Tupac Shakur. The name alone conjures images of raw talent, poetic justice, and a legacy that continues to resonate decades after his tragic death. For millions, his music wasn't just entertainment; it was a soundtrack to life, reflecting struggles, triumphs, and the complexities of the human experience. If you're looking to delve into the heart of his artistry, you've come to the right place. This list explores the best songs by Tupac, carefully curated to highlight the range and depth of his musical genius, from his hard-hitting gangsta rap anthems to his introspective and emotionally resonant ballads. Whether you're a longtime fan revisiting your favorites or a newcomer eager to discover the magic, this definitive ranking will leave you captivated by the enduring power of Tupac's music. Prepare to rediscover classic tracks and unearth hidden gems that solidified his place as one of hip-hop's most influential and unforgettable artists. Get ready to journey through the soundscape of a legend.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Hit 'Em Up |
2Pac Outlawz | 720M+ | |
| 2. Dear Mama | 2Pac | Me Against The World | 446M+ |
| 3. Changes |
2Pac Talent | Me Against The World | 387M+ |
| 4. Ghetto Gospel |
2Pac Elton John | Loyal To The Game | 191M+ |
| 5. I Get Around |
2Pac Digital Underground | Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... | 79M+ |
| 6. Brenda's Got a Baby | 2Pac | 61M+ | |
| 7. Picture Me Rollin' | 2Pac | 37M+ |
1. Hit 'Em Up
Aggressive Delivery: 2Pac's ferocious flow and the Outlawz's hard-hitting vocals create an undeniable intensity, perfectly capturing the raw emotion of the track.
Unflinching Lyricism: The song's unflinchingly honest lyrics detail a brutal and deeply personal conflict, solidifying its place as a powerful statement within Tupac's discography.
Enduring Impact: "Hit 'Em Up" remains a landmark example of West Coast hip-hop's unflinching storytelling and aggressive energy, making it a quintessential Tupac experience.
2. Dear Mama (2Pac)
Heartfelt Lyrics: "Dear Mama" is a deeply emotional tribute to 2Pac's mother, showcasing his vulnerability and gratitude in a way rarely heard in hip-hop.
Masterful Storytelling: The song paints a vivid picture of his mother's struggles and sacrifices, creating a powerful narrative that resonates with listeners on a personal level.
Enduring Impact: Its honest and heartfelt expression of familial love cemented its place as a hip-hop classic and a testament to the power of the mother-son bond.
3. Changes (Me Against The World)
Sound: Changes boasts a haunting, melancholic melody that perfectly complements 2Pac's introspective lyrics, showcasing the raw emotion at the heart of his artistry.
Vocals: 2Pac's delivery is both vulnerable and powerful, conveying a sense of weariness and hope simultaneously, a signature of his emotional range.
Emotional Impact: The song's exploration of personal growth and societal change resonates deeply, solidifying its place as a timeless reflection on the human experience and making it a standout track in 2Pac's discography.
4. Ghetto Gospel (2Pac ft Elton John)
Tupac's Raw Vocals: 2Pac's signature gritty delivery shines through, conveying a powerful message of struggle and hope with unmatched authenticity.
Unexpected Collaboration: The unlikely pairing with Elton John adds a layer of surprising depth and emotional resonance, blending raw hip-hop with poignant piano melodies.
Ghetto Reality: The song's unflinching portrayal of life's harsh realities within the urban landscape remains impactful and relevant, highlighting 2Pac's lyrical genius.
5. I Get Around (Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... - 1993)
Sound: "I Get Around" boasts a signature Digital Underground funk sound, perfectly complementing 2Pac's early, energetic flow, creating a vibrant and infectious track.
Rhythm: The song's undeniable groove and catchy hook make it incredibly memorable and easy to get lost in, a hallmark of 2Pac's early work.
2Pac's Vocals: His youthful delivery and confident rhymes, showcasing his raw talent before his more introspective later works, are central to the song's enduring appeal.
6. Brenda's Got a Baby
Haunting Melody: Brenda's Got a Baby features a somber, memorable melody that perfectly underscores the song's tragic theme, highlighting 2Pac's ability to craft emotionally resonant soundscapes.
Lyrical Depth: The lyrics offer a stark and unflinching portrayal of teenage pregnancy and its consequences, showcasing 2Pac's raw storytelling ability and social commentary.
Emotional Impact: This track resonates deeply due to its unflinching honesty and the vulnerability it conveys, making it a standout example of 2Pac's capacity for emotional storytelling within his broader discography.
7. Picture Me Rollin'
Sound: Picture Me Rollin' boasts a classic G-funk sound, with its smooth, laid-back beat and heavy bassline perfectly complementing 2Pac's flow.
Vocals: 2Pac's delivery is effortlessly cool and charismatic, showcasing his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
Cultural Impact: The song's depiction of West Coast life and its memorable hook cemented its place in hip-hop history and continues to resonate with listeners.
8. Keep Ya Head Up (2Pac - 1993)
Uplifting Melody: "Keep Ya Head Up" features a memorable, uplifting melody that contrasts beautifully with the song's serious subject matter, making it both inspiring and poignant.
2Pac's Vocal Performance: 2Pac delivers a powerful and emotionally resonant vocal performance, full of hope and resilience, perfectly capturing the song's message of perseverance.
Enduring Impact: This anthem of hope and strength has resonated with listeners for decades, solidifying its place as a classic in 2Pac's discography and a testament to his enduring legacy.
9. Life Goes On
Lyrical Depth: "Life Goes On" showcases 2Pac's signature introspective storytelling, offering a poignant reflection on life's struggles and triumphs with raw honesty.
Emotional Resonance: The song's melancholic melody and vulnerable vocals create a deeply affecting listening experience, resonating with listeners who have faced adversity.
Cultural Impact: Its exploration of resilience and perseverance solidified its place as a Tupac classic, cementing its legacy within hip-hop's cultural tapestry.
10. Ambitionz Az A Ridah (2Pac - 1996)
Sound: "Ambitionz Az A Ridah" boasts a dark, gritty, and intensely atmospheric soundscape, perfectly capturing the raw energy of West Coast hip-hop.
Rhythm: The hypnotic beat, punctuated by its signature synth riff, creates an irresistible groove that's both menacing and undeniably catchy.
Vocal Performance: 2Pac's delivery is ferocious and captivating, showcasing his unmatched ability to convey both vulnerability and aggression with equal power.
11California Love
Roger Troutman,2Pac ft. Dr. Dre
1995
12All Eyez On Me
2Pac,Big Syke
1996
All Eyez On Me
13Death Around the Corner
2Pac
1995
14I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto
2Pac
1997
15Can U Get Away
2Pac
1995
- 16
I Ain't Mad at Cha
2Pac, Danny Boy
1996
17Pain
2Pac
1994
18Hail Mary
2Pac
1997
All Eyez On Me
19White Man’z World
2Pac
1997
20To Live & Die in L.A
2Pac
1996
21Bomb First
2Pac
1997
22Pour Out a Little Liquor
2Pac
1994
23Outlaw
2Pac
1997
24How Do U Want It
K-Ci , JoJo,Tupac Shakur
1996
- 25
God Bless the Dead
2Pac
1998
26Lie To Kick It
2Pac
1997
- 27
Me Against The World
2Pac,Dramacydal
1995
Me Against The World
28Thugz Mansion
2Pac,Anthony Hamilton
2002
Better Dayz
29Toss It Up
2Pac,K-Ci , JoJo, Danny Boy
1996