Today we remember a hip hop legend, born in New York City in 1971, Tupac Shakur, or better known by his stage name 2Pac.
Tupac has sold more than 75 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world. Most of his songs are about growing up amid violence and hardship in the ghettos, racism, social problems and conflicts with other rappers during the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry.
Tupac was shot and killed in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1996.
It’s been 17 years since we lost 2pac, and Hype Malaysia plays tribute to the legends top 10 songs!
1. Keep Ya Head Up
Perhaps the perfect showcase of the man’s softer side, “Keep Ya Head Up” is arguably his best individual performance ever.
2. Dear Mama
“Dear Mama,” 2Pac’s ode to his mother Afeni Shakur, is pretty much the unofficial Mother’s Day hip-hop anthem to date!
3. Brenda’s Got A Baby
On his debut single from 1991′s 2Pacalypse Now, 2Pac narrates the story of a 12-year old female who accidentally conceives and is incapable of raising her child.
4. To Live & Die In L.A.
Sure, “California Love” was a great party track devoted to the Golden State, but “To Live & Die in L.A.” was an authentic gesture of homage paid to his true adoptive home.
5. So Many Tears
“So Many Tears” finds Tupac pleading with God, renouncing past sins. Also heard is the harmonica solo from Stevie Wonder’s “That Girl”
6. Only God Can Judge Me
One of the standout song on the critically acclaimed double album, All Eyez on Me, drawing attention to imperfections and the afterlife.
7. Hail Mary
Backed by a hazy cosmic soundtrack, 2Pac delivers a dose of cruel and bitter criticism on this standout track from 1996′s Makaveli.
8. Me Against The World
This title track from the 1995 masterpiece, Me Against the World, is a perfect example of 2Pac’s melodrama-inducing attitude.
9. Life Goes On
“Life Goes On” is a bittersweet reminder that 2Pac had a knack for displaying strength in the face of adversity.
10. My Block
A shoutout from 2Pac to his hood, while he prays for better days.