. Opening an album bragging about surviving an assassination attempt is darkly ironic and badass.
Ground breaking!
Love this voice, love the lyrics. Dear Mama the best
Great album. Lord knows
Love 2Pac, and this is my favorite album from him. Love the less aggressive sounds from this versus his next album.
Really got into this one.
I didn’t expect to see this album on the list, but overjoyed to have gotten to listen in full. It’s crazy how many lines 2Pac seems to predict misfortune for himself, still calling out men for trying to be hypermasculine, still criticizing his own choices on his rise to stardom. I wish I could’ve seen what rap would’ve been like if he’d been able to stick around.
2/pac rip
WOW! Rap perfected. The lyrics just keep rolling so smooth. Beats you can bob your head to.
Hey this guy is pretty talented
Great classic album. Still prevalent.
2Pac has such a great, distinct voice and his bouncing flow is so much fun to listen to. I love these funky beats too. Occasionally, the musical style pushes toward G-funk but I wouldn’t call most of this gangsta rap. 2Pac generally avoids glamorizing violence. He’s more soulful and introspective. He describes the awfulness he sees around him and tries to promote positivity at every turn. “Old School” is a personal favorite. I used to love putting that one on party playlists. This is one of those albums that’s talked about as a classic and I think it holds up really well. It’s over an hour long but there’s no filler, which is rare for a 90’s rap album. Even some of the classics will have a dud track here or there. This is solid. (Side note: I always love finding connections between albums on this list. On “It Ain’t Easy,” 2Pac raps about not wanting to get locked up in San Quentin, the prison Johnny Cash sings at for his second live prison album.)
Wowow equally heartbreaking and artful. I never gave this a full listen-through before today, and I'm glad I did.
Love that we are finally getting a Tupac album. This is one of his records that I didn't listen to too extensively but he's so prolific that I know I can go into it with high expectations. It's got everything you want from a rap hip hop album and everything you would expect from one of the greatest if not the greatest to ever do it. Lyrics are on point and touch upon many varied and interesting themes as Tupac introspects his life, music, relationships. This album is so good to just put on and enjoy track to track. It's so EASY to listen to. Love Tupac. Love Tupac as not only a rapper and artist but also an actor.
This album sees Tupac expand his lyrical content to the philosophical. This is not to say that Tupac leaves behind the g-funk, but to say that he looks at the violence with a sense of maturity that seems to conclude that the lifestyle is part of him, and is glorified, but that he can look at it critically and understand how desensitized to it he has become. He muses on the devastating consequences of poverty and being exposed to so much death and chillingly discusses his own death. There's a tension here between the lure and necessity of life on the streets and the desire for things to be better. In the closing track, Tupac seems to recognize that something is wrong here, and the death is too much.
Klassiker. Kannte ich zwar schon, hatte aber die Gelegenheit noch einmal ein paar Lieder einzuspeichern.
It was you against the world… wasn’t it Tupac, RIP
Poet
Well. That was a surprise. Everyone knows 2Pac is a legend but I've personally never just sat down and listened to a whole album. I was utterly blown away by the lyricism, creativity, and delivery that he brought to the table. But the real surprise was the depth of the content. I expected the same ol' shallow gangsta rhymes that you get from 2Pac's contemporaries in the genre. What I experienced, however, was incredibly self-aware social commentary. 2Pac comes off more like a really cool older brother dispensing heavy wisdom than a hard-ass, bragging gangster. This album was just great. 2Pac really was one the greats. R.I.P.
A true original. This album feels like it has an aged a day
He’s a favorite of mine so this was an easy sell to me.
Listened Before? N This is one I've been wanting to listen to, and putting off since literally the 90's. I've always been a fan of 2pac's style but never listened to a full album. Pros: This is an amazing record. The subject matter ranges from typical gangsta faire to personal therapy sessions. 2pac was a special talent. He makes the unrelatable relatable. Cons: Nothing much. Some terminology didn't hold its relevance, but this is a great snapshot of the mid-90s. Added to Library? Y Songs added to Library: Me Against the World, Dear Mama
Classic.
