He drew inspiration for the songs from his impending prison sentence, run-ins with the police, and poverty. He began the recording process before he began a prison term. Me Against the World was 2Pac’s third studio album and his first release through Interscope Records. ‘Me Against The Wolrd’ became 2Pac’s first number one album In a press release, the organization called the song “a moving and eloquent homage to both the murdered rapper’s own mother and all mothers struggling to maintain a family in the face of addiction, poverty, and societal indifference.” In 2010, “Dear Mama” was added to the National Recording Registry in the Library of Congress. But, “Dear Mama” was heavily praised by critics.Ī Los Angeles Times review read, “The song attests to Shakur’s gift at crystallizing complex emotions in simple stark images.” Rolling Stone called the song “a heartfelt, sometimes harsh dedication of love for his mother that deals with the trials and tribulations each has put the other through.” Source: Instagram Many music critics had difficulty categorizing 2Pac as an artist as he was considered to have a dual personality – one of social consciousness and another as one who conformed to gangsta rap trends. “Dear Mama” was certified platinum by the RIAA in July 1995, just five months after its release. The song was released as the lead single on the album and remained at the top spot on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart for five weeks – making it 2Pac’s first number-one single since his debut in 1991. With his help, Afeni eventually became sober from drugs and rectified the strained relationship with her son.

He praises her as a single mother who raised him with integrity and awareness for his community – while he also addresses his childhood poverty and his mother’s drug addiction. In the song, he details he and his mother’s often complex and complicated relationship. “Dear Mama” is a tribute to 2Pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur. ‘Me Against The Wolrd’ featured 2Pac’s first number one single, “Dear Mama” It also broke major records for 2Pac as an artist and for the hip hop industry overall. The album has been praised as 2Pac’s best and most poignant album. 2Pac | Time Life Pictures/DMI/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images

Me against the world album genius