All Eyez on Me by 2Pac is one of the most influential hip-hop albums of the 1990s. The album is a double record with four sides in total, representing two distinct eras of his mindset and artistry. In this first part, we’ll dive into the first half of the album and what it truly meant to 2Pac.

The album was released in 1996 shortly after 2Pac’s release from prison in 1995. In just 13 days of freedom, he completed what would become one of the most iconic rap albums ever made. During this time, 2Pac fully embraced his identity as a “gangsta rapper,” leaning into that persona with intensity and authenticity. The album’s original title was Euthanasia, meaning “the intentional ending of life to relieve suffering.” 2Pac felt that theme matched the emotional tone of the project. However, several songs were added or removed during production — for example, Letter to My Unborn Child was moved to his later 2001 album Until the End of Time, and Hit ’Em Up wasn’t finished in time to make the cut.

Around this era, drama surrounded 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. Faith Evans, Biggie’s wife at the time, famously did vocals for one of the album’s songs. The collaboration stirred controversy because 2Pac and Biggie were bitter rivals, and rumors of infidelity added fuel to the fire.

For 2Pac, this album became his outlet — a place to vent his thoughts about fame, loyalty, mortality, and the world watching him. It’s roughly 30 songs long, covering everything from life and death to love, the media, politics, and street culture.

The first track, “Ambitionz Az a Ridah,” opens the album with fire. It’s a declaration of who he is now — reborn, unstoppable, and ready to dominate. The beat is classic G-Funk, and the energy is pure motivation. Fun fact: Mike Tyson, one of 2Pac’s close friends, used the song as his walkout anthem, with a special version Pac made just for him.

The next track, “All About U,” flips the focus to women chasing fame, appearing in every music video with big stars. Following that, “Skandalouz” tells the story of a woman using men for money and survival. Then comes “Got My Mind Made Up,” which was originally a Dogg Pound track before 2Pac made it his own. While it doesn’t fully feel like a Pac song, it still holds a place in the album’s flow.

The momentum builds with “How Do U Want It,” one of the album’s biggest party hits. Similar to his earlier I Get Around, this song captures 2Pac’s playful yet confident energy. The CD single release also included California Love, Hit ’Em Up, and 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted — three defining tracks of West Coast dominance.

Speaking of “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted,” it pairs 2Pac with Snoop Dogg, symbolizing the two most wanted figures in rap at the time — both in the industry and in the eyes of the law. Although it’s often overplayed, the chemistry and swagger are undeniable.

“No More Pain” and “Hearts of Men” come next, both filled with aggression and reflection. No More Pain samples Method Man’s Bring the Pain and was created in just a few hours, while Hearts of Men has Pac addressing Suge Knight, Death Row Records’ CEO, and his frustrations with East Coast rappers.

Then comes one of the most emotional tracks: “Life Goes On.” Here, 2Pac reflects on death, funerals, and the endless cycle of violence. He questions how many more people must die before change happens — but ultimately accepts that “life goes on.”

Next is “Trading War Stories,” featuring his group, the Outlawz. They share raw memories from the streets, painting vivid pictures of their past struggles. The honesty in this track shows the depth and pain behind 2Pac’s crew.

The disc closes with “California Love,” arguably one of the most famous rap songs ever made. The anthem celebrates West Coast pride and freedom — “Out on bail, fresh outta jail, California dreamin’.” It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and remains one of 2Pac’s most iconic moments.

Finally, “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” brings a message of forgiveness and peace. It’s about letting go of hate and resentment, showing that Pac had grown beyond grudges — even toward those who betrayed him.

The first half of All Eyez on Me captures 2Pac’s rebirth — from anger and reflection to power and pride. It’s the sound of a man newly freed, processing his past, and claiming his throne. Every track shows his evolution as an artist and a person, blending emotion, strength, and truth. This first half is just the setup — the second part dives even deeper into his mindset, legacy, and message to the world.