Só fado
9/10 great
Super enjoyable with some classic tracks. Final verse of Me Against the World is incredible. Falls into the 90s album trap of being just a bit too long. 9/10
Achei legal demais o título. Tudo a ver com a proposta do rap. Gostei das canções e da maneira envolvente das letras. Não domino o inglês, mas quero ler as músicas para entender o que foi dito. E ouvir, é claro, mais 2Pac.
One of the most fun hip-hop albums I've ever heard. Fantastic beats, lyrics and no filler make this one of the best in the genre.
Mutha fuckin 'Pac
Never knew some of the deeper cuts on this were so good! Really enjoyed it though!
Legendary
El mejor rapero de la historia.
you can hear how personal this one seems. I don't listen to Tupac, nor do I know much about him but you can hear how raw he tried to make this one.
Great flows and fun production
Nice
dated and simplistic 90s, but this hit me in the feels. genuine emotions packaged within old school beats
didnt know that before
Yes
Love "Can U get away" and "So Many Tears"
Some of the best music ever made
Classic. So good. Very solid.
If the song about his momma doesn’t make you cry then you don’t love your mama
Hands down classic! One of 2Pac’s best works.
Already in my collection. Obviously a banger of an album.
it’s okay
This is super smooth with just just enough funk to keep it interesting. Surprised how well this has aged, it still feels surprisingly modern, despite some lyrical choices that show their age. I felt like at face value this seems maybe overly simple and that it follows the same overused format as so many similar albums, but I feel like it's done to a higher standard and deserves much of the credit it gets.
I've read " It is objectively bad music." in the comments of this album. That's a thing that an objectively dumb person would say. nevertheless I liked it but ther are songs by 2Pac that I like more and I wouldn't consider myself a 2Pac Fan
I really did enjoy this
It's a great rap album, the first song that really stood out to me was It Ain't Easy. I really dig the beat on Old School, it bounces and flows really well. Me Against The World is incredible too, I paid more attention to it during the second listen through.
This is one of those albums that makes me thankful for 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die, because if it wasn't for that list, I never would have listened to it. Obviously we've all heard of 2Pac, but he's one of those artists I never cared to listen to because the name has always given me negative vibes based on the memories I associate with him. I'm obviously a white boy from the suburbs of Denver, and back in the early and mid 90s I was in my early teens. That was when gangsta rap was the coolest trend in the world. All the kids from white, conservative Christian families who were raised in upper middle class, gated communities suddenly wanted to be thugs and acted like they had it so bad. One of our neighbors was a girl a few years older than me who hung out with that crowd. Every weekend when her mom left town, she'd throw a party, and every weekend it was the same thing. They'd be blasting bass from their car stereos, every party ended with a fight, and eventually the cops would get called. They all had baseball bats in their trunks and were desperate to show them off, but they never actually used them because they knew the police would show up. As soon as they heard the sirens, they'd all jump in their cars and speed off. Those were the same kids I'd see wearing 2Pac shirts at school all week long. I've always been pretty good at spotting things that feel fake, phony, or inauthentic, so if that's what those kids were listening to, it was the last thing I wanted anything to do with. Now, putting all of that aside and coming back to this album 30 years later, it's actually a really good record that has stood the test of time. 2Pac was obviously a great lyricist, but what I really like is the overall production. The album has a nice laid back vibe, and 2Pac flows so smoothly over the beats that he really adds to that relaxed atmosphere.
Great production, Tupac sounds great and the songs are varied enough. I found myself skipping a lot of songs after the first half just because I was getting tired of the subject matter
A classic. So completely captures a time in America, with the West Coast vibe.
4/5
4/5. A lot more chill and introspective than I would have expected. The beats here are all pretty great, they are simple on the surface but there’s a lot of cool little details, like the short looping guitar line on “Death Around the Corner.” Thematically, this album was made in a time where a lot was happening in 2Pacs life between jail-time, an attempt on his life, and always being in the eye of the media ecosystem. And that paranoia/exhaustion can definitely be felt all over this album. Great listen.
Great album. Good lyrics and tells a story. Hard to not judge it based on his other albums but 3.8
I didn't know this album, and I really enjoyed listening to it!
This one seemed a bit on the dark side, and I wasn't as into it as previous Pac I have heard, but still pretty great. 4.9
One of my favorite Pac albums.
