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All Eyez on Me

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All Eyez on Me
Company typeStudio album
IndustryMusic
FoundedFebruary 13, 1996; 30 years ago (1996-02-13)
Founder2Pac
ProductsHip hop music album
ParentDeath Row Records, Interscope Records, Polygram (distribution)

All Eyez on Me stands as the fourth studio album by American hip-hop artist 2Pac and represents the last album issued while he was alive. Released on February 13, 1996, it arrived seven months prior to his passing through Death Row and Interscope Records, with distribution managed by Polygram. The project includes collaborations with prominent artists such as Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Redman, Method Man, Nate Dogg, Kurupt, Daz Dillinger, E-40, K-Ci & JoJo, and the Outlawz. Production was handled by 2Pac alongside producers including DJ Quik, Johnny "J", Dr. Dre, DJ Bobcat, Dat Nigga Daz, and DJ Pooh. Mixing duties were carried out by DJ Quik. Notably, this was the sole Death Row/Interscope album distributed via PolyGram in the United States.

As a work rooted in gangsta rap, 2Pac explores themes that contrast his earlier socially conscious albums like 2Pacalypse Now (1991) and Me Against The World (1995), focusing instead on narratives of wealth and hardship. The album spawned four singles—the highest number from any of his releases—including chart-toppers "How Do U Want It" featuring K-Ci and JoJo, and "California Love" with Dr. Dre featuring Roger Troutman, as well as "I Ain't Mad at Cha" and the promotional track "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg. All Eyez on Me holds the distinction of being the first double-length solo hip-hop studio album launched worldwide for mainstream audiences.

From a commercial standpoint, this was 2Pac’s second album to reach number one on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, moving 566,000 units in its debut week. After 2Pac’s fatal drive-by shooting seven months post-release, the album earned the 1997 Soul Train Music Award for Rap Album of the Year and garnered a posthumous Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Additionally, he received the Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist award at the 1997 American Music Awards. Upon release, critics praised its groundbreaking approach within rap music, leading it to be recognized as one of hip hop’s finest albums and among the greatest albums overall. In 2014, it achieved Diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), surpassing five million shipments when counting each disc separately. In 2020, Rolling Stone ranked it 436th on their updated list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

Background

In October 1995, Suge Knight along with Jimmy Iovine posted $1.4 million bail to secure Shakur’s release from Clinton Correctional Facility amid sexual abuse allegations. At that time, Shakur lacked the financial means to cover bail himself. The release of All Eyez on Me followed a deal in which Shakur agreed to produce three albums under Death Row Records in return for bail assistance. This double album accounted for the first two installments required under that agreement.

Initially named Euthanasia, the album's title was changed to All Eyez on Me during its production phase. In December 1995, Shakur elaborated on the meaning behind the title during an interview with MTV's Bill Bellamy.

Although originally scheduled for a December 1995 launch, the album's release was postponed to allow Shakur additional time for recording sessions and filming accompanying music videos.

Recording and production

This album includes guest contributions from frequent collaborators such as former Thug Life members, The Outlawz, Dr. Dre, Snoop Doggy Dogg, Tha Dogg Pound, Nate Dogg, George Clinton, Rappin' 4-Tay, The Click, and Method Man & Redman. The track "Heartz of Men" incorporates samples from Richard Pryor's comedy album That Nigger's Crazy. The majority of the production was overseen by Johnny "J" and Daz Dillinger, with notable input from Dr. Dre on the songs "California Love"—where he also performs—and "Can't C Me," which features Clinton. Although DJ Quik contributed to production, mixing, and appeared on the record, he used his legal name in the credits due to contractual obligations with Profile Records.

Lyrical themes

All Eyez on Me primarily focuses on glorifying the "Thug Lifestyle," representing a departure from the socially and politically charged messages found in 2Pacalypse Now and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.... The album’s title, along with tracks such as "Can't C Me" and "All Eyez on Me," convey Tupac’s consciousness of being closely watched—especially by law enforcement and rivals—and reflect his increased public scrutiny following nearly a year of incarceration.

Singles

The lead single, "California Love" featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman, was released on December 3, 1995, becoming Tupac’s most commercially successful song. It dominated the Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks as a double A-side alongside "How Do U Want It" and topped the New Zealand charts for 12 weeks. The track received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 1997 and achieved double platinum status from the RIAA.

Released on May 7, 1996, "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted" featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg served as a promotional single. Its music video, directed by Gobi M. Rahimi, was shot four months prior to Tupac’s shooting in September 1996. The song reached number 46 on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart.

The second official single, "How Do U Want It" featuring R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, came out on June 4, 1996, paired with "California Love" as a double A-side release. It secured the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Three distinct videos were produced: two studio versions—one containing explicit adult content with appearances by prominent adult film stars—and one live concert version featuring K-Ci & JoJo along with Shock G.

"I Ain't Mad at Cha," featuring Danny Boy, was released posthumously in Europe and Oceania on September 15, 1996. The accompanying video showcased a re-recorded live band rendition captured at Can-Am Studios, with filming completed in May 1996.

