Me Against The World

Much better than I was expecting

Not too bad. I appreciate what he was doing with this album im just not really a hip hop person but I can respect his craft and it seemed like a very personal album.

A raw and nostalgic record where you can hear and feel all of Pac’s emotion. He was truly a wizard with his words and delivery. Grew up listening to a lot of old hip hop so it was refreshing to catch back up on Pac and his craft. Favorites: Me Against The World, So Many Tears, Dear Mama

I'm not really a rap fan with a few exceptions like Arrested Development, Eminem and some Kendrick Lamar. I guess this is considered old school rap. To me it's more interesting than a lot of the rap that I've heard from this period (NWA, Snoop Dog, etc...). Has more soul with it's rolling, melodic bass lines which gives it a more funky vibe which I like. Definitely a cut above other rap I've heard. 4 stars

9/10

No doubt 2Pac is one of the greatest to ever do it, but Me Against the World didn’t hit as hard for me as some of his other work. There’s a lot of introspection and emotional depth here, which I respect, but the overall vibe just didn’t stick with me like All Eyez on Me or Makaveli. Still, tracks like “Dear Mama” are classics, and the album has its moments. It’s a solid record, just not my favorite in his discography. Favorite song: Death Around The Corner

Pretty good, surprisingly smooth to listen to (?) Although none of the songs here really spoke to me, they all just sort of smooshed together. Maybe I'll relisten when I'm more in the mood for mister pac. Fav song: Dear Mama

No skits on this is huge. The songs are also pretty good. Will I listen to again: 75%

I… thought it would be better. I knew Tupac’s hits but this album isn’t it. Tupac is a strong vocalist and has a great voice and delivery, but the songs are sooooooo dulllll uhhhh. I’m willing to give it two stars.

3/4

It feels wrong to give a legend like Pac only 3 stars, but I didn't enjoy this one as much as I expected to. I think a lot of the ideas, both musical and lyrical, on Me Against the World are more deeply explored and fleshed out on All Eyez on Me. The latter just feels like a more intense and focused effort, though it's undoubtedly bloated. It also has the undeniable bangers that this album is missing (how is All Eyez on Me not on this list?!?)

It's not in my wheelhouse but it ain't bad. High twos.

Need to listen to more

Why are hip hop albums always so long? I'm not sure he's got THAT much to say that it needs over an hour. It's competent enough I guess, and there are a few good tracks in there (best one: Old School). I preferred the tracks with additional vocals on in general. 2.5 rounded up.

Never listened a ton to Hip/Hop or rap but this is a crazy album. On first listen its got great sound and feel, but learning about 2Pac's sentence and incarceration surrounding this gives it some real context.

great

2 different ways he spelt his name? WTF. Who cares? Couldn’t name a WTF is his name song…

I wish to like this more than I do, because I do enjoy rap, but I'm afraid that I wasn't really feeling it. The beats are great and the delivery is good, but there's something missing for me, even though I don't know what

It's all solid and the rap flows nicely, but there's just a little something to it that doesn't pull me in.

Surprised at how much I enjoyed this considering it is not a genre I would look for. He definitely told a great story and you could hear his fight in the lyrics.

The gangsta rap subgenre has always been one I've struggled to find an appreciation for, and this album is no exception. There are a handful of songs here that aren't completely mired in braggadocio and posturing, and while I can appreciate 2Pac reflecting on the life he lives, it's a world I've never fully been able to connect with. Not that I'd ever expect to. That handful of songs does make this worth sitting through, even if it's not for me. The stream of similar sounding tracks glorifying violence? Not so much. So yeah, I appreciate the opportunity to sit down with an album I ignored back when it came out, but I don't expect to revisit it. Give me De La, Tribe, Public Enemy, The Roots, or OutKast over this any day of the week.

solid

I have tried many times to get into 2pac. I like a lot of hip hop, but for some reason, I just don't really like 2Pac. Listening to this a few times, I think what it comes down to is that in both old school and gangster rap, I prefer the more dynamic and musical flows of rappers like Biggie, and in lyrical conscious rap I prefer the deeper and more consistent messaging of artists like Common. I listened to this album and many of the most popular tracks repeatedly over the weekend and still don't have any particular lines stuck in my head, no hooks in the bars grabbed me and made me pay attention like many songs from other rappers can. To my ears, on this album, 2pac delivers a more predictable and repetitive old school flow combined with content that I know was honest to him in the '90s but now comes across as surface level posturing toward cultural commentary. He also doesn't benefit on this album from any standout beats.

biggie smalls is the illest

There is a lot of Rap on this list. I dont mind it, but it is not something that i would seek out for listening enjoyment. If i was going to listen to rap it would public Enemy or Run DMC. Gangsta rap is not my cup of tea. Nothing stands out for me on this album, but it was also ok. the album ends well.

Good at what he did I guess, the hype and the legend don’t weigh up though would be 2.5 but no half points

A family of gangsters, to live and die by the gun and machismo bullshit. His music is average and simplistic, but thanks to his violent death, he’s become immortal. Let sleeping thugs lie.

This is maybe isn’t the 2Pac album to get me to understand his genius, I don’t feel the immediacy that I feel while listening to someone like Nas or Kendrick.

This is was my first exposure to 2Pac and it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. There are words of wisdom sprinkled throughout and even one of gratitude ( about his Mama ). So, getting past the posturing and verbal vulgarities, there is intelligence lurking behind all the bluster. Whatever it takes to sell it, right?

This being my primary exposure to rap when I was younger and in school is probably why I fought hip hop for so long.

I'm not the biggest fan of 90's gangsta rap. Several verses had me rewinding to listen again - he's extremely talented, and I appreciated the introspective approach to this album. Would I ever put this on again? Probably not, but I didn't hate it.

We're it not for a out 3-4 songs that really appeal to me, this would have been a 3. But those few songs offset the ones that drag for me.

a good album, but not the best 2Pac record as a whole. Still a classic, but lacks any real memorable moments other than Dear Mama

not impressive except for a few songs

it's really funny to name drop de la soul in a song about the old school when even their oldest album was only 6 years old when this came out

He was no Maya Angelou. He had some derivative tunes and some ability to rap. He rose above mediocrity by dying young. I have dropped a point for the use of gunfire as music, but more unacceptable is the glorification of the thug life and warping minds (intro to Outlaw). The backing music sounds so dated, which never is the case with great music. It could have been worse, if the Fresh Prince had been killed in a drive by shooting we would have idolised Jazzy Jeff.

Really, really enjoyed this one. Haven't ever listened to a 2Pac album before. My rating is with the caveat of separating the art from the artist.

Let's be honest, he was not a good person, for that reason, I don't agree with the way he is idolized by so many. I'm admittedly biased as I grew up on 90s hiphop, so there's a major nostalgia factor in play. I love this album and appreciate the social commentary in his lyrics, notably in So Many Years, Lord Knows and Dear Mama. Old School is such a great track as well.