(Light 8/10) Pac shows he is well and capable to create an album that is not only full of bangers, but that is also deep and profound. Turning the lens inward, he waxes poetic about his mental struggles, his upbringing, and his life in general. This record contains some truly phenomenal tracks in it that make for one hell of a beginning and middle of the record. "So Many Tears" and "Dear Mama" being the first two that come to mind. The 90's style production can be a bit corny sometimes but it's all part of the charm. The record does lose steam towards the end though, but the songs are still good on their own. "Outlaw" ends Things on a bit of a somber note though, as it seems to portray that the cycle of gang living moves on through the generations. Even still, great album. Definifely one of Pac's best.
gut. 4/5 i guess weil 2pac.. aber also.. wrsl bin i biased weil idk ob is wirklich soo gut gfunden hab. denk hiphop is nit soo meins? aber iwie wars scho cool. dear mama hat ma gfallen. ja 4/5 wird scho passen
Yeah, this was really good. Love the 90s West Coast beats, and 2Pac's flow is super smooth. Such an easy listen even when the subject material is pretty challenging.
Tupac (2pac?) - me against the world. Hmm rap, not my thing unless doing a challenge like this…but of the G funk variety which I used to quite like. I was expecting this to be a slog, but it was actually pretty good all the way through. Some very prescient stuff here. Death really was around the corner for this guy. A strong 3, so I’ll give it ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
incredibly smooth and well produced. i know this will grow on me
This was great
not as good as Joni Mitchell’s Blue
A classic, but feels a lot of its time.
This is #day668 of my #1001albumsyoumusthearbeforeyoudie challenge, and… this is the kind of record and artist you can put on without worrying about the quality. I mean, it's '90s hip-hop, aka the Golden Age. Can it ever really be bad? I believe this was my first-ever full 2Pac album experience. A thoroughly enjoyable listen on a half-sunny Sunday afternoon on my Technics SU-7300. This is a 4 out of 5. Looking forward to #day669.
271125 13:47 4 / highlights: me against the world, so many tears, lord knows
I miss these days when rap artists told stories. I don't care if that makes me seem old. The thing about this album, is you can hear Tupac list all of his self destructive tendencies, he even predicted an early death because of them, yet he didn't change. He's like a real human being and I feel sorry for him.
like yeah! really eerie Intro, considering
little needs to be said! it's great and its reputation well precedes it. I don't have anything new to add to the conversation. I didn't actually listen to this album until I was in my early 20s, and I remember wondering what happened in the 2000s that took the soul out of rap. fortunately, this one has plenty of heart and will always be worth revisiting
I consider myself well versed on rap history, but this is an album that I had little knowledge of, at least compared to his others. It didn't hit quite as hard as All Eyez On Me, but you simply cannot discount these foundational works in West Coast Rap. Very good overall.
Although I think it’s the wrong choice, I understand why this album is the one Pac album that made it to the list. It’s a little more straightforward lyrically and accessible. There’s a bit of everything that makes Pac such a great artist on here. “So Many Tears” and “Can U Get Away” are always stand outs for me. “Dear Mama” is a classic. My ranking of Pac albums even though no one asked: 1. Strictly 4 My… 2. All Eyez On Me 3. The 7 Day Theory 4. Me Against the World 5. 2Pacalypse Now 6. Posthumous albums
I didn’t recognize any of these songs, so I got to listen to this record fresh. My exposure to 2pac is just the hits and Kendrick’s reverence for him, so I’m glad I to finally get a full album in. Really enjoyed this.
Once upon a time I would have probably called 2Pac one of my favourite artists. Those days have long passed and I rarely find myself reaching for his albums. Even this one, despite having some great tunes on it became a bit tiring at times. 2Pac was a man of contradictions and this album demonstrates that well. Not quite as angry as his later work, there are some wild swings here.
This one won me over, even if I'm not a huge fan of 2Pac's flow (it gets a bit monotonous with not a lot of change in delivery), the songs have great beats, melodies, and hooks.
I'd never listened to 2pac before... incredible
I don't listen to rap consistently but growing up near LA I am familiar with Tupac and the influence he had on the music community. Some of the tracks on this record don't connect with me and feel grating. There are other tracks that do connect and add a dimension to musical prose that is quite impressive. The underlying music on nearly every track has a swagger to them. And I never knew Tupac used harmonica in his songs. More R&B sounding than I expected. Controversy surrounding him aside, there's something here to still be talked about.