Critical reception and legacy

All Eyez on Me was met with broad critical praise. Spin awarded it a score of 7 out of 10, commending its candidness and complex narratives. It ranked third in Entertainment Weekly’’’s Top 10 albums of 1996. According to AllMusic, it holds the distinction of being hip-hop’s first original double-disc album, lauded for its ambitious scale and high-quality production under the guidance of Suge Knight’s Death Row label. The record signaled a pronounced embrace of gangsta rap themes, occasionally blending in romanticized elements amid its predominantly assertive tone.

In the Los Angeles Times, critic Cheo Hodari Coker praised the extensive 27-track, 133-minute project for its intensified emotional depth and artistic skill following Tupac’s release from prison, supported by top-tier producers including Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, and Johnny J. Meanwhile, Jon Pareles of The New York Times described it as a quintessential gangsta rap album enhanced by superior production values that emphasize themes of opulence and machismo. Conversely, The Guardian rated it two stars, critiquing its length and self-justifying tone despite acknowledging some quality g-funk elements.

Rolling Stone characterized the album as an extended "Cali thug-life interpretation" akin to Pink Floyd’s The Wall, noting its consistently hard-edged style verging on caricature but still including it among the essential recordings of the 1990s.

Awards and Honors

Media Outlet Nation Recognition Year Position
FNAC France Top 1000 Albums Ever 2008 461
Rock & Folk Greatest Albums from 1963 to 1999 1999 *
Babylon Greece Top 50 Albums of the 1990s 48
Hip-Hop Connection United Kingdom 100 Best Rap Albums 1995–2005 2006 35
The New Nation Top 100 Albums by Black Musicians 2005 64
Q Ultimate Music Collection *
90 Albums of the 1990s 1999 *
Apple Music United States 100 Best Albums List 2024 62
rap.About.com Top 100 Hip Hop Albums 2008 80
Best Rap Albums of 1996 1
Tom Moon "1000 Recordings to Hear Before You Die" *
Entertainment Weekly "100 Best Albums from 1983 to 2008" 87
Ego Trip "Hip Hop's Top 25 Albums by Year 1980–1998" 1999 14
Rolling Stone "Essential Recordings of the 90s" *
"100 Best Albums of the Nineties" 2010 50
"Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time"

2020

style="text-align:center;" |436

Complex

Top 90 Rap Albums of the '90s

2014

style="text-align:center;" |10


Sales and Chart Performance

Upon release, All Eyez on Me entered the US Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts at number one, moving 566,000 units in its debut week. This marked 2Pac's second chart-topping album. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded it diamond certification. By September 2011, US sales had reached 5,887,630 copies, establishing it as Tupac's best-selling record. The album remained on the Billboard 200 for a total duration of 105 weeks.

In the UK market, the British Phonographic Industry granted silver status in January 1997, followed by gold certification in July 2013, and platinum in November 2014 after surpassing sales of 300,000 copies.

The album saw reissues in 2001 as enhanced CDs including the "California Love" video, and again in 2005 as a Dual-Disc format.

Legal Dispute

In July 1997, anti-rap campaigner C. Delores Tucker filed a lawsuit against Tupac's estate concerning references made to her in the tracks "How Do U Want It" and "Wonda Why They Call U Bytch." She alleged emotional harm, defamation, and violation of privacy rights. The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed in 2001.

Track listing



Additional Information

  • The track "All About U" features uncredited contributions from Hussein Fatal and Yaki Kadafi.
  • Vocals on "Life Goes On" are performed by Stacey Smallie and Nanci Fletcher.
  • The complete original "California Love (Remix)" is exclusively available on promotional vinyl, with background vocals by Barbara Wilson, Nanci Fletcher, and Danette Williams.
  • "Can't C Me" includes extra vocal layers by Nanci Fletcher.
  • Initially, "Got My Mind Made Up" was a Dogg Pound track featuring Inspectah Deck of Wu-Tang Clan, The Lady of Rage, and RBX; their parts were removed when the song was assigned to Tupac.
  • Faith Evans originally lent her vocals to "Wonder Why They Call U Bytch," but Jewell replaced her in the final version.
  • Natasha Walker provides background vocals on "Check Out Time."
  • Background vocals on "Ratha Be Ya Nigga" are performed by Stacey Smallie.