I never got into 2Pac. This is a good album. 4/5

Rap's not really my thing, and for sheer enjoyment of the album I was ready to give this a 2*. But I have to admit, the lyrics grabbed me. The guy had a way with words that's mesmerizing. So, although I won't necessarily be listening to this again, I'm still giving it 3*.

Not my cup of tea but enjoyable enough

I realized I haven't listened to too much 2Pac, but after this album I totally get the hype

Amazing lyricist and amazing delivery. There's a reason 2Pac is consistently in the GOAT conversation.

Rrrrrrubbish.

Never bought into the cult of 2pac, I enjoyed a song here or there but it never caught my attention enough to dig deep and see what the hype was about. I've tried before and tried again with this and I guess I'll never get it, this is fine.

I couldn't even get through the first song. Tupac was a horrible human being and this album reflects that.

I quite enjoyed this album but I’m sure that’s because the last 2 weeks of albums have been absolute dog shit.

Take out all the b*tches and n-words and this album only goes for about 10mins.

I liked but its a for one time its nice one

The generator is generating a lot of hip hop albums for me for some reason. I've heard some 2pac tracks before but this is my first time listening to a full album. Eh, sorry but not my thing. I think I'm coming to the realization that I'm a music over lyrics person and hip hop is a genre where lyrics are the main and most important part. So that means I just don't really care about any particular track on this album because I just don't pay attention to any lyrics when the instrumentals are quite samey. 2/5

Really close to giving this a 5/5. A masterclass in beats and rapping. I know a lot of it isn't his most famous stuff, but this is some of my personal favorite stuff I've heard from him. The thing holding his albums back for me is that they're too long. If it was a solid 10-12 tracks, less than 40 minutes, just the best stuff, I probably would give this a 5 but I feel that there's filler here and particularly in the second half things don't flow as well.

The sound is mellower and less abrasive than what I usually encounter in this genre, but it seems just as limited in subject matter and approach as all the others - and let's face it, rap is repetitive as the playing cards in your kid's bicycle spokes and if you don't like that, this is a pretty boring listen.

Experience shapes our tastes, and this was not about the world I know. I'm trying to be understanding. But I don't like rap. I just don't. But I understand this is culturally significant, so my rating isn't going to reflect my actual taste.

Albummet har kørts som baggrunds musik uden at lytte specielt meget til tekserne. Beats var lidt flade, melodierne var fine, rappen var monotom.

Soul’et og lettere funky Hip Hop. Det bliver let kedeligt og ensformigt. Ligeledes bliver det trivielt at høre på hvor hårdt livet på gaden er.

Legendarisk hiphop, personligt, indflydelserigt

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

Some pleasant songs

This was an alright album. I am not a huge fan of the rap songs where they just talk and there isn't really enough melody, but compared to a Beastie Boys album that I got yesterday, this is a lot better. I would say that it is a bit mid, although I know that 2Pac was massive during that time but I was a fan of the things back then.

Just sounds fairly flat and samey Expected a bit more having never really listened to 2Pac before

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

My biggest failing as a hip-hop fan is probably that I’ve never really clicked with a 2Pac album. This is a pretty interesting addition to his catalogue with the large G-funk influence and a few more sensitive songs standing out against the harder beats of his earlier work. There are a few great tracks on here such as If I Die 2Nite, Dear Mama and Old School, and the lyrics are generally very strong and insightful, but a lot of the songs just blend into one another and don’t do that much for me

I've just had a conversation about whether this was good or world-historically good ... this was good and very *consistent*, but i think 3 is right here

Some of the shine has gone from this the farther we get from the events surrounding it, but it inspired a satanic panic in white suburban moms that was funny to witness as a kid

never listened to this all the way through before! yes ofc

Honestly opening an album with news reports (or faked ones) about your own 1) shooting and 2) having to leave the hospital after said shooting to go somewhere else with more protection from a possible second shooting - possibly the hardest opening you can come up with The rest of this was highs and lows for me

I'm not a rap guy. At all. I'm certainly aware of Tupac, but wouldn't have been able to bane a song or album by him. I've given pretty low scores to every radio or hip hop album that's vibe my way -- merely because I cannot get into the genre. I did not redirect to like this, but I liked it quite a bit. To be chear, I fully believe good rap artists are true poets. But I just don't gebretatose enjoy the style enough to give it the attention it deserves. This album has a mellowness and clarity that made it easy to listen to abd easy to follow. I do cover back to it a few more tires so I can more fully appreciate Tupac's poetry.

Garbage music by a garbage human being.

Not my favorite 2pac album but still a good one.

I appreciate the effort that went into, and intelligence reflected in, the lyrics.

It just sounds like tupac

Good album, highlights are Me Against the World and Dear Mama. 1001 album worthy: Yes - 6/10

I enjoyed my first 2Pac album. I'll dive in for some more

I love his voice. I love his style of rapping. It’s an incredible album no doubt about it.

Has the flaws of a lot of 90s gangsters rap. But certainly the man has flow.

I never liked gangsta rap, and that extends to Tupac, the undeserving martyr of the genre. I find his flow monotonous, and the tracks are musically just terrible. It is true that, unlike many gangsta rappers, he does show the occasional modicum of human emotion and a tiny glint of vulnerability. He loved his mother! I could have died of shock! But it is not enough to outweigh the violence and misogyny that The worst thing about Tupac were his efforts to live up to his image. The assaults, the beatings, the gun violence, the rapes are not just (unpleasant) features of his lyrics, but he did them in real life too. It seems almost inevitable that he would die in a hail of bullets. I think he wanted it. The introduction of the albums seems to almost revel in his legal issues and street violence issues. He is obsessed with his own imminent death. Charisma, prolificacy and reasonable flow are not actually enough to warrant the praise that has been posthumously heaped on Tupac. This is a garbage album; nasty, unpleasant, monotonous and musically bland.

listened to again it's great, but not his best

Not the biggest Pac fan, but I get it. Much better than most of his releases.

