“Old School” – This track is one of the happier tracks on the legendary album Me Against the World, long before the East Coast/West Coast feud. 2Pac starts off giving love to “All the Muthaf*ckas in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, all the muthaf*ckas who laid it down the foundation. Nothing but love for you.” A nod to the pioneers of Hip Hop, Pac reveals some of his favorite MCs, shouting out everyone everyone from Doug E. Fresh, Red Alert, Queen Latifah, Rakim, LL Cool J and more on this classic track. As he reminisces over life in New York, the track oozes nostalgia over the classic boom-bap snare and percussion. ‘Pac is far more menacing in his approach, though, as the song is a reference to his love for his firearm: “All I need in this world of sin/ Is me and my girlfriend/ down to ride to the bloody end/ Me and my girlfriend.” 2Pac revealed in an interview the inspiration for the track came from Nas‘ “I Gave You Power.” “Me and My Girlfriend” – When you inspire JAY Z and Beyoncé to cover your song, it’s truly a testament to your song writing ability. “Picture Me Rollin” – 2Pac almost seems to be speaking directly to his fans when you hear the end of the song: “If you wanna see me again, rewind this track right here, close your eyes and picture me rolling.” Produced by the late Johnny “J” the guitar twang the song rides on is one of the most memorable parts of it. Big Syke brings a uniqueness with his verse opening: “I got keys/ coming from overseas/ Cost a ni*ga 200 G’s.” This is ‘Pac’s flamboyant defiance to the people who locked him up for what he felt was unjust, pointing out the District Attorney on his case: “Can you see me hoe?” He also references the officers at Clinton Correctional Facility and dedicates the song to the people he was locked up with. “Never Had A Friend Like Me” – The Gridlock’d soundtrack ‘s solo 2Pac track is one of the most under-appreciated songs in his discography. The opening line is so visual and memorable: “At night I watch the sky/ I take another breath / I smoke my Newport to the butt like it’s the last m*thafucka left.” ‘Pac goes on with his classic story-telling about the never ending struggle against the court system and his dedication to his homies: “My enemies your enemies/ cuz you ain’t never had a friend like me.” The ride or die approach on the track showcases his loyalty and dedication to those he rode for. “Hold On Be Strong” – Driven by a smooth live bass and a funky sped up trumpet sample, the track was released on the second disc of 1997’s R U Still Down? (Remember Me). The song is a hidden gem of inspiration encouraging those battling life’s ills to hold on. Shakur profiles his own pain once again, as the song was recorded during the Me Against the World sessions. “Smile” – Released on Scarface’s Untouchable album, this might be one of Pac’s most memorable features for many reasons.
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