Few artists have left a mark on music—and culture—like Tupac Shakur, better known as 2Pac. A revolutionary force in hip-hop, 2Pac blended raw street poetry with profound social commentary, creating a legacy that transcends generations. From the gritty streets of East Harlem to the sun-soaked avenues of California, his voice became the heartbeat of a movement. Whether he was confronting injustice, honoring his mother, or defiantly firing back at rivals, every verse carried unmatched intensity and truth. But with a catalog as rich and diverse as his, which songs truly stand out as the most iconic? In this countdown of the Top 10 Most Popular 2Pac Songs of All Time, we revisit the tracks that shook the airwaves, inspired millions, and helped shape the sound of hip-hop itself. These are the anthems that continue to echo decades after his untimely passing—songs that showcase 2Pac’s lyrical genius, fearless spirit, and emotional depth. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just discovering the legend, this list is your gateway into the soul of a rap icon. Turn the volume up—because 2Pac’s music isn’t just meant to be heard. It’s meant to be felt.
Table of Contents
1. California Love (feat. Dr. Dre) – 1995
“California Love” isn’t just a West Coast anthem—it’s a defining moment in 1990s hip-hop. Released in 1995 after 2Pac’s release from prison, this explosive collaboration with Dr. Dre marked his debut with Death Row Records and his re-emergence as a dominant force. Built around Dr. Dre’s polished G-funk production and Roger Troutman’s signature talkbox hook, the track radiates energy, swagger, and pride in the California lifestyle. The chemistry between Dre and 2Pac is magnetic, and their verses celebrate everything from palm trees and parties to resilience in the face of adversity. The single shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became an instant classic, bridging the gap between underground grit and mainstream appeal. Its Mad Max-style music video amplified the song’s mythic quality, turning 2Pac into a pop culture icon and solidifying Death Row’s place in music history. “California Love” remains one of the most played and recognizable hip-hop tracks of all time—a musical love letter to the Golden State that still resonates decades later, blasting from car stereos and stadiums with undying energy.
2. Changes – 1992 (Recorded), 1998 (Released)
“Changes” stands as one of 2Pac’s most poignant and socially conscious tracks. Originally recorded in 1992 and released posthumously in 1998, the song samples Bruce Hornsby’s “The Way It Is” to haunting effect, giving it a melodic and melancholic edge. It reveals 2Pac not as the aggressive rapper often portrayed in the media, but as a thoughtful observer of the world around him. The lyrics touch on systemic racism, poverty, police brutality, and the cyclical struggles faced by Black communities in America. His words are sharp yet vulnerable, reflecting a man torn between frustration and hope. The chorus—“That’s just the way it is, things’ll never be the same”—rings out like a solemn truth, yet there’s a plea for understanding buried in every line. “Changes” transcends eras, its themes sadly still relevant today. More than just a hit single, it serves as a musical time capsule of 2Pac’s ideals and empathy. It continues to resonate with listeners across generations, offering both comfort and a challenge: to acknowledge the world’s injustices and imagine something better.
3. Hit ‘Em Up – 1996
“Hit ‘Em Up” is one of the most notorious diss tracks in rap history—a scorched-earth declaration aimed squarely at 2Pac’s rivals, especially The Notorious B.I.G. Released in 1996 as the B-side to “How Do U Want It,” the track unleashes unfiltered vitriol with 2Pac leading the charge alongside the Outlawz. Over a grim, menacing beat, he delivers some of the most personal and incendiary verses ever recorded. What shocked listeners wasn’t just the boldness of his claims, but the intensity of emotion driving them. This wasn’t a lyrical sparring match—it was war. The East Coast-West Coast rivalry was already inflamed, and “Hit ‘Em Up” poured gasoline on the fire. Many viewed it as a flashpoint in the tragic conflict that engulfed the hip-hop world. Still, the track remains a powerful example of 2Pac’s raw, unapologetic persona and his willingness to say what others wouldn’t. Love it or hate it, “Hit ‘Em Up” is unforgettable—an explosive snapshot of a moment in music history where bravado, real-life tension, and artistic fury collided.
4. Hail Mary – 1996
“Hail Mary” is arguably 2Pac at his most brooding and enigmatic. Released in 1996 under his alias Makaveli, the track departs from the brash confidence of earlier records and dives deep into spiritual unease and existential dread. Set against a ghostly, atmospheric beat, the song unfolds like a prayer from a haunted soul, reflecting on mortality, revenge, and divine judgment. Featuring verses from Outlawz members Kastro, Young Noble, and Yaki Kadafi, the track doesn’t just amplify 2Pac’s inner turmoil—it widens it into something more collective and haunting. Biblical allusions and death references permeate every line, creating a cinematic experience that feels both intimate and apocalyptic. Gone is the party energy of “California Love” or the fiery bravado of “Hit ‘Em Up”—“Hail Mary” is all slow burn and shadow. It showcases the more introspective, complex side of 2Pac’s artistry, offering a chilling glimpse into the mind of a man who saw death coming and tried to make peace with it. For many fans, it’s a spiritual centerpiece in his discography.
