15. Life Goes On (1996)

“Bury me smilin’, with G’s in my pocket / Have a party at my funeral, let every rapper rock it” 

“Life Goes On”, a quintessential 2Pac track, finds him contemplating life and death—both of those around him and his own. This theme runs deep in his catalog, yet the song’s emotional resonance and raw power set it apart. Featured on All Eyez On Me, it captures 2Pac’s signature blend of introspection and intensity, delivering a poignant tribute to fallen friends while wrestling with his mortality. The soulful beat amplifies his heartfelt delivery, making it a standout reflection of his ability to turn familiar topics into something profoundly moving.

14. Holler If Ya Hear Me (1993)

“Learn to survive in the nine-tre‘ / I make rhyme pay, others make crime pay / Whatever it takes to live and stand / Cause nobody else’ll give a damn / So we live like caged beasts / Waitin for the day to let the rage free / Still me, till they kill me / I love it when they fear me…” 

“Holler If Ya Hear Me”, the lead single from Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., channels a Public Enemy vibe, fueled by its “Rebel Without a Pause” sample. This track serves as a rallying cry, urging resistance against systemic ills like Black poverty and police brutality. Its aggressive energy and unapologetic stance reflect 2Pac’s early fire, blending social critique with a raw, confrontational edge. The production amplifies the message, making it a potent anthem of defiance that echoes the revolutionary spirit of its influences while carving out 2Pac’s distinct voice.

13. I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto (1997)

“And for the first time everybody let go / And the streets is death row, I wonder if heaven got a ghetto…” 

“I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto”, a standout among 2Pac’s posthumous releases, emerged a year after his death. This track finds him reflecting on mortality, a recurring theme, with lyrics later echoed in the 1998 hit “Changes.” While the more polished, radio-ready “Changes” could easily claim a spot in this ranking, this song’s rawer edge earns it the nod. Featured on R U Still Down?, it blends introspective depth with a haunting vibe, showcasing 2Pac’s knack for turning personal musings into resonant anthems, even from beyond the grave.

12. Ambitionz As A Ridah (1996)

“So many battlefield scars while driven in plush cars / This life as a rap star is nothing without guard / Was born rough and rugged, addressing the mass public / My attitude was “f*** it”, cause motherf***ers love it” 

“Ambitionz Az a Ridah” kicks off All Eyez On Me with a bang, setting the tone for 2Pac’s blockbuster double album. Its dark, brooding energy pairs with one of the most iconic beats in Hip Hop history, courtesy of Daz Dillinger’s masterful production. Though often overlooked amid 2Pac’s more celebrated singles, this track’s intensity and depth make it a standout. It encapsulates his unyielding drive and raw charisma, serving as the ideal launchpad for a classic album and proving his ability to command attention from the first note.

11. I Get Around (1993)

“Finger tips on the hips as I dip, gotta get a tight grip, don’t slip / Loose lips sink ships, it’s a trip / I love the way she licks her lips, see me jocking / Put a little twist in her hips cause I’m watching…” 

“I Get Around” offers a lighter side of 2Pac, stepping away from his usual intensity for a carefree party anthem. Featured on Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., it teams him with Digital Underground’s Shock G and Money B, infusing the track with playful swagger. Here, 2Pac revels in his charm and charisma, boasting about his exploits over a funky, laid-back beat. It’s a masterclass in balancing levity with style, proving he could shift gears effortlessly and still captivate. This remains a definitive feel-good cut in his catalog.

10. Hail Mary (1996)

“Penitentiaries is packed with promise-makers / Never realize the precious time that b*tch n****s is wasting / Institutionalized, I live my life a product made to crumble / But too hardened for a smile, we’re too crazy to be humble…” 

A haunting meditation on fate, vengeance, and mortality, “Hail Mary” shows 2Pac’s darker, more introspective side. Featuring The Outlawz, the track blends eerie production with Makaveli’s raw lyricism, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers long after the beat fades. As the final single from The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, it captures the intensity and spiritual depth of a man grappling with his legacy.

