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,
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.
is
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,
is nonetheless carried off with the assurance of a legend in his own time, and it stands as
's magnum opus. ~ Steve Huey