Search - :: 2Pacalypse Now

Quite Simply, the essential 2Pac album!!!

Daniel Lee | Burbank, CA United States | 09/26/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Now this is hardly 2Pac's most celebrated album. That distinction goes to some of his later work (Me Against the World, All Eyez on Me, Makaveli) and deservedly so. But make no mistake, there isn't a more important 2Pac album. Here we truly see into his Black Panther roots in the social consciousness he displays throughout his life. He speaks of the plights of poor blacks in the classic "Brenda's Got a Baby", "Trapped" and "Part Time Mutha". In the brilliant "Words of Wisdom", 2Pac masterfully criticizes our society while simultaneously instilling strength into black youth.2Pac in his brief lifetime became the voice of a generation. While he may never have been the most talented of MC's, he was by far the most beloved. His impact was simply bigger than rap music. He symbolized hope and strength for a young generation. He fearlessly attacked the status quo on behalf of those who were unable to themselves. He didn't just stand for poor black youth, he stood for anyone that has ever felt disenfranchised by society. 2Pac's message to America was clear: "this is what you made me, NOW DEAL WITH IT!!!" And never has that message been so clear than in this, his stunning debut album. For those who wish to better understand the life and legacy of Tupac Amaru Shakur, please purchase this album."

2Pac- 2Pacalypse Now

Constant | Vancouver, BC Canada | 07/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Tupac Shakur's first album "2Pacalypse Now" (1991) marked the public debut of an artist whos name will now forever be associated with Rap. Prior to this release he was a member of a group called "Digital Underground". Back in 91 he was young man wanting to share his views, and all throughout this album he does: whether addressing police brutality, discrimination, poverty, street life and politics. Tupac always delivers alot of emotion in his music, whether it be deep anger,sadness,calmness or happiness . "2Pacalypse Now" has thirteen tracks (55 Minutes long) and is Executive Produced by Atron Gregory and came out on Interscope. Guest appearances come from Shock-G, Strech, and Raw Fusion. No tracks of blatant self promotion, lots of conscientious thought provoking music. Warning for those who know the Tupac of later albums on this one: Tupac's flow is far less developed, and the albums beats are oldschool. His lyrics and ability to convey emotion are solid though. "Young Black Male" starts the album off, a track with 2Pac flowing fast and with several other people talking in background and laughing, you can not help but find this track amateur sounding, all the same I like it. "Trapped" is about being young and black and having to face discrimination, police brutality among other matters, Pacs lyrics on this one had me listening to every word, and I liked the simple chorus of "Naw they cant keep the black man down". "Soulja's Story" is a dark track where Pac talks about you have to be hard to survive. "Violent" has Pac talking about the police and uses a brief sample from Public Enemy's Chuck D. "Words of Wisdom" is a highly political track, which has Pac talking about everything from drugs, the government, the United States and dropping lines like "No Malcolm X in my history text, Why is that? Cause he tried to educate and liberate all blacks Why is Martin Luther King in my book each week? He told blacks, if they get smacked, turn the other cheek" lines that you can understand coming from the son of black panther. On later albums you will find less and less tracks like this. "If My Homies Calls" is one of the first real upbeat songs on this album and is a track about being there for ones boys, like the background beat used on this. The track that stands out the most on this album for me is the incredibly deep "Brenda's Got a Baby" , which has Tupac telling a story about the downward spiral a twelve year girl takes after becoming pregnant. "Rebel of the Underground" has Pac talking about himself and is followed up by the albums closer "Part Time Mutha" where Pac puts himself in the place of a part time mother and a track which also features a lady telling a story of abuse, a strong closer to a powerful album. I dont recommend this album to people who are looking for hot beats or the Tupac of later albums, or to people who hold very specific politcal views. I recommend this album to dedicated fans, and to people who are intrested in hearing a young more political Tupac. "2Pacalypse Now" introduced the world to a young emerging artist who would become one of hiphops most prolific and loved rappers, glad to have this album in my collection."