3-4

Solid pac record

4.5

So much better than I was expecting

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

When lyrics really meant something, damn

3.5/5 Wanted to enjoy this even more than I did as the album opens with a bang and has some real high points, but I hesitate to admit that I slumped in between those peaks. Might be something to do with the choice to listen to this while running. I'll choose a different listening context for the next album.

overall very enjoyable, some tracks more than others

Hasn't aged as well as expected. Couple real amazing songs, but a majority just doesn't hit the mark anymore. 3/5

I had no connection to this album and still don't have. 2Stars from me

Fire. Added to my album collection

++: Intro, If I Die 2Nite, Me Against the World, So Many Tears, Heavy in the Game, Lord Knows, Dear Mama, Can U Get Away, Old School, Fuck the World, Death Around the Corner, Outlaw +: Temptations, It Ain't Easy 9,6/10

Given that I've already received an album from The Notorious B.I.G. on this journey, it only stands to reason that I should also receive one from 2Pac. Two sides of the same coin - up-and-coming gangsta rappers taken far too soon. The only question would be which album represented Tupac Shakur on this list. Given the enduring popularity of All Eyez on Me's title track, "How Do U Want It" and "California Love", I figured that album would have been here. Instead, we get the arguably next best one. Me Against the World was released while Tupac was incarcerated for various assaults he was involved in. There is no denying the man was far from a saint. Rather than ignoring his troubles, Tupac faced them head-on in this album. From opening on his contemplation of death to street violence in "If I Die 2Nite" and the title track, to the struggle with his inner demons on "So Many Tears", to the sensitivity and appreciation towards his mother on "Dear Mama", 2Pac tries to reconcile with himself given his rough upbringing and the injustice he bore witness at the time not just for himself but for other black Americans growing up in a gang-influenced world. In that sense, your mileage with this album will depend on how much you are willing to accept his self-reconciliation. I can accept it, acknowledging the man's flaws without being quick to dismiss him. Helping to get the messaging along is 2Pac's impeccable flow alongside the smooth production, eclectic samples, and guest appearances. The only time the music felt weak was on the flat hook of the closer "Outlaw". Otherwise, the rest of the album carried the G-funk styling of the mid-90s. Certainly a product of its time, but still well-produced in that regard. Overall, I had a reasonably good time with Me Against the World, and as such give it a solid recommendation.

Yeah, we get it. He almost got killed. I have never liked the 90s gangster rap and hip hop - It’s just too far from my reality. Tupac was a real asshole - read up on it. He was a rapist, was violent and a murderer… maybe people should stop idolizing him I am not into the hip hop genre, so that doesn’t help either

Enjoyed it, but found it a bit samey. The beats blur a bit into each other but they're generally pretty good. Heavy in the Game and Dear Mama are stand outs. Might need to revisit. 3.5 for now

I've been getting a lot of rap lately. It's just not a genre I'm ever going to like, especially gangsta rap. Some of it is okay, and I can respect the storytelling, but this just isn't what I look for when I'm listening to music. This was fine. They're all fine. They all mostly sound the same to me.

Really solid album, easy 4 stars. The beats are amazing and 2pac has a very clear delivery. Lots of good tracks but Dear Mama is the highlight for me.

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.

Another case where I think an artists one and only inclusion on this list was credited to an album which has some historical significance. In this case being the album released during his incarceration. As opposed to one of their best accomplishments. There's a handful of good songs here but a lot felt pretty standard fare. I should probably give this a 3 but my disappointment at the lack of other 2pac albums on here and my bewilderment at some of the negative reviews for this push it to a 4 for me. Highlights: If I Die 2nite, Dear Mama, Young Niggaz

I was told this man was a bum rapist so I did a bit of research on the fella, his views, his activism, and the actual charges that he got slapped with and I have to conclude that he got got by the same federal COINTELPRO machine that got Fred Hampton (PBUH) and continues to slander other black activists like MLKjr with bogus accusations and witnesses that appear out of thin air. I just want to stress that this fellas accuser was introduced to him by an FBI informant. Tupac literally dindu nuffin. Anyway that’s irrelevant to the actual album. I don’t really like this era of West Coast production and I don’t really care for his delivery and voice generally, but I can’t deny the lyricism on the majority of these tracks. I can’t rate this one poorly on personal preference, it’s objectively good.

I've always found 2Pac to be overrated. This album and his music in general is completely listenable but lacks the ability to grab you. You know the albums mid when you repeatedly think to yourself about how long you've been listening to this, and the first song that comes on shuffle after the album finishes is better than any song on the album 6/10 Fav tracks - Heavy in the game Least Fav - none

God rest the eternal martyred soul of 2pac. The standout tracks on this are great, the lyricism is top notch but a lot of this album went by me on repeat listens and I just found myself listening to the highlights again. Not my preferred 2pac album. I'm definitely not the target demographic for this, nor was I when I first was exposed to it as a child. Ummed and ahhed about giving this either a 3 or a 4 but if I'm going to come back to it (albeit with skips), it's gonna be a 4. Highlights: If I Die 2Nite, Me Against The World, Dear Mama, Fuck The World

Old School is my highlight

Expected to cringe through this one, but I was wrong. The controversy swirling around him in those days made it easy to dismiss him as just another hack. But no, there was real talent here. Excellent flow, interesting beats, fine production, real music. Nothing to complain about, and I am hunting for flaws. There’s really good shit here. Wish we could have seen his work develop. Whoever really is responsible for killing PAC and Biggie robbed us all.

fan vad det känns som töntigare hiphop om man jämför med tidigare akter men också senare.

2Pac was so interesting, and different than the other “gangster” rappers. He’ll talk about all the “thug life” stuff but simultaneously talk about what a toll it’s taking on him mentally. He’s emotionally vulnerable, talking about how much he cries and worries. It’s deeper than a lot of other, blander music in this genre, that is a lot about bravado and bragging and not much else. I get why this is a step above the rest.

Classic from when Rap was good

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.

I was expecting a tad bit more from this. There are some phenomenal songs on here but if we include the filler the quality goes down slightly. Cutting a few songs on here would have made this way better. The subject matter gets a bit stale here and there. That being said I wouldn't say that are any bad songs on here (not even mid). I'm conflicted on this but overall this was a great listen and I highly recommend that anyone who enjoys hip-hop should listen to this (if you haven't already). Top 3 Best: Dear Mama (easily), So Much Tears, and Can U Get Away (so underrated) Top 3 Worst: no bad songs 4.50/5

obviously an absolute classic but hasn't aged as well as some of its contemporaries imo

TUPAAAAC

This was a fierce, focused record. Pac is firing on all cylinders here and it results in one of his strongest records ever. Great beats, great lyrics, great flow.

Lyrically this is great. Tupac is a good rapper, no denying it. However musically is where this falls apart for me. A lot of the backing tracks sound like they could be used by a corporate made, generic all girl group. I can't take the gangster thing seriously when it sounds like that.

Very good. Not tupacs best but a lovely combination of g funk, hardcore gansta rap and r&b and soul.

Not the worst rap album

Muzikaal zit er nog wel enige variëteit in, maar uiteindelijk is dit de zoveelste doodvermoeiende sacherijnige kletsplaat vol onwelgevoegelijk taalgebruik.

De geschiedenis heeft bewezen dat de teksten geen aanstellerij waren. Toch vind ik het moeilijk naar de teksten te luisteren. Een compliment wellicht. Het is ondanks stevige klemtonen behoorlijk smooth. Het zakt makkelijk weg naar de achtergrond. In die zin heeft het wat weg van de relaxte rappers rond de wisseling van de decennia. De muzikale begeleiding is juist typisch voor de medio 90's. Of heeft hij daar juist voor dat stereotype gezorgd?