Love me some Tupac. His flow and beats harken of a simpler time 😂 … but will say some of the harsher lyrics are a bit off putting in a weird way (where as in high school I was all about it 🤷) . Man I would old. Dear mama is an absolute gem. I’m going to go 4.4.
Fairly solid, barely gets a 4...
Very good album. A lot of tracks are introspective and regard the feeling of being trapped in a situation that will result in your death, eg gang and drug related issues. There’s a feeling of resolution toward that end, which is considered inevitable. Interesting considering just a few years later he was murdered in a drive by shooting.
I’m always impressed with rappers. There’s so many words! I wish I could give this a 3.5. I guess I’ll give it a 4. It’s pretty good.
Built upon itself in a really great way. West coast best coast and all that. Love the interesting melodies and samples. At the risk of sounding like the Boss Baby meme, it was fun to go back to see and notice how it influenced GNX, which I really enjoyed.
really good rap album, temptations was a banger
El 2paccc💋 esta bueno pero siento q debe tener mejores
I respect the author picking this album over "All Eyez on Me". Sure that album has better hits in my opinion, but this album is just so damn consistent and overall the better record. Pac wasn't fucking around here. Favorite track: Me Against The World
High school me would have given this a 5
Enjoyed this. Solid if not spectacular throughout, goes beyond the bitch ho gangbanging mofo bollocks where a lot of its contemporaries (and most likely some of his work) gets caught in a violent misogynistic rut. Separate the man from the music and you’ll find a well made album which bags a high 3/low 4. I’m being kind to balance 2pacs obvious flaws.
I do love me some 90s rap.
I really like 2Pac
Random thoughts: * I was never much of a 2Pac guy as I always gravitated towards Dre and Snoop. * I was definitely missing out as this album and I assume most of the 2Pac catalog had more R&B instead of the Dre/Snoop funk. * the lyrics and subject matter sounded more mature than other rappers. * I will need to listen to more Pac.
Great slice of 90s hip-hop. Me Against The World was my fav song and first listen. Dear Mama and It Ain't Easy were my other highlights
Starting to like rap more and more
Being such a 90s East Coast devotee, going to listen to this felt like a small betrayal, but it was about time I heard something full from Tupac. I gotta say, I really loved this. The production on this is a lot sleeker and smoother than the East Coast stuff I love (stack this up against Wu Tang or Mobb Deep in terms of production quality... it makes The Infamous sound even creepier), Pac's lyricism and flow is unparalleled, and there are a lot of vulnerable and beautiful moments on this thing that sorta go against the hardened image that Pac's reputation created ("Dear Mama" stopped me in my tracks; what a track, man).
everybody reviewing these like they're reviewing the person himself. yeah pac might've been a shitty guy but you're reviewing the music dawg. context matters but you can't let it override the music
One of the most undeniable flows
not my favorite Tupac but hey it's Tupac
bom
This album was really good, thought every song was very good
I found this album really spoke to my childhood and upbringing. Helped me feel seen and validated. But seriously, great album, really enjoyed it!
I respect it *slightly* more than I actually enjoy it, but I still do enjoy it. 3.5/5
My preference in the 2Pac vs. Biggie debate changes frequently. After listening to this album I am very firmly on the 2Pac side. This album effortlessly combines great beats with incredibly thoughtful lyrics (see "Dear Mama" and "Lord Knows"). I know this has kind of always been 2Pacs thing but this is the first time I've experienced it in a full album context and not just from a greatest hits album. 4/5
My parents didn't care if I listened to Dre or Snoop growing up, but they did have a problem with 2Pac... yeah, I don't know either. This was a really strong album. I think if I have any critiques, it did seem like the subject matter was very similar on many of the songs. He could tell the story in creative ways, but it was still the same basic story. I did appreciate the emphasis on mental health.
