Me Against the World

Released on March 14, 1995, while Tupac Shakur served time at a Nevada correctional facility, Me Against the World stands as his third studio album and a raw window into his psyche. Interscope Records and Out da Gutta Records issued this collection of fourteen tracks that blend gangsta rap with introspective storytelling. Tupac channeled his fears about an impending sentence, police harassment, and poverty directly into the lyrics, creating a sound that felt more personal than his previous work. Production duties split between mentor Shock G, Easy Mo Bee, Tony Pizarro, Johnny J, and Soulshock & Karlin set a moody tone for features by Dramacydal and Richie Rich. The project debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and held the top spot for four weeks. The single "Dear Mama" became a massive hit, reaching number nine on the Hot 100 and topping the Rap Singles chart. Despite being recorded behind bars, the album outsold Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits in the US during 1995. It earned double platinum certification from the RIAA and received Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Solo Performance for its lead track. Critics later placed it among the best albums of the 1990s and included it in the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time list.[edit]