Zolang hij zingt over normale dingen en niet te stoer probeert te zijn, is het best aardige muziek. Maar het gevaar ligt altijd op de loer dat dit mama's kindje toch even verbaal uit moet halen naar de concullega's. Alleen ging dat er destijds niet zo vriendschappelijk aan toe in de ghetto's van Murica, want ze schoten elkaar gewoon lekker overhoop. Keurig gewerkt. Van 2Pac zelf is dus na de zoveelste shooting niks meer over, van zijn muziek eigenlijk ook steeds minder. Waar hij op een voetstuk werd gezet vlak na zijn dood, hoor je er eigenlijk steeds minder van (op de verschillende radiostations). De vraag is of dat terecht is of onterecht. Als ik er zo naar luister, zit er wel een aardige vibe en groove in. Ook weer met een typisch early 90s beatje. Zeker wat funky invloeden. Het blijft natuurlijk wel een genre dat niet helemaal mijn straatje is, welk subgenre van rap of hiphop dit ook mag zijn. Ik heb het idee dat zijn vroege dood er wel mee te maken heeft dat de muziek iets meer gehypet is, maar op zich zit het allemaal best goed in elkaar. Ik kan er best even naar luisteren, al is uiteraard meer dan een uur weer iets veel te veel van het goede. Gelukkig komt de hit over de helft van het album, waardoor je toch weer even opveert. Al met al toch een hele degelijke 3,5.

Aight

I used to be a hater of long songs just in general and I think ive evolved, and ik none of these songs are even that long but they are all consistently around 4-5 min which I think is a little lengthy for the avg/standard. I feel like anything lengthy you gotta do something spicy to warrant the time. Also I feel like a bit of variety in song length in an album is wayy good for keeping me engaged and this didn't do that. Anyways other than that I think this is quite good and I enjoyed it.

6/10 - I liked the backing track for a lot of the songs quite a bit. I still do not really like the actual rap part of the song but it was more manageable and enjoyable.

Production made this album feel long and a bit stale after some time but you can tell why people think 2pac is the greatest rapper ever. He sounded great

I just can't appreciate this genre.

Setting: Airport. IAH to LGA A look into Tupac’s life. Scary and powerful stuff. Quite the role model especially for those who have had similar experience

3.8 1x

Having grown up as a middle-class white boy, this album strongly resonates with my lived experience

It was a bit hard to get into at first - unlike other hip hop albums 2Pacs brilliance is understated - this record doesn’t blow mr away like some Biggie or Nas albums do but it’s solid and tight with some of the most level headed lyrics of the era. And I love there are no skits.

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

Ich mag old school hip hop, kannte wenig von 2pac. Finds nicht so geil. Mir fehlen geile beats und ansprechende hooks. 2/5

Never listened to this album. Enjoyed it!

He might be the best rapper of all time. He must be protected at all costs. Keep this man out of jail and make him president!

ok

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

I've always found the 'Intro' news report clips and the following 'If I Die 2Nite' super eerie knowing how 2Pac's life would tragically end so shortly after this album's release and just a few years after the 1994 Quad Studio shooting this album alludes to so heavily. 2Pac is an incredibly smooth rapper who values flow, delivery, and charisma over speed and excessive wordplay. He's an iconic voice in the genre if there ever was one - no one quite sounds like him. But I've always found this album to be particularly bloated, despite it being significantly shorter than his double-album follow-up 'All Eyez On Me', which, in my opinion, has all his bangers, and is one of my favorite West Coast hip-hop albums of all time. This album though holds some of Shakur's more intimate and contemplative tracks, given his semi-paranoid state after the shooting. Where his follow-up feels like a never-ending party, this album feels meditative - like a gloomy day spent alone. 'Me Against The World', the title track, has an incredible set of Dramacydal member features, but it's 2Pac's final verse here that sort of hammers the ideas of this album home. 'Lord Knows' and especially 'Death Around The Corner' also heavily showcase Pac's paranoid "die anytime" mentality paired with an almost apathetic attitude towards his death. Pac's uncertainty about his future and the existential loops he puts himself through on this record are just very sad to listen to. 2Pac also heavily criticizes the gangster lifestyle that got him to where he was at the time of this album's release, in an almost teaching moment for the upcoming youth. I obviously can't talk about this album without mentioning 'Dear Mama', one of the greatest rap songs of all time, and one that rarely fails to bring me to tears. In this song, 2Pac regrets his mistreatment of his mother when he was younger, while still appreciating her unconditional love towards him. "And there's no way I can pay you back, but my plan is to show you that I understand" ... perfectly said. It's not all serious though, I do enjoy the lightheartedness of the nostalgic 'Old School' quite a bit as well as the parts romantic and parts empathetic ode to Left Eye that is 'Can U Get Away'. I'd say this album's biggest pitfall is its, occasionally, barebones production, something that the follow-up improves upon tremendously. It's not bad at all, just very mundane, bassy, and beige at times. Certain hooks, like on 'Temptations' don't really do it for me either. I suppose it still fits the music well - and there are still some great moments like the funky 'Young N' or the melodic bass-backed and west-coast-whistle-driven 'It Ain't Easy'. This album sits so perfectly among the many varied sounds of '90s hip-hop. It's smooth and easily accessible on the surface all while never compromising its many overarching themes. It's an in-depth look into the psyche and struggles of one of hip-hop's messiahs - and without a doubt, an essential listen.

I don't know. Great flow, love his voice. But he was such a bad person. And somehow he still speaks to religion. It's just. This is rough.

Wack album, to say nothing of 2pac himself. High 1.

2Much 2Pac 2Give 2

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

Much better than expected: playful, tuneful, entertaining

Melhor vocal de rap, o disco inteiro fluiu sem incomodar. Só que não tem "Changes", um dos primeiros mp3 que baixei e escutei bastante.

I think some of the messages are poignant and his voice is powerful, as are the more samples. But southern rap still is richer to me.

Good ol'

Good melody overall. High 3

#347. I was honestly this to be overhyped nonsense because he was dead like the Notorious BIG album, but nah this one's actually pretty good. 4/5: solid. Song added to playlist: Death Around the Corner I've created a playlist on Spotify that consists of the best and/or my favorite song from each of the albums in this book. This list can be found here if you are interested: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7MAXDGLWlwLkFLb8veGfkA?si=FqkQQPgZTFWG0jAUJXLFZA&utm_source=copy-link

Super

First time really listening to Tupac and it’s fine, I guess. I’m not his target audience, but he has been essentially deified as a musical god and this not live up to his rep. It’s still pretty good for its era, but it has not aged well nor is it particularly mind blowing.

Boring

Solid. Maybe as good as All Eyez On Me?

dude is good I just don’t really like 90s westcoast!

**"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.

Production is nice but the beats are boring. The lyricism is supposedly the selling point but it feels a bit basic. Overly long, but there are definitely some standout tracks that I enjoyed.