It’s Tupac, what more can I say? Shit is fireee
Quando era mais novo, eu ouvia uma boa quantidade de 2pac, mas sempre fiquei apenas nos álbuns de Greatest Hits. Uma coisa que me pegou de surpresa nesse disco foi sua temática. As letras constantemente falam sobre mortalidade, a própria Intro menciona a vez que Tupac foi baleado e quase morreu, e esse tema retorna em diversas canções, com algumas letras falando até sobre ideações suicidas. Deste modo, esse disco é bem diferente do esperado de álbuns de Gangsta Rap da década de 90. Fora a temática inusual, o álbum conta também com um estilo de produção agradável, repleto de samples bem colocados e instrumentais legais. Há canções mais lentas e reflexivas, mas há também algumas mais animadas. Possui variedade suficiente para não cair na mesmice, e também não sofre dos pecados comuns da época. O único defeito mesmo é a duração, que poderia ser encurtada um pouco. Mas ao todo, é um disco bom. Gostei. 4/5
Hip hop/Rap has evolved a lot in the last 30 years, but my rule of rhythm and rhyme was forged by this album.
I was recently recommended his next album, All Eyes On Me, but this one was easier to appreciate. It's shorter, at just an hour with 6 minutes it could still be considered long, but rap when it's done well has the tendency to extend itself. It feels like a cohesive project, but more importantly, Tupac is flexing his lyrical capabilities. Even during my initial background listens, his rhyme schemes would pop and call my attention. I find his style shows the transition from choppy vocals to a more musical cadence, that together with some overly-classic beats makes this sound a little dated. I've heard efforts where the "classic" feel is much more overwhelming, I find it tollerable here. The talent is always stronger. I saved a couple of of songs to my liked collection, and to a few playlists. I don't know if I feel the need to replay this album, but I respect it. 4.1/5
4.5
I’m preferential to All Eyez on Me but this is still a solid album. It is, however, too long. Pac should have trimmed the fat a bit in my opinion. Still some classics for sure, just too many songs for one album.
Gangster rap album whose lyrics are borne out of tumultuous time that Shakur was going through in his personal life. Favorite is "Lord Knows", also enjoyed "Dear Mama" and "If I Die 2Nite".
Classic hip hop.
me sorprendió mucho, tenía una mirada distinta de 2pac
Great lyrics but I’m not a fan of every beat.
Overall pretty solid, good rhythm and backing tracks nothing stands out too much though to me.
Very problematic stuff, yes, but have you considered how hard it bangs??
Glad to have finally listened to one of his albums in full Saved songs: Temptation, Dear Mama
7/10
While I do know Pac, I have never listened to a full album until now. He scared me as a kid, but this album makes up for that. He’s a very introspective artist.
Tupac muss in den Knast und nimmt schnell noch mal jeden Typ von Hip Hop Track auf dem es so gibt: Diss Track, GangTrack, Anti-Gang Track, Ich und meine Crew Track, Ich ganz alleine Track, Community track, Skills Show off Track, Mama Track, Jazzrap Track.... Passt dann halt null zusammen, aber trotzdem ist fast jeder Song ein Hit.
Zeitlos irgendwie, so 90s dass es der Einfluss aus den 80ern und die Inspiration für 00er Rap gut hörbar ist. Trotzdem verbinde ich nicht wirklich etwas damit. Lässt mich emotional ratlos zurück. Trotz des Wissens wie stilprägend das ist:
yep
Great smooth soul beats that Pac sounds great on. The music is pretty consistently laid back but Pac makes it dynamic by having his tone/cadence range from rage to romance to hype to sweet. Great album that holds up very well. It fades into the background a bit in the middle and doesn’t have highlights making it perfect, but it is very good
It's not my favorite 2Pac album, but it's still 2Pac
I was genuinely pleasantly surprised by this album. I genuinely don’t have very strong opinions about 2Pac one way or the other. I’ve always just assumed he was probably fine, I don’t really know what I was expecting but this exceeded my expectations (despite not having any). I don’t think I’ve ever heard his voice before either. Which is weird cause I know I’ve seen clips of him talking before but I had no idea his voice was so deep. The bigger surprise was I had no idea he had such great beats. Like he was super far ahead of himself in that regard cause a lot of rap music at that time was much more repetitive/simple (for lack of a better word) but his instrumentals are sincerely quality even when compared to modern standards. I didn’t really connect with or love the lyrics but if that’s the only part of the music I’m not impressed by I’d still say that’s a pretty good to great album. And it also helps that I really wasn’t expecting to like this like I do.