5. Dear Mama – 1995
“Dear Mama” is one of the most heartfelt and revered songs in hip-hop history—a tribute to 2Pac’s mother, Afeni Shakur, and a moving ode to maternal love and sacrifice. Released in 1995 on the album Me Against the World, the track blends soulful samples from Joe Sample’s “In All My Wildest Dreams” and The Spinners’ “Sadie” with tender, introspective verses that peel back 2Pac’s tough exterior. He speaks openly about his mother’s struggles, including addiction and poverty, but his tone is never bitter—it’s filled with compassion and deep respect. What makes “Dear Mama” groundbreaking is its emotional honesty. At a time when hip-hop was dominated by braggadocio and aggression, 2Pac chose to be vulnerable, honoring the woman who raised him under impossible circumstances. In 2010, the song was added to the Library of Congress’s National Recording Registry for its cultural impact. More than just a song, “Dear Mama” is a universal expression of love, gratitude, and redemption. It remains a touchstone for anyone who’s ever found strength in the sacrifices of a parent.
6. Keep Ya Head Up – 1993
Released in 1993, “Keep Ya Head Up” is one of 2Pac’s most compassionate and empowering tracks—a message of hope and solidarity for women, single mothers, and anyone struggling in a harsh world. Sampling Zapp’s “Be Alright” and featuring a soulful chorus, the song delivers a powerful counter-narrative to the misogyny often found in rap lyrics of the time. 2Pac’s voice here is that of a protector and advocate, not just a rapper. He speaks directly to women with empathy, condemns abuse, and criticizes a system that marginalizes the poor and vulnerable. His message is rooted in social awareness and emotional intelligence, yet the song remains accessible and uplifting, carried by a laid-back beat and heartfelt delivery. “Keep Ya Head Up” showed that hip-hop could be socially responsible without losing its edge. It endures as a message of resilience and respect—a track that proves 2Pac’s legacy wasn’t just about controversy, but also about compassion and advocacy. In a world still grappling with inequality, its message remains as vital as ever.
7. 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted (feat. Snoop Dogg) – 1996
“2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” is a classic West Coast collaboration that oozes charisma, swagger, and rebellious energy. Released in 1996 on All Eyez on Me, the track pairs 2Pac with Snoop Dogg, both at the peak of their fame and influence. Over a slick, funky beat, the two trade verses with an easy chemistry that feels like a conversation between old friends and outlaws. The lyrics are playful, brash, and full of defiance, as the duo recounts their run-ins with the law and media while celebrating their unbreakable spirit. The accompanying music video, with its cheeky nod to 2Pac’s legal troubles, adds a layer of satire and self-awareness that only enhances the song’s charm. It’s not just a flex—it’s a celebration of survival. “2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted” captures the vibe of an era when Death Row Records was on top, and 2Pac’s voice was everywhere. It remains a fan favorite and a high point in both artists’ catalogs, cementing their roles as cultural icons and rap royalty.
8. Ambitionz Az a Ridah – 1996
“Ambitionz Az a Ridah” sets the tone for All Eyez on Me with a fierce and unrelenting declaration of identity. From the moment the hypnotic piano riff drops, you know 2Pac means business. Released in 1996, this opening track is a pure adrenaline rush—a mix of street bravado, raw ambition, and unshakeable confidence. The line “I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah, you don’t wanna f*** with me” became an iconic mantra, encapsulating the fearless persona 2Pac embodied after his release from prison. His verses are sharp and aggressive, yet calculated, expressing not just rage but purpose. The beat is minimal but powerful, allowing 2Pac’s voice to cut through with razor-sharp clarity. “Ambitionz Az a Ridah” isn’t just a banger—it’s a mission statement. It tells you exactly who he is and where he’s going, no apologies. For fans, it’s a track that never loses its edge, often used to pump up workouts or power through tough days. It’s 2Pac at his most defiant and determined, setting the stage for one of the most iconic double albums in hip-hop history.
9. I Ain’t Mad at Cha – 1996
“I Ain’t Mad at Cha,” released shortly after 2Pac’s death in 1996, is a bittersweet farewell wrapped in wisdom and forgiveness. Over a soulful piano-driven beat by Daz Dillinger, 2Pac reflects on change—how life, friends, and priorities evolve with time. His verses are deeply personal, recounting friendships that faded, people who found religion, and the choices that separate us. Yet, there’s no anger here—just understanding. The chorus echoes a sentiment rarely heard in hip-hop: acceptance without resentment. It’s a message about emotional maturity and grace, delivered by an artist who had experienced more in 25 years than most do in a lifetime. The song’s accompanying video, which portrays 2Pac as a guardian angel watching over his loved ones, added another emotional layer and made it all the more haunting given the timing of its release. “I Ain’t Mad at Cha” endures as one of 2Pac’s most poignant works—melodic, thoughtful, and full of heart. It’s a reminder that even the hardest men have soft spots and that growth doesn’t always mean forgetting where you came from.
10. Ghetto Gospel (feat. Elton John) – 2004 (Recorded 1992)
“Ghetto Gospel” is a remarkable posthumous release that reveals 2Pac’s spiritual side with stunning clarity. Originally recorded in 1992 and reworked in 2004 by Eminem for the album Loyal to the Game, the track features a haunting sample of Elton John’s “Indian Sunset,” giving it a solemn and ethereal feel. Unlike many posthumous songs that feel over-produced or disjointed, “Ghetto Gospel” preserves the soul of 2Pac’s original vision. His lyrics touch on faith, violence, and the struggle of growing up in poverty—not to glorify the pain, but to rise above it. The song’s themes of redemption and resistance are universal, making it resonate far beyond the world of hip-hop. Elton John’s contribution adds an emotional weight, bridging genres and generations. The track topped charts around the globe and introduced a new audience to 2Pac’s thoughtful, socially driven messages. “Ghetto Gospel” serves as a reminder that even after his passing, 2Pac’s voice remains relevant and powerful—a beacon for those searching for truth in a chaotic world.