I was disappointed with this to be honest, I was looking forward to some real hard hip hop and instead it’s a man moaning about the life path he has chosen almost certainly leading him to his death. It’s almost schmaltzy at points.

Easy to listen to West Coast 90’s hip hop the reminds me of old school Snoop. Easy to listen to. 70”s sampling.

Rap that’s pretty good but is not musically distinctive.

not my flavour

4/10

A lot of n-words etc. Struggled with enjoying it a lot even though I probably should tbh? Some of it was really good for running though!

remarkably chill and funky

I prefer Biggie 2/5

Intro n/a If I Die 2Nite 3 Me Against the World 3.1 So Many Tears 2.9 Temptations 3.2 Young Niggaz 2.8 Heavy in the Game 2.4 Lord Knows 3.1 Dear Mama 3.3 It Ain't Easy 3 Can U Get Away 2.7 Old School 2.5 Fuck the World 2.8 Death Around the Corner 3.4 Outlaw 3 Score: 2.942857143

Not very many strong opinions about this, I did however enjoy reading 2Pac's wikipedia page so there's that

3.5

Not my style but it was ok

Me Against The World // Young Niggaz // Lord Knows // Dear Mama // It Ain’t Easy // Old School //

Of 2Pac's first four albums, this is the only one that I have not listened to. So Many Tears is a quintessential 2Pac song -- great flow, soulful instrumental (with some wonky 90's harmonica), speaking to his paranoid mindset, imminent doom, and tormented past. Young Niggaz is another standout for its distinct West Coast g-funk styling and his open calls for black youth to aspire to more -- urging them to become accountants. Dear Mamma is a great homage. Old School was the other standout to me. Fine enough album, but doesn't capture the same lightning in the bottle feeling of Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.S or reach the highs of All Eyez On Me. With that, this is a pretty middling 3 for me.

This would be a 4 stars if it was just the songs that 2pac is solo in. All the featured and random people kind of suck. Put it down to a 3.5 stars for me.

Good beats, good flow. Never been a huge rap fan and this doesn't really change much for me. The wikipedia page is definitely interesting with all the events surrounding the release of this album.

This is exactly what I want to hear when it comes to 90s hip-hop in a good way. No crazy dj effects or anything, just straight up beats and great flow. Old School was probably my favorite song on here, went very hard.

Fuck yeah love some Pac. Remember Kado. This doesn't have some of my fav Pac on it but its honestly still all solid. Lyrics are top notch for it as well.

Worth digging into again

3.5 rounded up i understand why this is on here and it’s certainly quite good, but it’s also way longer than it needs to be highlights: me against the world, so many tears, dear mama, it ain’t easy (feb 23 2026)

Gave it four listens today. Hey Mama is still a great track, but I feel this isn’t the album where Pac’s lyrics really started to shine. 4/5

Favorite Track: Death Around The Corner

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

Might be the most blisteringly honest rap album I've had so far. A window into a life so completely different from mine and yet he makes you understand. Solid songs but the lyrics were the most dazzling part. Not sure how to describe my experience listening to this - a very complex album for me. Glad I heard it

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

A couple good tracks, but this album did not age well. 2.4 stars

Enjoyable, but about halfway through it was just sounding very same-y. Wouldn’t skip a song on shuffle, but won’t listen to the whole album again.

Again I just don’t care for rap

Fire nigga

the greatest of his generation

Heavy In The Game awlright. The album is 25 minutes too long because he’s using nearly the same beat, lyrics, and message on every track; best ones are the ones with guest appearances by RR and Dramacydal. Even thugs get lonely, he’s 4 cans short of a 6Pac. (1.7*s)

Aside from his bigger hits, I always find it hard to like Tupac (both as a person and on musical efforts). It's not only the East v. West rivalry although that definitely contributes (East Coast rules). He's just a shit person in general and so much of his stuff all sounds the same. This album was too long and sounds like the 90's. Meh.

2Pac is no doubt one of the best hip hop artists of the 90s but I'm East Coast 4 life. I'll give this album the credit it deserves for the the artistic expression and poetic nature. It's not your typical hard hitting gangster rap (which I do prefer). I like 2Pac's party hits way more and this album has none. "Old School" was best track. The album makes the list cause who doesn't have a soft spot for a thug who loves his mama? Give me the CA lovin Pac over the sentimental one any day...2.1.

I vaguely recall the news of 2Pac's murder but was too young to know anything about his work beyond the ensuring pop culture phenomenon. I've never really heard his music before and know little about him beyond ongoing legacy references and Coachella hologram appearances. After a listen there is no doubt he is a skilled lyricist but overall it does little for me. I appreciate that it wasn't just a bunch of standard bitches and hoes gangsta rap. Dear Mama was a touching tribute that stood out mainly because I wasn't expecting it. Glad I finally heard the album but it's just not in my wheelhouse. 2.13 stars

A couple of bangers, some filler, plenty of gangsta musings. All in all it's OK but there's something about 2Pac that always bothered me.

West coast hip hop > east coast hip hop Good bears and true emotion here. I really wonder how 2pac would have handled the Bush or Orange Asshole administrations.

Not really my genre, but the grove is deep and his lyrics deeper.

It isn’t bad, I don’t think, but I’m not getting into it. I also didn’t rate Ready to Die, so maybe I just don’t like this era of the genre?

Pretty good

Much prefer Hit Em' Up Tupac rather than R&B Tupac. 3.06

Prefer this to others of the era, but still not feeling it

I thought I'd like this more. I'm glad I gave Dear Mama a second listen. This album does have some heart and feeling behind it, but it isn't my favourite and does feel like it goes on.

So Many Tears has an okay vibe. His flow is good. I'm pretty sure it's okay if someone doesn't hear this before they die. This came out the same year as Liquid Swords. Nothing on this even comes close. I get bad vibes from Tupac.

Will listen to more 2Pac because of this!

Me Against The World was actually a very good album. The production here was legitimately amazing with the instrumentals incorporating quite a bit of R&B elements which i really do like. 2Pac's rapping was also really smart and also really fit well with the flow of every song. None of the songs here were bad either even if the album was around 1 hour long. This is definitely a really great album. Best Song: Me Against The World Worst Song: So Many Tears

RAP

This was nice to have on while doing some morning chores on a gray day. Probably comes closest to "would relisten" out of all the hip hop/rap albums I've had through 1001 Albums so far.

I couldn't really get all that invested. There were times and parts where a lyric grabbed me.

It’s fine. Not really my thing.

like it.

Pretty good, leading onto All Eyez On Me

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.

Third album this week with the N word....but at least it wasn't a surprise as much as the last two. 2Pac's voice is deeper than I expected. He sounds like he should be about 100 pounds heavier than he is. I also expected this to be a posthumous release based on what happened, but was actually a year before he died and that is kinda eerie. Of the hip hop albums I've had here, this one is probably favorite outside of maybe Common. I just respect the authenticity and effort put into their tracks. It's not just gangster thug stuff, but a lot of personal, thoughtful and emotional lyrics. Favorite track "Dear Mama" 4/5

Great album

Nope. I'm not impressed by how many F bombs can be dropped in 30 seconds. Next please.