Unused and Additional Tracks

Numerous songs from this collection were later remixed for Tupac’s posthumous releases including Still I Rise, Until the End of Time, Better Dayz, and Pac’s Life. Notable tracks include:

Sample credits

Ambitionz az a Ridah
  • "Pee-Wee's Dance" performed by Joeski Love
All About U
  • "Candy" by Cameo
Got My Mind Made Up
  • "I Got My Mind Made Up (You Can Get It Girl)" by Instant Funk
  • "Sucker M.C.'s" by Run–D.M.C.
  • "Eric B. is President" by Eric B. & Rakim
How Do U Want It
  • "Body Heat" by Quincy Jones
2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted
  • "The Message" by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
  • Radio Activity Rapp ("Let's Jam") by MC Frosty and Lovin' C
  • "The Posse (Shoot 'Em Up)" by Intelligent Hoodlum
No More Pain
  • "Bring the Pain" by Method Man
Heartz of Men
  • "Darling Nikki" by Prince and The Revolution
  • "Mudbone - Intro," "The Back Down," "Nigger With a Seizure," and "Jim Brown" by Richard Pryor
  • "Up for the Down Stroke" by Parliament
  • "You're Gettin' a Little Too Smart" by The Detroit Emeralds
Life Goes On
  • "Brandy" by The O'Jays
Only God Can Judge Me
  • "Top Billin'" by Audio Two
Tradin' War Stories
  • "Too Little in Common" by Randy Brown
California Love (Remix)
  • "So Ruff, So Tuff" by Roger Troutman
  • "Intimate Connection" by Kleeer
  • "Woman to Woman" by Joe Cocker
  • "West Coast Poplock" by Ronnie Hudson and The Street People
  • "Dance Floor" by Zapp
I Ain't Mad at Cha
  • "A Dream" by DeBarge
What'z Ya Phone #
  • "777-9311" by The Time
Can't C Me
  • "(Not Just) Knee Deep" by Funkadelic
  • Ice Cube tracks: "I'm Only Out for One Thang," and "Get Off My Dick and Tell Yo Bitch to Come Here"
  • "What's My Name?" by Snoop Dogg
  • "Shake, Rattle and Roll" by Big Joe Turner
Shorty Wanna Be a Thug
  • "Wildflower" performed by Hank Crawford
When We Ride
  • "What Would You Do?" by Tha Dogg Pound
Thug Passion
  • "Computer Love" by Zapp & Roger
Picture Me Rollin'
  • "Winter Sadness" from Spirit of the Boogie by Kool & the Gang
  • "Better Off" by Johnny "J"
Check Out Time
  • "Candy Rain" performed by Soul for Real
  • "Just Don't Bite It" by N.W.A.
Ratha Be Ya Nigga
  • "I'd Rather Be with You" from Stretchin' Out in Bootsy's Rubber Band by Bootsy Collins
All Eyez on Me
  • "Never Gonna Stop" performed by Linda Clifford
Run tha Streetz
  • "Piece of My Love" from Guy's album Guy
Wonda Why They Call U Bytch
  • "50 Ways to Leave Your Lover" written and performed by Paul Simon
Heaven Ain't Hard 2 Find
  • "What You Won't Do for Love" performed by Bobby Caldwell


Personnel

The following credits for All Eyez on Me are derived from AllMusic and the album’s CD booklet.

  • 2Pac – vocals, composer, producer, associate producer
  • Suge Knight – executive producer
  • Norris Anderson – production manager
  • Delmar "Daz" Arnaud – composer
  • Dave Aron – engineer, mixing engineer
  • Big Syke – vocals
  • Larry Blackmon – composer
  • David Blake – composer, producer, mixing engineer, talk box performer
  • B-Legit – vocals
  • Bobcat – composer
  • Calvin Broadus – composer
  • R. Brown – composer
  • C-BO – vocals
  • Larry Chatman – associate producer
  • Rick Clifford – engineer
  • G. Clinton, Jr. – composer
  • George Clinton – composer, vocals
  • Nanci Fletcher – background vocals, vocals
  • Dorothy Coleman – background vocals
  • W. Collins – composer
  • Kenn Cox – composer
  • CPO – vocals
  • Woody Cunningham – composer
  • Tommy D. Daugherty – engineer
  • Danny Boy – vocals
  • Dat Nigga Daz – producer, vocals
  • Robert Diggs – composer
  • DJ Pooh – composer, mixing engineer, producer
  • Dr. Dre – composer, producer, mixing engineer, vocals
  • Tha Dogg Pound – vocals
  • Nate Dogg – vocals
  • Dramacydal – vocals
  • Dru Down – vocals
  • Norman Durham – composer
  • E-40 – vocals
  • Ebony – background vocals
  • Bobby Ervin – composer, producer
  • Fatal – vocals
  • Brian Gardner – mastering engineer
  • Michael Geiser – associate engineer
  • Yaki Kadafi – vocals
  • Nathaniel Hale – composer
  • C. Haskins – composer
  • Johnny Jackson – composer
  • Jewell – vocals
  • Johnny "J" – mixing engineer, producer
  • Puff Johnson – background vocals
  • Jojo the Elf – vocals
  • E. Jordan – composer
  • Kurupt – vocals
  • Alvin McGill – associate engineer, engineer
  • Method Man – vocals

...

Weekly charts

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Chart (1996) Highest
ranking
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Year-end charts

Chart (1996) Rank
German Albums (Offizielle Top 100) 66
US Billboard 200 3
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 3
Chart (1997) Rank
US Billboard 200 85
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard) 8
Chart (2002) Rank
Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 178
Canadian Rap Albums (Nielsen SoundScan) 89

Decade-end charts

Chart (1990–1999) Rank
US 'Billboard' 200 97


See also

External links

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