Review Summary: The most inpired album 2Pac made.
Critical Responses:
Allmusic: 5/5
Robert Christagu: C+
Rapreviews: 10/10
Rolling Stone: 3.5/5
The Source: 4 Mics (Eventually Re rated 5 Mics)
This album is the 2Pac, that wasn't hardcore, wasn't sending shots at other MC's (subliminal or obvious), this is the 2Pac that wrote personal, and emotional lyrics, that were the best that 2Pac had ever done. With this album, 2Pac wasn't afraid to confess his feelings about the world. This is the 2Pac that hadn't yet joined Death Row, which explains why this album is absolutely nothing like it's 2 successors.
This album is probably the most critically acclaimed 2Pac album, other than maybe All Eyez On Me. The accolades that this album, and 2Pac gained, are 2Pac being #7 on the about.com list of the best MC's of all time, and this album being #12 on the about.com list of the top 100 hip hop albums list, and of course many other accolades.
With the release of this album, 2Pac evolved from what he was doing on 2Pacalypse Now, and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z, which were excellent, but definitely not better than the three albums that came after.
An album (in most cases) can't be classic without excellent production, and this album without a doubt excels at that. With each song on here, 2Pac and the beat connect with each other, in excellent ways. Now for the track by track review.
1. Intro: Can't rate it.
2. If I Die 2nite: With this song, 2Pac looks at death. Classic. This song samples the song, "Deep Cover" by Dr Dre, and other songs. 5/5
3. Me Against The World: With this song, 2Pac rhymes along with Dramacydal, who I don't know of. This song has 2Pac talking about how he thinks the world is against him. Classic, one of the best songs on the album, and one of the best 2Pac songs. 5/5
4. So Many Tears: This song has a sample of Stevie Wonder playing the harmonica, which makes the song even better. He also talks about even if you're a man it's ok to cry. Classic, one of the best songs on the album, and one of the best 2Pac songs. 5/5
5. Temptations: This song has 2Pac talking about temptations from other females, and also trying to stay faithful to the girl that he is already with. Classic. This song samples the song "Watch Yo Nuggets" by Redman, and other songs. 5/5
6. Young N*****: This song has 2Pac talking about his past, and what it was like growing up in the struggle. This song also carries a positive message, telling kids not to be drug dealers, or robbers, or criminals, but to pursue a career in something useful. Classic. 5/5
7. Heavy In The Game: A song, that features Lady Levi, and Richie Rich, who I don't know of, but they do a good job. Classic. 5/5
8. Lord Knows: More rhymes about things 2Pac has seen in the ghetto. Classic, one of the best songs on the album, and one of the best 2Pac songs. 5/5
9. Dear Mama: Here we are, one of the most known 2Pac songs. 2Pac dedicates this song to his mother, for raising him, even through how tough he was. One of the songs that shows how different 2Pac was before he joined death row. This song is a top 10 all time hip hop song. Classic without a doubt. 5/5
10. It Ain't Easy: With this song, 2Pac talks about the good times, and also how it wasn't easy growing up. He also rhymes in the position of being in prison. Classic. 5/5
11. Can U Get Away: Another song 2Pac dedicates to the ladies. Probably the weakest song. This song features Anya Pinto, who I don't know of. 4/5
12. Old School: A song that has 2Pac rhyming about the pioneers of hip hop, such as Grandmaster Flash, Grandmaster Caz, LL Cool J, Eric B and Rakim, Doug E Fresh and MC Ricky D, Big Daddy Kane, De La Soul, Whodini, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Naughty By Nature, KRS-One, Salt N Pepa, Kurtis Blow, and others. Classic, one of the best songs on the album, one of the best 2Pac songs. 5/5
13. F*** The World: The closest to hardcore that 2Pac got on this album. Classic. 5/5
14. Death Around The Corner: More rhymes about death. Classic. 5/5
15. Outlaw: Dramacydal makes his 2nd, and final guest appearance on the album, to join 2Pac to rhyme about committing crimes. Classic. This song contains an interpolation of "Murder Was The Case" by Snoop Dogg. 5/5
Pros:
Lyricism
Production
The most inspired 2Pac we got to see
Cons:
Ha ha ha ha!!!
Overall I give this album 5/5, 10/10, and my grade for it is an "A+". This album is one of the best hip hop albums of all time.
3 Best Songs:
1. Dear Mama
2. So Many Tears
3. Me Against the World
3 Weakest Songs:
1. Heavy In the Game
2. It Ain't Easy
3. Can U Get Away