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.

Just classic rap. Not as amazing as other albums from this time period, but still good.

pretty good album overall and I love the west coast sound. I wonder what 2Pac could have been if gangsta rap wasn't the popular thing at the time.

2Pac is an interesting one for me. I feel like I SHOULD like him more than I do. Coming off of Thelonius, it is a weirdly similar feeling in the sense that I know I should appreciate him more. Still pumped on listening to this one today.

Some good stuff finally

Love 2Pac. But I like All Eyez on Me album the most.

Gangster crap

Silly

he's alright. I wasn't really into hip hop at the time but even as I got older and realized how much I enjoyed a lot of the hip hop I'd missed in the 90s like Snoop, Wu Tang, all the Native Tongue crew, 2Pac never really blew me away. I think his getting killed made him some kind of martyr to be worshipped. 2.5 rounding up

Wasnt listening very closely, but lyrically very nice

Do I really have to listen to this muppet? Has to be in the top 5 overrated artists ever. Record is ok - can't help thinking it sounds like outtakes from Prince & NPG music from the 90's - and that's pretty bad if they didn't want to release it. For some reason, 2, not 1. I'm not happy about it.

Bit samey

Genuinely well written rap. Rap will never be my favorite genre, but I recognize good when I hear it.

Not my thing. But then it's not supposed to be. There is nothing for me to relate to here at all. However, definitely better than Snoop (poop). And So Many Tears is actually not bad. I didn't even write a review for yesterday's album because you guys had said it all, so beautifully. I came out of work on Monday, after a very stressful day, and Because came on - it was honestly like angels singing. Pure and sweet. I was transported. This album also transports, but to a place I don't want to go.

Goes above Snoop in my growing list of all time rap albums but a very long way behind Public Enemy and De La Soul.

“My mom couldn’t find a place to rest, until I got that ‘thug life’ tatted on my chest”. I think that line from So Many Tears sums up why 2Pac is so great. His music tells stories of dreadful violence, pain, and suffering, but does not glorify his life. In fact, it shows how this life was the only feasible route to achieve any relative comfort (let alone success) out of deprived communities on the West Coast of the states in the 90s. One of the biggest disservices to rap music is to write it off as harmful notions of violence that do not need to be shared with the world. People like 2Pac told real stories that shoved the truth of systemically oppressed African American communities into the mainstream, into the face of those living comfortable lives that often profited off of their suffering. Yes such lyrics made, and make, people uncomfortable, but why shouldn’t they? I’m sure life was a lot more uncomfortable for kids like 2Pac who grew up with crime as their only way out of absolute poverty, than for outsiders hearing their stories. Favourite track(s): So Many Tears, Dear Mama, Old School

Too serious for me. I prefer more laid back, playful rap. For most of this Tupac was talking about his life and struggles he’s been through, but I don’t know or care enough about him to be engaged by it. Musically it all sounded the same. Can’t see myself listening again.

2.5, ish.

Interesting to hear. Mostly what I thought it would be. Don’t feel like I missed much. But didn’t hate it.

As I have said many times now on here I hate Rap music so this album is not on a winner with me. Much less so having read about the album and 2Pac. My background and former career mean I have no sympathy whatsoever for anyone living by the sword and dying by the sword. Such people have no place in my life and I refuse this music to be let inside my home to pollute my ears. Law abiding honesty is possible by anybody despite the disadvantages they may have born with into this world. To sing about their problems and expect the world to sympathise and follow their misguided examples compounds my loathing of such people. 0.00000000000000000000001/5 29/6/24

I remember this. It’s nice but I wouldn’t choose to listen again.

It feels a lot more sincere than a lot of the similar rap in the last few years. Definitely a good album to represent 90's rap.

I give it ten stars

Is fine

Didn't get into it. 1/5

classic. better than i remember. still not what i want to listen to

i like 2pac a lot but i was not in the mood yesterday

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

Great album.

Everyone knows 2Pac, one of the most popular rapper ever. But until today I have never heard any of his songs. And I can compare this experience to the first time I tasted a fresh carrot - unremarkable and slightly irritating. Boring album, nothing interesting to write about.

It’s fantastic. It sounds older than I remembered. He is such an incredible wordsmith and whilst I’ve always got him on my playlists, I haven’t given a full album a listen in years so this was a great nudge.

Sorry 2Pac, I don't get the hype, all sounds the same.

Solid all around, no bangers I hadn't heard before

Gangsta rap

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

It was okay. Angry, but a different vibe from Eminem’s.

This album is way too long for gangsta rap. Maybe 2Pac would not be dead and stuck in the lifestyle if he had laid off the weed that was in every other song. Perhaps he could have focused more to live a better life. The language is obviously bad through out, but he did have a couple of decent songs, especially one about his mother.

I understand why it’s on here but is it good? No. Should it have been in the book? That is up for debate so it wasn’t the best but it was far down close to the bottom of rankings for me

I was expecting to hate this cause I typically hate gangsta rap but I actually kinda enjoyed it. I’d like to give it a 3.5 but I can’t so it’s gonna get a 4 and I will explain why. He didn’t glorify the thug life so much as explain it as a matter of necessity and a product of how he was brought up. I appreciated that and the fact that he was very cognizant of the repercussions of his lifestyle and the wake of death that it leaves behind. You can’t say the same for very many other rappers. I don’t think he quite deserves the god tier status that he occupies in rap/pop culture and I don’t really understand why he’s so deified but that’s a minor point.

He could tell a story & I understand it’s from his worldview, but language is just too coarse for me

Not my kind of music, but I can see why it's iconic

One of the better rappers. Good use of samples and singers. I felt it fell off a bit at the end of the album though (last few songs).

I remember when this was new - pretty huge hit. I'm a fan of this era of hip hop, but 2Pac just isn't really my flavor.

01) Intro - 5,0 02) If I Die 2Nite - 6,5 03) Me Against the World - 6,0 04) So Many Tears - 7,5 05) Temptations - 6,5 06) Young Niggaz - 6,0 07) Heavy in the Game - 6,5 08) Lord Knows - 6,5 09) Dear Mama - 9,0 10) It Ain't Easy - 6,5 11) Can U Get Away - 7,0 12) Old School - 7,5 13) Fuck the World - 7,0 14) Death Around the Corner - 6,5 15) Outlaw - 6,0 TOTAL: 6,67 (67/100) Current ranking: 161/211 "Dear Mama" is the best song on the album, I also like "So Many Tears" and "Old School". The album is nothing special, but I have heard worse.

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?

I wish we could have gotten the 2Pacs in order of release but I fear this will be the only one. I didn’t connect with every song but this was a good album. Loved the mix of some jazz and beats along with the poetry of his lyrics. Guy had a lot of passion and worry.