9. Trapped (1991)

“They got me trapped / Can barely walk the city streets / Without a cop harassing me, searching me / Then asking my identity / Hands up, throw me up against the wall / Didn’t do a thing at all…” 

A standout single from 2Pac’s debut album 2Pacalypse Now, “Trapped” delivers a fierce, unflinching critique of police brutality and racial profiling. With sharp lyrics and a sense of urgency, 2Pac voices the frustrations of young Black men caught in a cycle of systemic injustice. His vivid storytelling and raw emotion turn personal pain into political protest, making the track both powerful and poignant. Over 30 years later, its message remains sadly relevant, resonating with ongoing struggles for justice and accountability. “Trapped” marked the emergence of 2Pac not just as a rapper, but as a fearless social commentator unafraid to speak truth to power.

8. Old School (1995)

“Remember popping and locking to Kurtis Blow, the name belts / And Scott La Rock the Super Hoe back in Latin Quarters / When Slick Rick was spittin La Di Da Di / Gaming the hoochies at the neighborhood block parties” 

In “Old School,” 2Pac takes a heartfelt trip down memory lane, paying tribute to the pioneers and culture that shaped Hip Hop—and himself. Over a smooth, nostalgic beat, he name-drops legends like Grandmaster Flash and Busy Bee, while celebrating block parties, breakdancing, and graffiti, honoring every element that made Hip Hop a movement. It’s a rare moment of warmth and reverence from 2Pac, as he bridges the gap between generations and reminds listeners of the genre’s roots, especially in his native New York. “Old School” isn’t just a history lesson—it’s a love letter to the culture that raised him.

7. California Love (1995)

“Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreaming…”

“California Love” marked a massive comeback for 2Pac, dropping shortly after his release from prison and debuting as his first single under Death Row Records. Teaming up with Dr. Dre, who also produced the track, 2Pac delivered an instant West Coast anthem that dominated the charts and airwaves. With its infectious beat, funk-heavy vibe, and iconic Mad Max-inspired music video, the song quickly became one of his biggest commercial hits. While some fans saw it as a departure from his more conscious material, there’s no denying its cultural impact and lasting appeal. Whether you love it or find it a bit flashy, “California Love” is pure West Coast celebration—loud, proud, and unforgettable. Throw it up, y’all!

6. Brenda's Got A Baby (1991)

“I hear Brenda’s got a baby / But Brenda’s barely got a brain / A damn shame, the girl can hardly spell her name…”

2Pac’s debut single, “Brenda’s Got a Baby,” is a powerful introduction to the artist as both a storyteller and a social commentator. With stark, unflinching detail, the song tackles teen pregnancy, sexual abuse, and the systemic failures that leave young Black girls in impossible situations. Inspired by a real news story, 2Pac paints a heartbreaking portrait of Brenda, a 12-year-old girl abandoned by her family and society. Over a somber, soulful beat, he delivers a message—highlighting the pain and neglect that too often go unseen. It’s not flashy or aggressive, but its emotional weight hits just as hard. “Brenda’s Got a Baby” showed early on that 2Pac wasn’t afraid to use his voice for the voiceless, setting the tone for the socially conscious work that would define much of his career. Powerful, raw, and unforgettable.

5. I Ain't Mad At Cha (1996)

“I can’t even lie, cause I ain’t laughin at cha / You trying hard to maintain, but go ahead / Cause I ain’t mad at cha…” 

“I Ain’t Mad At Cha” is one of 2Pac’s most emotional and reflective tracks, demonstrating his ability to blend vulnerability with lyrical finesse. Set over a smooth, piano-laced beat, the song finds Pac making peace with friends and relationships from his past, addressing changes, growth, and forgiveness. It was the last single released under the name 2Pac before he adopted the Makaveli moniker, and, in a twist of fate, it became the first track released after his death. The accompanying video—featuring Pac being shot and welcomed into heaven by icons like Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Jimi Hendrix—added a haunting, prophetic layer to the release. Despite its somber undertone, the track remains one of his biggest hits, resonating with fans for its honesty, warmth, and timeless message of understanding. “I Ain’t Mad At Cha” is 2Pac at his most human, offering grace in the face of change.

4. To Live And Die In L.A. (1996)

“To live and die in L.A., where every day we try to fatten our pockets / Us n****s hustle for the cash so it’s hard to knock it / Everybody got they own thang, currency chasin’ / Worldwide through the hard times, worrying faces…” 

“To Live and Die in L.A.” is one of 2Pac’s most majestic and atmospheric tracks—a heartfelt tribute to the city he came to represent. With its lush production, smooth West Coast vibe, and infectious hook, the song has an almost cinematic quality that instantly transports listeners to 1990s Los Angeles. From palm trees and street politics to loyalty and love for the West, Pac paints a vivid picture of L.A.’s beauty and contradictions. It’s laid-back yet deeply personal, showcasing his pride in the city while also acknowledging its struggles. The beat, produced by Quincy Jones III, perfectly complements Pac’s reflective tone, making it as much a vibe as it is a statement. As Makaveli, this was one of his softer, more affectionate records—proof that even amid chaos, 2Pac could find moments of calm and clarity. Put this on, close your eyes, and you’re there: L.A. in the ‘90s, in all its glory.