This music is new to me. It felt like one of those random encounters with strangers where you each share your life stories then walk away and never see each other again. The appreciation in Dear Mama was a gut punch.
Thoughtful and engaging showing a conflicted persona
Interesting how the media samples at the start read in retrospect, post BLM, etc.
I hadn't heard much of anything by 2pac until recently, including this album. And what can I say about it that I'm sure hasn't been said by millions already? It's deep, it's searching, it's profound. Easily one of the best hip hop albums of the 90s and his talent is on display on every song.
Just love this era of hip-hop's sound so much
honestly, this is much better than the dre album hahah I get now lmao
Great album. I’d forgotten how natural a rapper Tupac is and whilst I am very familiar with All Eyez On Me I was not familiar with this album
Very introspective album, recalling his life, his choices and everything in between, how he felt about the world and how he stands on everything. It's a historical record and an account of him as a person. Incredible from beginning to end.
That was certainly G-Funk!
Solid. 3,7
Peak Pac
top 3 can you get away it aint easy old school
Really solid album. Great production and 2Pac got probably the best rap voice of all time.
8/10 Favourite: Me Against the World Least Favourite: Can U Get Away
Very cool. Optimistic in a way I did not expect.
1995. Tupac was really under a lot of stress with death around ever corner. He is so articulate about such intense topics. Vulnerable and real while being great to jam with and lyrically impressive. Tupac at his best.
good i just dont really like this kind of music :/
This is difficult for me to rate, as I feel very mixed about it. There are aspects I admire, such as the production, 2Pac's technical ability, the more socially conscious parts of his lyrics and the legacy of this album. On the other hand, gangsta rap isn't really my genre, and there are times when all the machismo and glorification of violence gets a bit overbearing, though 2Pac isn't the worst offender when it comes to that. Also the deflection when it comes to his own poor behaviour and the hurt he's caused (especially on 'Fuck The World', particularly that first line about the sexual abuse trial he was facing) makes enjoying this album as a whole tough. On the whole I guess the best description that I can come for this album is that it's deeply flawed, but at its best it's great. That goes for 2Pac too, as both an artist and a person. 3.75/5, rounding up to 4.
So 90’s rap
Somehow 2Pac completely passed me by, even when I was pretty into US rap younger, I could never get into it. This time I gave it a proper chance and though it's not love at first sight I can see why it's enduring and also why it's influential. I don't feel awestruck enough for the top note, but I'd go back to that happily.
Yeah 50 got shot and made a great album, but 2Pac dud it first and did it better. Lyrical and chill, no one finds beauty in the projects quite like Pac. Favorite track was if I die tonight
A bit bloated, but Pac’s flow and lyricism haven’t aged a day.
pure style
Good homework music
I have never connected with Tupac, whose confessional poetry mode here parted the seas of hip hop and made way for so many of the artists I revere. But I still can’t find my way in. I simply don’t like the production enough to go back again and again to mine for the lyrical riches. Still, it’s undeniably a pantheon album.
really great, but – as so many hip hop albums – just too long
Great
i've listened to tupac's biggest songs but never a full album and i honeslty really enjoyed this. the beats are so melodic and have such a natural rhythm that you can't help but move along. this has such a unique 90's quality to it and transports you back in time. his voice is so smooth, he is such a storyteller and i'm happy to listen.
He really did predict his eventual death on the very first song - pretty eerie. In comparison to a lot of the other early rap I've had (mainly NWA and Snoop Dogg) this is a lot more introspective and maybe laid the groundwork for the Kanyes and Kendricks that would come later. A lot of it feels like Tupac coming to terms with his past and why he has ended up in this situation. Couple that with fantastic beats and instrumentals and it makes for a very solid and lyrically dense album. He's super smooth and has a really unique voice too. Really liked this one.
Legendary and long
2Pac at the pinnacle of introspective/conscientious hip hop in the heyday of gangsta rap and dance hip hop. can hear his talent in the flows but I found the album dragging on a bit. Not a ton of variation to my ear, but maybe it’s because I like ice t s faster style of rap But it’s still very impressive being so introspective, thematically strong. Very confessional and raw, probably was a bit uncommon to show vulnerability in hip hop at this time.
