Rating:
Genre:
Rap
Release Date: 03/08/2005
Run Time: 132:18
Maybe it was his time in prison, or maybe it was simply his signing with
Suge Knight's
Death Row label. Whatever the case,
2Pac re-emerged hardened and hungry with
All Eyez on Me, the first double-disc album of original material in
hip-hop history. With all the controversy surrounding him,
2Pac seemingly wanted to throw down a monumental epic whose sheer scope would make it an achievement of itself. But more than that, it's also an unabashed embrace of the gangsta lifestyle, backing off the sober self-recognition of
Me Against the World. Sure, there are a few reflective numbers and dead-homiez tributes, but they're much more romanticized this time around.
All Eyez on Me is
2Pac the thug icon in all his brazen excess, throwing off all self-control and letting it all hang out -- even if some of it would have been better kept to himself. In that sense, it's an accurate depiction of what made him such a volatile and compelling personality, despite some undeniable filler. On the plus side, this is easily the best production he's ever had on record, handled mostly by
Johnny J (notably on the smash
"How Do U Want It") and
Dat Nigga Daz;
Dr. Dre also contributes another surefire single in
"California Love" (which, unfortunately, is present only as a remix, not the original hit version). Both hits are on the front-loaded first disc, which would be a gangsta classic in itself; other highlights include the anthemic
Snoop Dogg duet
"2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted," "All About U" (with the required
Nate Dogg-sung hook), and
"I Ain't Mad at Cha," a tribute to old friends who've gotten off the streets. Despite some good moments, the second disc is slowed by filler and countless guest appearances, plus a few too many thug-lovin' divas crooning their loyalty. Erratic though it may be,
All Eyez on Me is nonetheless carried off with the assurance of a legend in his own time, and it stands as
2Pac's magnum opus.
~Steve Huey, All Music Guide
Average Review:

  Number of reviews: 1
Write an online review and share your thoughts with others!
Hugo Arreguin
from Farmersville, CA
greatest rap/hip hop album of all time, a must have album!!
This is the album that made Tupac Everyone's favorite rapper. The 1st double rap album and trend setting album. It is an extremely authentic album that brings tears to one eyes because how good the songs are. This album is art. There is no way you can say there is no God when we have such talented beings like Tupac!