3. So Many Tears (1995)

“Back in elementary, I thrived on misery / Left me alone I grew up amongst a dying breed / Inside my mind couldn’t find a place to rest / Until I got that Thug Life tatted on my chest…” 

“So Many Tears” stands out as one of 2Pac’s most haunting and emotionally raw tracks—no small feat in a catalog full of soul-baring material. Produced by Shock G, the beat is built around a chilling Stevie Wonder sample, setting the tone for a dark and introspective journey through Pac’s inner battles. Here, he opens up about trauma, paranoia, death, and the pain of living in a world where survival often comes at the cost of innocence. His voice cracks with vulnerability as he reflects on the emotional toll of violence, the loss of friends, and the weight of his own mortality. It’s deeply personal yet universally resonant, making listeners feel the heaviness of his burdens. While it may not be as commercially recognized as some of his other hits, “So Many Tears” is an underrated classic that demonstrates 2Pac’s rare ability to combine poetic honesty with street wisdom. It’s a cry for peace from a soul worn down by the world.

2. Keep Ya Head Up (1993)

“You know it’s funny when it rains it pours / They got money for wars but can’t feed the poor” 

“Keep Ya Head Up” is a shining example of 2Pac’s complexity as an artist—proof that behind the defiant, aggressive image often associated with gangsta rap was a deeply empathetic, socially conscious voice. In this uplifting anthem, Pac shifts focus from the streets to the struggles of women, especially Black women, offering encouragement, respect, and a powerful call for better treatment. With lyrics like “I wonder why we take from our women, why we rape our women, do we hate our women?” he challenges the misogyny often found in the genre he helped define. It’s a striking moment of vulnerability and maturity, showing that Pac wasn’t afraid to confront uncomfortable truths, including within himself. The smooth, soulful instrumental—built around an interpolation of The Five Stairsteps’ “O-o-h Child”—adds a soothing, hopeful backdrop to the powerful message. Released during a time when such themes were rare in mainstream rap, “Keep Ya Head Up” remains one of 2Pac’s most important and enduring songs. It’s a heartfelt tribute, a rallying cry, and a reminder of the better world he believed was possible. Even decades later, the message still resonates: no matter the struggle, keep your head up.

1. Dear Mama (1995)

“There’s no way I can pay you back, but the plan / Is to show you that I understand / You are appreciated…” 

“Dear Mama” is 2Pac’s crowning achievement, a song revered for its raw vulnerability and emotional depth, qualities that elevated him beyond a mere rebel’s voice. This track, a centerpiece of Me Against the World, serves as a poignant tribute to his mother, Afeni Shakur, who navigated immense hardships—poverty, addiction, and single parenthood—to raise him. Rather than gloss over their complex relationship, 2Pac confronts it head-on, weaving a narrative that honors her sacrifices while acknowledging her struggles, cementing the song’s authenticity and power.

Built on a soulful sample from The Spinners’ “Sadie,” the beat lays a smooth, evocative foundation for 2Pac’s heartfelt lyrics. His reflections on a childhood marked by deprivation, his mother’s resilience, and their unbreakable bond resonate deeply. Lines like “You are appreciated” and “Even though you was a crack fiend, Mama, you always was a Black queen, Mama” strike a rare balance of tenderness and strength, showcasing his ability to transform personal pain into universal truth. This duality—unflinching honesty paired with reverence—sets “Dear Mama” apart.

Far from the gangsta rap mold, the song explores a richer emotional terrain, revealing the layers of 2Pac’s life and artistry. Its global resonance endures, touching listeners with its portrayal of love amid adversity. As a testament to the mother-son bond, it remains timeless, a cornerstone of his legacy. “Dear Mama” encapsulates why 2Pac’s voice still echoes—his capacity to bare his soul makes it not just his greatest song, but one of Hip Hop’s most iconic.