This week marks the 22nd anniversary of the release of 2pac’s third studio album, Me Against the World released in 1995; an album that is critically acclaimed and a classic in every sense of the word. Released on Out Da Gutta Records in addition to Interstate and Atlanta records.
Over this past year the film All Eyes on Me (2017) and the (2018) television show Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and The Notorious B.I.G. were released and met with some criticisms as well as praises of success of either project. With that being said 2pac’s music can not be overshadowed especially with Soundcloud rappers continuously making superfluous remarks attempting to discredit an indisputable legend of the game as opposed to paying homage.
Me Against the World released while Tupac was incarcerated, and (debuting at No 1 on the Billboard 200, spending four consecutive weeks at the top. According to billboard.com
To date, Me Against the World, has sold over 3.5 million copies in the U.S. alone according to statistic brain.com. Me Against the World is an album packed with hits and classics such as the three singles “Dear Mama”, “So Many Tears” and “Temptations”. Outside of the singles its debatable that some of the album tracks could have easily become singles as well i.e. “Lord Knows”, “Can U Get Away”, “Old School”, “Outlaw” and “It Ain’t Easy” just to name a few.
The poet, activist and often times misunderstood individual, in an interview while incarcerated is quoted saying.
“Listen to what they’re saying. Don’t just bob your head to the beat, peep the game. And listen to what, I’m saying and hold us accountable for it.”- 2pac
While holding Tupac accountable and dissecting or picking apart each song; lyricism and poetry is what is found at its core, an essential ingredient that is missing from most Hip-Hop artist. The art form has gotten away from lyricism especially with the wave of millennial rappers emerging (no disrespect to how any rapper is making their paper.) Attached are few lyrics and verses to some of the songs from 2pac’s Me Against the World, bob your head to the beat, peep the game and hear what the man is saying…imitation is the best form of flattery.