Potężny statement. 2Pac walks the talk, otwierające album Intro nadaje ton całości poprzez swoje dramatyczne, ale też w swojej dziennikarskiej powadze trochę śmieszne i absurdalne wycinki z wiadomości telewizyjnych na jego temat. Indywidualna walka protagonisty z krwi i kości przeciwko kartonowemu, nieco groteskowemu światu, ale też przeciwko prawdziwym wrogom, chcącym go zabić. Lirycznie album jest naprawdę mocny, co w sumie podsumowuję w poprzednim akapicie. Do tego oda do figury matki w "Dear Mama" dopełniająca obrazu dobrego, ale skomplikowanego chłopaka w brutalnym świecie. Muzycznie nawet nie bardzo pamiętam, co tam się działo, to jest tom poezji śpiewanej bardziej niż album muzyczny.
This isn't as bad as most rap from the era. There were a few songs that I really liked and I found Dear Mama surprisingly tender.
Solid record
Tha goat
3.5
8 / 10
If the phrase "Memento Mori" was an album it would be this. Which is interesting, considering he was murdered a year after this released. A lot of the tracks read more as something heartbreaking, cautionary and self reflecting to me. It's a shame that since this is considered "gangsta rap," no one will look at it as anything else but violent. Maybe everyone should re-evaluate their biases...
Great album to jog along to. 2Pac’s flow feels so good against these beats, even if the whole project feels perhaps a touch self-absorbed.
I have always preferred east coast hip hop over west coast, but Tupac is one of the best to do it over there. This album has some really good beats, and some great rapping. This is really close to a 5 for me, but there are just a few too many songs that I didn't really care for. High 4.
Monsieur 2pac, je n’étais pas familier à votre flow et sah, ça avait du charisme
Took me a bit to get into the groove but by the end I was really digging it.
This is really good
Not a fan of the gangsta side of this, but I do love the softer side
Truly a lyrical genius. So different to some of his other work. The back to back to back of dear mama, it ain’t easy and can you get away is weirdly calming. Very stripped back album that I enjoyed a lot.
This is one of those albums where the reputation is huge, but the material actually earns it. The vulnerability, the paranoia, the storytelling—there’s a poetic weight to it that so much hip-hop never tries to reach. Even if someone isn’t a fan of 2Pac as a figure, the craft here is undeniable.
So I've listened to some rap/hip-hop but not a lot, I'd heard a lot about 2pac so was interested as to what this would be like. One thing I expected was a more thoughtful lyrical approach and this is definitely the case here. Not the generic "pussy, bitches, money, drugs" themes. Though these themes are present and referenced, it's often from a different perspective. You feel a more personal telling of how one gets into this life and the social political issues that go along with it. As someone not from USA (I'm from UK) and a white man, I'm far removed from lots of the topics here from a personal standpoint, other than what I know through other media and just what I've heard. He gives a different outlook than usual talking about senseless killing and preaching more respect. Musically I found it enjoyable too, great beats and hooks throughout that never really felt too repetitive. I've seen a couple of reviews here mentioning what type of person 2pac appears to be through various incidents. I'll do my research into this and generally do my best to separate the art from the artist. I'll judge the albums musically and lyrically on their own merit - not based on who wrote it.
Surprised how much I enjoyed this
02/12/2025 Another thing i didn't think i would be in too, i actually didn't dislike it. Spotify listeners: 24.9 million
I've heard some 2Pac songs from All Eyez On Me and they tend to be so bloody aggressive and filled with just HATE especially after he went full throttle at Bad Boy Records and associates, it honestly makes my guts churn a bit. I am glad this album is more thoughtful and seems more introspective than some of the other songs I've heard from him, and I definitely prefer this side of him. Highlight Song/s: Me Against The World, Heavy In The Game, Dear Mama and Can U Get Away
This is not the first album I think of when I think of 2pac, but it is perhaps his most personal and reflective album. 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. 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. Shock G of Digital Underground was an amazing producer and artist in his own right. 4⭐️
first song - this is groovy, but i prolly wont add it cuz its just talking from news reporters this is my first 2pac album, idk if its the best intro if i die 2nite - so groovy damnn me against the world - omgggg this album is sooo nice so far so many tears - tbh i liked me against the world better but this is still so good temptations - OMG BRO LIKE THIS IS SO CHILL AND VIBEY OMGGGG i love this so much young dudes - like bro each note is just gonna be "this is so vibey chill and groovy" cuz omg this is soooo good. also love the message in this song heavy in the game - groovyyyyyyy lord knows - song about depression (i think), really like the message dear mama - this is so wholesome. gives me a warm feeling. it aint easy, can u get away - vibes old school - don't like this song as much as the others. f the world, death around the corner - vibesss againnnn outlaw - nice closer overall - this is such an amazing album omg. exceeded my expectations in every way. 8/10.