Loved it. Kinda surprised that this was our first 2Pac album, I thought we would've had All Eyez On Me by now as well (would be pretty surprised if that's not on here too). Great old school hip hop beats, and the lyrics are excellent - doesn't take much to remember why Pac is as revered as he is. Especially loved hearing bits of live guitar in the beats, it's just really well-produced. I know there will always be a debate of Pac vs. Biggie, and for me it's just no contest. Tupac has an undeniable presence, powerful lyrics, maybe not as technical a rapper as Biggie but I'd rather listen to this than Ready to Die, frankly. Don't care if that's sacrilege, it's the truth. Favorite tracks: It Ain't Easy, Dear Mama, If I Die 2Nite, Me Against the World, Heavy in the Game, Old School, Fuck the World. Album art: Just Pac chilling, leaned against a wall or something. The sepia art style is nice, I like this one. Not super memorable though. 4.5/5

A lot of the haters and losers don't like this album but they're wrong. I've always been a big G-Funk fan and I love the production and backing vocals. But it's the storytelling, right? A young man who can barely hold his false bravado long enough to fill one track before the next track muses on depression, suicide, how bad it feels to be letting your mommy down, etc. Complicated fella. The girlfriend monologue about how her man doesn't eat, doesn't sleep, doesn't work, doesn't fuck, just stands peering out the window all night holding an AK-47, incredible imagery.

Some of this aged like milk but the top hits are still great decades later.

Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: Bravo-Starschnitt Mix: radiotauglichst weichgespülte Bass Cannon aus der Konserve 🥫 Musik: katastrophal, schrecklich, desaströs, ungenießbar, ruinös, gesundheitsschädigend, charakterlos, laienhaft, armselig, elend, arm, miserabel, erbärmlich, mitleiderregend, bedauernswürdig...und dabei leider gar nicht mal so gut gealtert Wertung: 📻/5

I can see the talent on display here, but I don't quite get this in the way I get some of his contemporaries.

was interesting initially and the storytelling was good, but further into the album and really felt it didn't change up much on the stories and became less interesting to me

More tender and vulnerable than emo music.

Very good albeit repetitive in the end. I would also take a little bit less of these syrupy choruses but some of these tracks are so strong that its flaws are easily forgiven.

There's a first time to everything, and well... It's good, but I fail to see how this is supposed to be legendary. A 40 minutes album would have been enough also.

I'm glad I can finally discover the great 2Pac. I always like when there's a melancholic/existential feel supported with a boom bap/gangsta rap beat and this album have a lot of tracks doing it very well. 1995 is a blessed year for hip-hop and this album is another proof of this.

3.5

Very good

4/5. I saw this labeled as "rap blues" and that seems about right, more soulful and R&B based. The lyrics are very pronounced, easy to follow and sing a long to even. The highlights are the beats and the solid instrumentals that make these songs stand out among other 90s rap. There is definitely a perspective I am not familiar with as I am not a black man who grew up without privilege. I can definitely hear the passion in the lyrics and how important this must have been for so many disenfranchised people. I could make this a low review for what 2Pac has done to make this album a little cringe to listen to, and some of that is preventing this from being a 5, considering the songs are literally about being the victim in all aspects of his life, which is not true, but true enough as a black man in America that I can respect most of the album. Best Song: Me Against the World, Temptations, Dear Mama

Although I'm admittedly not a huge fan of hip hop, I was looking forward to hearing Tupac Shakur. The reputation of this album precedes it, and 2Pac largely delivers on every level. The album is beautifully crafted and highly listenable, with 2Pac's lyrical skill being second to none. Shakur presents a dark, fatalist worldview in these songs which is a little hard to take knowing how his story ended. But he delivers it with surprising sensitivity and an ear to the musical. Really compelling stuff, one of the truly great albums of this genre. Fave Songs: Dear Mama, So Many Tears, Old School, Me Against the World, Lord Knows, If I Die 2Nite

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

Gangster rap, but at least he's not glorifying it like a lot of his contemporaries. So his message is better. I don't like his flow very much or the music. Most of the guest rappers have better flow IMHO. The album is, like a lot of CD era albums, too long. It didn't age very well. Favorite song: death around the corner

The amount of introspection and storytelling on this album is wonderful. I love hip-hop when the lyricism is on point because, in my opinion, a good beat can only take you so far (the main reason why I don't enjoy the majority of mainstream hip-hop). This album is a solid listen across the board, with Me Against The World being my main highlight.

Tenho ultimamente pesquisado sobre histórias de rappers e os seus diversos conflitos. Este álbum surge em uma boa altura. Não gosto de Rap, é um género que não compreendo e até tenho algum desgosto sempre que ouço. Tendo em conta esta descrição devo dizer, este álbum foi uma agradável surpresa. Tupac é notoriamente mais competente no rap em comparação a tudo que já havia ouvido. musicalmente mesmo que as "batidas" sejam repetitivas elas normalmente têm alguns elementos interessantes, é possivel identificar os sons subtis de guitarras e outros instrumentos acompanhados por um bateria e sons mais eletrónicos. Algumas canções têm "flows" melhores que outras e algumas que quase parecem cantadas. No geral este álbum é notoriamente melhor do que tudo o que ouvi deste género, mesmo não sendo do meu agrado, terei de dar um 6 mas possivelmente é melhor do que este número mas o estilo é completamente fora do que gosto. A minha canção favorita foi o So Many Tears. Nota: 6/10 18/05/2024

I have mixed feelings while exploring such an important part of hip hop. You see waves of 2Pac fans wearing t-shirts, streaming his music, and generally just sharing the word of 2Pac at least once a week, and even if you manage to escape that, chances are your mind jumps to him when discussing almost anything 90s related. He and his brand are together a cultural phenomenon, one that you wouldn't expect to still last nearly thirty years after his death, but that very death probably only heightened his notoriety. I understand the success to some extent too. Conscious rap and gangster rap were at the top of their game in this decade, and to combine them could only lead to success. There had been crossover success stories like that in the past, you could argue it's Public Enemy's very brand, but something about 2Pac's take on the genre seems so... commercial, and that is both a blessing and a curse. The beats are repetitive, the lyrics predictable, and just the overall tone reeks of a bygone era, but it also makes the lyrics extremely digestible and relatable. Sure, you probably weren't slinging drugs in the hood, but you probably have felt bad for silly altercations with your mom that you only wish to apologize for. That at its core makes 2Pac unique, as there is very obviously something for everyone. There's some hardcore stuff, some softer stuff, some gangster shit, and some introspective meditations, and while it doesn't do any of these things remarkably well, it's that influence that drives so many of today's rappers to who they are today. There most likely wouldn't be acts all the way from the likes of Kendrick Lamar, to more cheesy pop stuff like acts like Alicia Keys and even Ed Sheeran. His reach was insane, and when you then think of all the new artists inspired by those acts, it shows how big of a web 2Pac created. Maybe that is a negative to you, maybe it isn't, but it is certainly something to look upon with a certain fondness and appreciation. I don't find myself loving most of the songs here, and, of course, it is far too long to be enjoyable as an album, but there is certainly stuff here to like, and I can't look down upon that, even if the album isn't for me.

