Say what you will about all the lost tapes, unreleased b-sides, posthumous remixes and mid-album placeholders, Tupac’s greatest work was always in the singles. The hits were that way for a reason: They remain the man’s best pieces of artistry. In continued celebration of Pac’s life, eleven years after his passing, here are his six greatest singles.
#1 Categorically, “Hit ‘Em Up” is the best diss song in the history of hip-hop, and further, its seething anger is unrivaled by any other song, regardless of genre. “Hit ‘Em Up” is a testament to pure, untapped emotion and the only song you’ll ever need to get ready for battle.
#2 At number two of this 2pac countdown, only “2 of Americaz Most Wanted” really seems appropriate. The Snoop collaboration is dark, dangerous and brooding and yet, simultaneously, provides an optimism for the gangster with its holier than the holy mantra.
#3 After “Hit ‘Em Up” and “2 of Americaz Most Wanted” and all that associated and unabated testosterone, SOHH Left would be remiss to ignore Pac’s softer side. “Keep Ya Head Up” epitomized the sensitivity and poignant sociological observations that made Tupac Shakur a complete artist and walking dichotomy.
#4 They just don’t make singles like “Hail Mary” anymore. A horror film of a song, its haunting bell is only out-scared by Pac’s chanting hook. Unlike the unabashed gangsta anthems of the top two cuts on this list, “Hail Mary” isn’t murder music, it’s music to be murdered by.
#5 Sure, “California Love” is the pop song. A radio-safe anthem, even. But an anthem it is, with an infectious synthesized hook and Tupac’s unforgettable re-introduction to the world (“Out on bail/Fresh out of jail/California dreamin’…”), this is one time where “pop” ain’t a cuss word.
#6 “Dear Mama” makes every list because we all have Mamas. (Even the cookie cutters on this board.)
Source: http://blogs.sohh.com/sohhleftcoast/2007/09/6_of_amerikaz_most_wanted.html
#1 Categorically, “Hit ‘Em Up” is the best diss song in the history of hip-hop, and further, its seething anger is unrivaled by any other song, regardless of genre. “Hit ‘Em Up” is a testament to pure, untapped emotion and the only song you’ll ever need to get ready for battle.
#2 At number two of this 2pac countdown, only “2 of Americaz Most Wanted” really seems appropriate. The Snoop collaboration is dark, dangerous and brooding and yet, simultaneously, provides an optimism for the gangster with its holier than the holy mantra.
#3 After “Hit ‘Em Up” and “2 of Americaz Most Wanted” and all that associated and unabated testosterone, SOHH Left would be remiss to ignore Pac’s softer side. “Keep Ya Head Up” epitomized the sensitivity and poignant sociological observations that made Tupac Shakur a complete artist and walking dichotomy.
#4 They just don’t make singles like “Hail Mary” anymore. A horror film of a song, its haunting bell is only out-scared by Pac’s chanting hook. Unlike the unabashed gangsta anthems of the top two cuts on this list, “Hail Mary” isn’t murder music, it’s music to be murdered by.
#5 Sure, “California Love” is the pop song. A radio-safe anthem, even. But an anthem it is, with an infectious synthesized hook and Tupac’s unforgettable re-introduction to the world (“Out on bail/Fresh out of jail/California dreamin’…”), this is one time where “pop” ain’t a cuss word.
#6 “Dear Mama” makes every list because we all have Mamas. (Even the cookie cutters on this board.)
Source: http://blogs.sohh.com/sohhleftcoast/2007/09/6_of_amerikaz_most_wanted.html
