Me Against the World [PA] (Cassette - 1995)

Personnel: 2Pac, Dan O'Leary, Debbie Hambrick, Sarah Diamond, Jay Jensen, Jill Rose (vocals); Darryl Crooks, Eric "Kenya" Baker, Ronnie Vann (guitar); The Piano Man (keyboards); Stretch, Moe Z.M.D., Eboni Foster, Killa, Milia, L. Tyler, G. Money, Kim Armstrong, Kenyatta Forman, Reggie Green, Rah Rah, "Sweet Franklin" (background vocals); Thug Life, Dramacydal, Digital Underground, Lady Levi, Richard "Richie Rich" Serrell, Natasha Walker, Puff Johnson.

Producers include: Tony Pizarro, Easy Mo B., SoulShock, Shock G, Moe Z.M.D.

Engineers include: Tony Pizarro, Jay Lean, Paul Arnold.

ME AGAINST THE WORLD was nominated for a 1996 Grammy Award for Best Rap Album. "Dear Mama" was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Personnel: 2Pac (vocals); Jill Rose (vocals); Ronnie Vann (guitar); Reggie Green, Eboni Foster, Richard Serrell, Kim Armstrong, Natasha Walker, Puff Johnson (background vocals).

Audio Mixers: Kevin "KD" Davis; Jay Lean; Jeff Griffin ; Paul Arnold; Tony Pizarro.

Recording information: Enterprise Studios; Mobboss Studios, Fairfield, CA; Pure Studios; Quad Studios, New Zealand; SoundCastle; Unique Studios.

Forget everything you've heard and assumed about rapper/actor 2Pac and think only of his music, which has always stood in the shadow of his lifestyle. ME AGAINST THE WORLD tries to make sense of all the stormy events that have surrounded the gifted vocalist--transforming 2Pac into the "rap star" he's always yearned to be--and turns out to be his best work yet.

ME AGAINST THE WORLD seriously connects the rapper with his audience by remaining "real." Although much of the public is already familiar with the all-too politicized/publicized life of Tupac Shakur, the album disputes their perception and serves as his halo. "If I Die 2Nite" couples 2Pac's intense thoughts with the flava-in-ya-ear sound provided by hip-hop super producer Easy Mo Bee. 2Pac softens his tone on "Dear Mama," celebrating the one woman who has stuck by him through it all. The album also focuses on issues known and experienced not only by this "hip-hop outlaw," but by those who share his lifestyle. Many "thugs" have lost their homies and struggled to keep themselves alive in the hood, and so has 2Pac; and his mourning is manifested on "So Many Tears," which is enhanced by a sample of Stevie Wonder's harmonica. "Can U Get Away" carefully alerts women involved in abusive relationships, and labels 2Pac as their saviour. Giving props to the New York rap scene, "Old School" is a tribute to the founders of hip-hop and reminisces about "how it was." Musically, the comfortable tracks help convey positive messages ("Young Niggaz"), and lyrically, 2Pac is, as always, on point. minimize