Never been a fan of gangster rap but this is probably as good as it gets. Couldn't help but find myself nodding my head to the beat.

Not really my kinda music but didn't mind it so much.

There are better listens out there

There were times I thought this would be a 4. Solid album.

I understand why he was a unique voice, but it’s just not my cup of tea.

Tupac predicts his own death here. Incredibly introspective album

Komt harder aan na zn dood zo

Dear Mama is still amazing. Some of the others not so much.

Rap. I don’t like

2pac was brutally honest in me against the world. i may have been reading into it, but i noticed a recurring theme of death. the album had such a strong start, especially with the intro creating a newscast of an injured and hospitalized 2pac, and going straight into "if i die 2nite." the songs' main songwriter was indeed 2pac, and the lyrics are extremely strong. he allowed himself to be vulnerable in many songs, but especially in "dear mama." there were also literary references, some of which i probably didn't catch or appreciate properly.

As far as rap goes, 2Pac is incredibly easy to listen to on this album. The lyrics are still as topical as what someone might expect from 90s rap and hip hop, but the delivery is as smooth as butter. 2Pac is another artist who was often an incredibly troubled and problematic individual, but his musical talent in his space is undeniable. It would have been interesting to see him live longer and develop his career. But in the time that he was alive and active, he left quite the impression.

classic west coast hip hop

Not my cup of tea.

Criminal Rapper, facing his sentence. Beside that rap from the 90-ies.

I haven't actually listened to much 2Pac despite the general acclaim for his music. This is the 3rd of his 4 album that came out when he was alive (released about a year before his death). He was already a big deal at this point, and this was written when he was about to go to prison. He also got shot around this time, so there was a lot going on for 2Pac. I was generally really impressed by this album, it was an enjoyable listen. I think I expected it to be a bit more early Ice Cube harder rap, but it's actually fairly mellow and thoughtful throughout. It's really well produced and he's clearly a super talented artist and lyricist. I think it's missing a real standout track on here ("Dear Mama" is the most famous one, and it's nice but isn't a massive standout to me), but on the whole it's a really strong album. Favorite song: Me Against The World Other: If I Die 2Nite, So Many Tears, Temptations, Heavy In The Game, Lord Knows, Dear Mama, It Ain't Easy, Old School 5/2/24

Me Against the World 'I was raised in the city, shitty Ever since I was an itty bitty kitty Drinkin' liquor out my momma's titty' I’ve not really listened to 2pac much, aside from California Love, which I probably like more for the Dre production. I never really liked his delivery and the sense of aggression I perceived him to have (although I have to acknowledge that might be unconscious bias against the stereotypical angry black man on my part). However I’ve seen a few docs and read a bit about Hip Hop and him and it always seems like there’s much more to him than the perception of a a violent gangsta rapper. His background and life story are pretty interesting, a lot conflictions and contradictions, so I was interested to listen to this. I suppose there are two or three things to listen out for with a lot of hip hop albums, the production and the rapping style and lyrics. Production-wise, I’m not so keen on some of the drum sounds, but I do like the west coast tempo and the construction of the beats themselves. And in general I do like the g-funk sound, with that whistley keyboard (?) sound in the background, as on Lord Knows, and the 70s soul guitar and string sounds. Some of the backing vocals and vocal hooks I really don’t like though, particularly the male vocals on Young N-z and the female vocals on Can U Get Away. There are also some great samples, eg Walk on By on If I Die 2Nite and Stevie on So Many Tears. Lyrically while on the surface there’s a fair bit of N words, drugs and violence, for me isn’t necessarily a simple glorification of those things - similar to Nas it feels more like reportage of what he’s actually seen and done. And Songs like Dear Mama and Can U Get Away are quite unusual set against the pervasive misogyny of a lot of the other rap around at the time. And overall there just seems to be a resignation, sadness and bleakness about it all. Even Intro, which could be seen as braggadocio about being shot and checking out of hospital feels more like an attempt to acknowledge some kind of trauma to me and it’s striking how often he undercuts and questions the violence, the assumptions and hopelessness of what he experienced, particularlly on Death Around the Corner and Outlaw. That’s not to say there’s no stereotypical guns’n’hoes stuff on here but it’s less frequent than the more considered and thoughtful stuff. I also started to appreciate his delivery more after this, he does have a unique style but some of his rhymes and wordplay are great. There is also something faintly Dylanesque with his cadence, the way he delivers Me Against the World and some of Dear Mama for eg. Reading a bit more about his career he seemed to embrace a more overtly gangsta stance and style after this album, becoming almost a caricature of the West Coast Thug Life rapper. I guess that might overshadow this album or paint it in the same light, but I don’t think that would be fair, as it seems to me there is a lot of depth lyrically and thematically to this. I’m by no means a hip hop aficionado, and obviously his experience is so far removed from my own experiences but I really liked this album and found it really interesting. Even if some of the production elements I wasn’t as keen on I enjoyed the sound overall, and the lyrics and delivery are worth repeat listens - there is a lot of density to it and getting beyond my initial perceptions of him being a gangsta rapper and aggression I got a lot out of it. I’m definitely going to give the albums before this a listen and may give All Eyez on Me a listen too, for a bit more context. It’s probably between around a 3.5 but I’ll round up to 4 as I was surprised how much I got from this and I’m sure I’ll be revisiting it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Not for me

Eh. More of a Biggie guy.

I've never been a massive 2Pac fan, I find his delivery a bit repetitive, too smooth, and I don't have much interest in what he has to say. This album did nothing to change that. Some of the tracks are just plain awful, like the one about his mother. Others aren't too bad, but I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to any of this ever again. Even the backing music kind of sucks, it's just not for me.

Really solid album. Definitely warrants another listen.

The old school beats gave me a pep in my step as I was on an afternoon walk. But the later tracks were really hard to get through - Tupac's death really hangs heavily over the lyrics. Don't think I'll be revisiting this one, as much as I enjoy some of 2Pac's other work.

4.3 - Yeah this was great, liked this a lot. Only thing I felt was the energy went a bit in the 2nd half, but that's just only first listen

I think 2pac is rather overrated. I’m mostly ambivalent to this album, not many stinkers, but barely anything that caught my attention. RIP. Fave Tracks: Old School 2.8/5

I would have loved this 30 years ago. Today... not so much.

More rap…however, this tells a very dark story and i give it credit for being interesting. There were some songs I enjoyed listening to and I can’t about all rap. So 3 stars it is.

I enjoy it. Good story telling and some good musicality and inspired a lot of music now.

Very solid gangster rap, but I'm not sure I understand the huge cultural influence. Taking off a star for the rampant misogyny.