Tupac Shakur, aka 2Pac, released his iconic third studio album, Me Against the World (1995), 30 years ago. Hitting shelves while the legendary rapper was imprisoned, Me Against the World is rightfully considered one of the most complete and influential Hip Hop projects of all time. It not only debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, holding that spot for four consecutive weeks, but it also debuted at No. 1 on the US Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, making 2Pac the first artist to have a No. 1 album while serving a prison sentence.
Meanwhile, this 15-track, 66-minute classic served as 2Pac’s first 10/10 album contribution, making it a point to showcase his respect for the genre and craft while articulating a personal reflection of real struggle that deeply resonates with his audience. From start to finish, the evolution of Tupac Shakur here is worth dissecting, but for the sake of this list, we’ll on the “Intro” track.
14 “Can U Get Away”
It’s not exactly a hit, but fans still have love for this mellow West Coast track, as 2Pac reaches into the depths of his emotion and storytelling ability to persuade a woman in an abusive relationship to trust him and leave her situation behind. Speculation points to Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, the legendary TLC member, as the song’s subject given her controversial relationship with former NFL player Andre Rison.
13 “Outlaw” ft. Outlawz
With the entire world against him, 2Pac channeled his survival instincts to close the album with a dark, aggressive statement. He felt the energy of his enemies, the media and even the government all plotting his demise, but he continued to stand as a rebel against the system nonetheless.
He felt the energy of his enemies ... but he continued to stand as a rebel against the system nonetheless.
Being an outlaw isn’t just about defiance, though; it’s about making it to see another day, which 2Pac effortlessly explained in the most raw and unfiltered manner.
12 “Young N*ggaz”
Mentorship overwhelms this song as 2Pac uses poetry to steer the younger generation away from his early mistakes. He dissected the traps of crime, prison, oppression and death waiting in the imbalance of the streets and attempted to gift his wisdom, bluntly warning the youth about the dangers of senseless violence. Now a celebrated rapper, 2Pac uses his platform to advise a strategic and logical approach to escape the gauntlet, one that values potential and real success over a street life facade.
11 “Fuck the World”
Feeling betrayed by everyone around him, 2Pac expresses intense frustration and criticizes society as no one on earth, neither his friends nor the justice system, seem to have his best interest in mind. He feels the label of a menace being forced on him, suggesting those jealous of his rise should die. The track also reflects on the rough upbringing that plays heavily into 2Pac’s paranoia.
“I'm gettin' threats to me comin' from my enemies, and in their dreams, it's hell where they sendin' me. Have I lost control or just another soul?”
10 “It Ain’t Easy”
The tough exterior and thug persona take a backseat in this laid-back, vulnerable 2Pac piece. “Lord knows ain't no love for us ghetto children,” 2Pac says, as he covers the difficulties of his lifestyle with death, nightmares, relationship struggles, late nights smoking roaches and a call with Mike Tyson all surfacing throughout the song. Getting high and watching the cops roll by… it ain’t easy.
9 “Temptations”
In "Temptations," 2Pac puts the focus on love, lust and the unavoidable temptations that test loyalty, exploring an internal conflict of wanting to be faithful while also struggling with the pitfalls of money and fame.
It’s one of the more self-aware tracks on the album, providing a brief pause from some of his heavier and more emotional offerings. The Zapp & Roger “Computer Love” (1985) sample blends Hip Hop with the perfect touch of old-school funk influence in a way only 2Pac could dominate.
8 “Death Around the Corner”
Dark, haunting paranoia powers this song from the very beginning. Child: “Why you by the window? What's wrong daddy?” Mother: “I know what's wrong with that crazy motherf***er. He just stand by the g**damn window with that f***in' AK all day. You don't work, you don't f**k, you don't do a g**damn thing.”
The essence of the song is apparent before 2Pac even opens his verse, already grappling with the destiny of death and taking on the pressure of trying to control the time in which he goes.
7 “Lord Knows”
2Pac wonders if he’ll be forgiven and be buried as a "G," but only the Lord knows. No amount of faith or armor could help him avoid the thought of death in this moment; in fact, it leads him to wonder if hell could somehow possibly be worse. He gets high to cope with the depression and hardship, seeking peace from his inner conflict and displaying his troubled spirituality in a therapeutic and relatable manner for the world to enjoy.
6 “Heavy in the Game” ft. Eboni Foster, Lady Levi & Richie Rich
More funk elements, this time sampled from the S.O.S. Band’s “Just Be Good to Me” (1983), aid 2Pac and Richie Rich in navigating the successful life of a hustler. Entrenched in street culture, 2Pac’s challenges remain constant, and their burdens only get heavier. But that’s just part of the game. “Quit tryna be an O.G. and pay your dues,” he says. “If you choose to apply yourself, go with the grain, then come the riches and the b**ches and the fame, heavy in the game.”
5 “Old School”
Respect to the Hip Hop pioneers. Grand Puba on the hook, alongside a ride-or-die rap historian on a trip through the vaults, uses a hefty dose of nostalgia in "Old School" to remind you who paved the way.
Them block parties in the projects and on my block
You diggy don't stop sippin' on that Private Stock
Through my speaker Queen Latifah, and MC Lyte
Listen to Treach, KRS to get me through the night
With T La Rock and Mantronix, to Stetsasonic
"Push It" was the bomb shit, nuttin' like the old school
2Pac designed this track to honor the historic figures that pushed him to pursue a career in rap in the first place, including the musician-turned-actor Queen Latifah, Grandmaster Flash, LL Cool J, Doug E. Fresh, Melle Mel, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, and MC Lyte, among others.