They say to expect the unexpected, well, life itself, is unexpected. We can be sure of what will happen in due time, but we can never be as sure as to when those things will happen. Unfortunately we have no control over these circumstances. With that being said, Tupac Shakur’s life spanned from June 16, 1971 to September 13, 1996. 25 years. Within those 25 years, Tupac went on to act in seven movies, release four albums, and go on to be one of pop culture’s most influential figures to ever grace the limelight. Tupac gave us real duality within himself as well as his music.
Opinions and perspectives should always be subject to change, which may seem contradictory, but as humans, that’s where we find our duality, in our imperfections. Duality in imperfection may be hard to accept at times, but it’s something that is real. Showing that humans can live authentically with a sense of duality, here are the eleven essential Tupac songs that should be in any and every iTunes library according to some random Asian.
1. Thugz Mansion (Nas Acoustic)
Content: In Thugz Mansion, Tupac reflects on his idea of Heaven and how peaceful it will be when he arrives.
When to listen: Put this song on as you reflect during the night only to realize that time is moving quick, so quick that you can't even catch your breath, but then you realize that you're still breathing which means life is good, and when life is good, you're grateful, and being grateful is a good thing.
Quotable: No one knows my struggle, they only see the trouble, not knowin’ it's hard to carry on when no one loves you//
Album: Better Dayz, Disc One 2002
2. Keep Ya Head Up
Content: Keep Ya Head Up is a song that covers Tupac’s feelings on various topics ranging from the lack of respect towards women and children without father figures, all the way to his upbringing as a child. This is a song about remaining positive when things feel like they aren't.
When to listen: When you are down bad and things feel stagnant.
Quotable: I think it's time to kill for our women, time to heal our women, be real to our women//
Album: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..., 1993
3. Ratha Be Ya N.I.G.G.A.
Content: Honestly I just put this song on here because my name’s in it, but conveniently, it is one of my favorite songs by Tupac. It’s a pleasurable listen about Pac trying to be more than the set standard of a particular woman's expectations.
When to listen: When you need some inspiration while you're writing a letter to a girl of why you're much different than all of the guys in her past and she just doesn’t understand because she’s so stubborn. Seriously.
Quotable: Write down my number but don't call me 'til you sure//
Album: All Eyez On Me, Book 2 1996
4. Run Tha Streetz
Content: This song is about giving space to your significant other, and to trust that this space will bring you two closer.
When to listen: Play this for your girl and make sure she's attentive to the lyrics, especially when she argues about how you two don't spend enough time together. If the nightly ten-hour Facetime conversations are suffocating you and she doesn't understand, try to rationalize how you need space by saying even Tupac felt the same, but it's not you or her, it's just life and you two will overcome because you love each other.
Quotable: But you gotta give [me] space or you'll drive me crazy//
Album: All Eyez On Me, Book 2 1996
5. Just Like Daddy
Content: Loving a girl who doesn’t/hasn't had a strong male presence in her life, usually derived from her biological father.
When to listen: When you encounter a girl who is living through the aforementioned unfortunate circumstance and you try to care for her through your standards of what she deserves. You may also listen when you want to bob your head because the drums are smoooooth.
Quotable: Ya never had a father or a family, but I'll be there, no need to fear so much insanity, and through the years I know ya gave me your heart, plus when I'm dirt broke and [messed] up, ya still love me//
Album: The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, 1996
6. Life Goes On
Content: Pac reflects on losing his friend prematurely as he goes on to reminisce throughout the song.
When to listen: After you watch the news and realize that life is too short, but before you text the people that you love about how you love them.
Quotable: Thinking I don't wanna die all alone, but now ya gone and all I got left are stinkin' memories//
Album: All Eyez One Me, Book 1 1996
7. Dear Mama
Content: An audio letter to his [late] mother, Afeni Shakur.
When to listen: After you get off the phone with your mom, who is 700 miles away, and she comforts you by telling you that everything will be alright during your freshman year of college. It is also a good song to start Mother's Day off with.
Quotable: You never kept a secret, always stayed real and I appreciate how you raised me// And all the extra love that you gave me, I wish I could take the pain away// If you can make it through the night, there's a brighter day//
Album: Me Against The World, 1995
8. Me Against The World
Content: Pac raps about his life at the time and how things never seemed to go his way even though, in his heart, he was doing the right thing. Me Against The World is the title track to his 1995 album of the same name.
When to listen: On the way to your car after your academic advisor offers no help despite your plethora of detailed questions.
Quotable: They punish the people that's asking questions. And those that possess steal from the ones without possessions, the message I stress: to make it stop, study your lessons, don't settle for less, even the genius asks his questions//
Album: Me Against The World, 1995
9. Representin’ 93
Content: On Representin’ 93, Tupac shows his lack of compassion for those who attempt to cause him trouble through a braggadocio bravado.
When to listen: I usually listen to this while I'm at the gym or when I accomplish something by myself and I begin feeling like I'm the one again.
Quotable: I wear alot of old school jewels, look how the fools drool, ooohh//
Album: Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z..., 1993
10. Playa Cardz Right (Original)
Content: Playa Cardz Right is a song about taking your time with the shorty you like.
When to listen: During the early stages of a developing crush on the girl that you're interested in.
Quotable: Close my eyes and see nothing but pain, the world is crazy, still lookin’ for a queen to plant seeds and have babies. Maybe I'll be the one or just maybe I'm lost, you'll never know being cautious, if you playa cardz right//
Album: Unreleased
11. The Good Die Young
Content: Tupac, along with his rap group The Outlawz, speak on tragedies and those who are no longer here due to those tragedies.
When to listen: Listen to this when you watch the news questioning why tragedies happen in the first place.
Quotable: The tragedy is that we all need love in doses, in times like these we feel closest. The good die young//
Album: Still I Rise, 1999
So there you have it, eleven essential Tupac tracks. In conclusion, I’ll end with this: We never know how long we will live, but we do know that we won’t live forever. Tupac, thanks for spending 25 years with us and thanks for leaving us with things that will live far beyond our own “25 years.”