Ok yeah he was a dickhead but unfortunately this is really great.
I’ve never listened to this as an album—Dear Mama is stunning in context
Er was een tijd dat ik bepaalde nummers van 2pac heel vet vond. Die tijd ligt al wel een tijdje achter me inmiddels, al is bijvoorbeeld 'Dear Mama' die je op dit album aantreft voor mij wel een enorme klassieker. Tegenwoordig heb ik alleen 'Old School' (ook van dit album) in een playlist, maar meer 2pac luister ik eigenlijk niet meer. Ik merk dat ik een beetje verdeeld ben. Ik vind het allemaal wat fout, maar tegelijkertijd gaat het koppie wel automatisch een beetje mee zitten knikken bij de meeste tracks. Het is ook nog best wel poppy en niet zo overdreven gangsta als All Eyez on Me. Eigenlijk is het vooral jammer dat hij de lijn van dit album later niet heeft doorgetrokken, maar daarvoor zitten we hier niet. Ik vind het toch wel een lekker album, al duurt het wel wat te lang allemaal. Had drie à vier tracks korter mogen zijn. Ik geef 4 sterren.
Sorry Biggie, but as far as albums on this list go, I have to give the "better album" point to 2Pac. Maybe you shouldn't have included sex skits on your album. Anyway, Me Against The World is a pretty great album. 2Pac is obviously one of the most highly acclaimed rappers of all time, and for good reason. He's got the craft down to a tee. He may not be the most technically impressive rapper to live, but the combination of his solid rapping style, musical versatility, conscious lyricism, and general personality make him among the most multifaceted and artistically respectable rappers of his time, if not of all time. Combine all of those with tragic story and it's not hard to see why he's considered such a legend, with Me Against The World being widely considered to be one of his best albums. As for the album itself, I really liked it. The production was really cool. It's got that west-coast smoothness to it that I happen to enjoy. Pac's writing and rapping are strong. Again, there are more impressive rappers in these regards, but I really don't have any major issues with 2Pac's style. There's a good blend of gangsta rap braggadocio and conscious rap storytelling that I really love. You have songs like "If I Die 2Nite" and "Death Around The Corner" that demonstrate the toughness that appeals to the "thug life" crowd, balanced well by more conscious tracks like "So Many Tears" and the ever-iconic "Dear Mama" that show a more relatable side of Mr. Shakur. This is the kind of thing that I like to hear! Both of these things could work well on their own, but being together appeals to me and my desire for versatility. Overall, Me Against The World is quite the album. It's pretty consistent and quality and everything is done quite well. It's not quite a masterpiece per se, but it's still a great representation of why Tupac has the reputation that he has. Great stuff. Solid 4/5.
Selvom man bestemt kan se hvorfor 2PAC er så anerkendt som han er, har han aldrig været min favorit rapper. Alligevel må man anerkende hans kunnen. Sange som Dear Mama viser nuancer som jeg er vild med.
Great album from an all time great.
I ended up enjoying this one a lot. The music was simple, but it was really about the raps anyway. They were interesting and impactful, for the most part. I haven't listened much Tupac before and this was a nice introduction. My biggest negatives were the nature of some of the lyrical content and the length of the album (66 minutes). Even so, there were a lot of songs on there I liked. The rest weren't bad either. Overall: 3.7/5
myślę że to był najlepszy album dotąd, pomimo że nie znalazłam nic dla siebie typowo, to nadal bawiłam się przednio, ogl 2pac goat
its good, fine
Gangster rap If i die tonight Dear mama