Thug Life
Consisting of Tupac Shakur, Rated R, Macadoshis, Mopreme Shakur, Big Syke, and with production and appearances by Stretch the album was originally supposed to be titled Thug Life: Out On Bail. The album was advertised on the liner notes of the single for Shakur's "Papaz Song". The single included the first song by Thug Life titled "Cradle to the Grave". The version that appeared on the "Papaz Song" single was not accepted by Interscope Records as a single and forced Thug Life to submit a remix. The remix was later on used for the album and the video. The title song, "Out on Bail" was rejected and the album's title Thug Life: Volume 1. The Notorious B.I.G. appeared on the track called "Runnin from the Police", which was supposed to be track 5 of the album. It was on the Thug Life: Vol. 1 promo version that was given to press outlets for review and reviews from the time still make reference to the song. The track was replaced with "Stay True" for the LP. The group eventually released their debut album, Thug Life: Volume 1, in September 1994 after it was rejected multiple times by Interscope. It only had ten tracks when dozens more were recorded during the sessions.
Promotion was lacking. The album didn't sell because few mainstream rap fans knew of it's existence. When Shakur was shot and incarcerated later that year, it forced Rated R and Macadoshis to part ways and the group quickly disbanded, although all remain on good terms and often collaborate on each other's projects.
Mopreme and Big Syke continued to rap with Shakur after his prison time while he was signed to Death Row. At the end of Shakur's life he and Big Syke were working on Thug Life: Volume 2, which was to be released on Makaveli Records.
Philosophy of Thug Life
As detailed in the film Tupac: Resurrection the concept of "Thug Life" was viewed by Shakur as a philosophy for life. Shakur developed the word into an acronym standing for "The Hate U Gave Little Infants Fucks Everybody." Also "Nigga" was interpreted as, "Never Ignorant Getting Goals Accomplished." He declared that the dictionary definition of a "thug" as being a rogue or criminal was not how he used the term, but rather he meant someone who came from oppressive or squalid background and little opportunity but still made a life for themselves and were proud.
"I didn't create Thug Life, I diagnosed it." - Tupac Shakur.
Thug Life became a calling card for how Shakur viewed his influence on society. He had people from all walks of life -- criminals in jail, white kids in the suburbs, poor black kids in the ghetto -- wanting to know how they could be a part of his movement. Shakur admitted this sudden power he had over people frightened him. But he used the idea of Thug Life to transform the desires of these people into something he viewed as positive, a way to reach out to the poor, the disenfranchised, and the oppressed. Gang members instituted what was called the Code of Thug Life, and gangs from New York to Chicago to Los Angeles claimed to abide by it. Examples of the rules in this Code of Ethics were that civilians were not to be targets in gang warfare, and that children in schools should not be indoctrinated by gang propaganda.
Shakur's philosophy of Thug Life was met with harsh criticism from most of the leaders in government and politics, including many notables in the black community.
All Eyez on Me
Thug Life Lyrics
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Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
All eyes on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Ayy, to my nigga 'Pac
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
These niggas got me tossin' shit
I put the top down, now it's time to floss my shit
Keep your head up, nigga, make these motherfuckers suffer
Up in the Benz, burnin' rubber
The money is mandatory, the hoes is for the stress
This criminal lifestyle, equipped with a bulletproof vest
Make sure your eyes is on the meal ticket, get your money
Motherfucker, let's get rich and we'll kick it, all eyes on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
All eyes on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
I bet you got it twisted, you don't know who to trust
So many player-hatin' niggas tryna sound like us
Say they ready for the funk, but I don't think they knowin'
Straight to the depths of Hell is where those cowards goin'
Well, are you still down? Nigga, holla when you see me
And let these devils be sorry for the day they finally freed me
I got a caravan of niggas every time we ride
Hittin' motherfuckers up when we pass by
Until I die, live the life of a boss player, 'cause even when I'm high
Fuck with me and get crossed later, the futures in my eyes
'Cause all I want is cash and thangs
A five-double-oh Benz, flauntin' flashy rings
Uhh, bitches pursue me like a dream
Been known to disappear before your eyes just like a dope fiend
It seems, my main thing was to be major paid
The game sharper than a motherfuckin' razor blade
Say money bring bitches, bitches bring lies
One nigga's gettin' jealous and motherfuckers die
Depend on me like the first and fifteenth
They might hold me for a second, but these punks won't get me
We got four niggas in low riders and ski masks
Screamin', "Thug Life" every time they pass, all eyes on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
All eyes on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Ayy, to my nigga 'Pac
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
All eyes on me
The lyrics to Thug Life's song "All Eyez on Me" depict the life of a thug, someone who lives a rugged and rebellious lifestyle. The singer expresses their determination to live this thug life until the day they die and to be a boss player, even while indulging in vices such as getting high. The phrase "all eyes on me" conveys the idea of being in the spotlight and commanding attention and respect.
The song captures the essence of the thug mentality, where the singer asserts their dominance and resilience in the face of adversity. They boast about their material possessions and their ability to make their enemies suffer. The lyrics also emphasize the importance of money and the pursuit of wealth, showing a disregard for societal norms and emphasizing the criminal lifestyle. The singer acknowledges the presence of haters and imitators, warning them that they don't know who to trust and that their fate is destined for the depths of Hell.
A recurring theme in the song is the singer's belief in their own invincibility. They demonstrate their trust in a loyal entourage and their readiness for confrontation, even in the face of death. The lyrics also touch upon the desire for fame, women, and the craving for power and influence. Ultimately, the singer's ambition is to accumulate wealth and success and to have all eyes on them.
Line by Line Meaning
It's all eyes on me
Everybody is watching and paying attention to me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Continue to live a rough and dangerous lifestyle until I die
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Live a luxurious and powerful lifestyle, even when indulging in drugs
These niggas got me tossin' shit
These individuals are making me angry and frustrated
I put the top down, now it's time to floss my shit
I lower the roof of my car to show off and flaunt my expensive belongings
Keep your head up, nigga, make these motherfuckers suffer
Stay strong and resilient, make your enemies face the consequences of their actions
Up in the Benz, burnin' rubber
Driving recklessly and fast in my expensive Mercedes-Benz car
The money is mandatory, the hoes is for the stress
Acquiring wealth is crucial and necessary, but women only bring trouble and drama
This criminal lifestyle, equipped with a bulletproof vest
Living a life involved in illegal activities while protecting myself with a bulletproof vest
Make sure your eyes is on the meal ticket, get your money
Stay focused on the main source of income and make sure to earn a lot of money
Motherfucker, let's get rich and we'll kick it, all eyes on me
Let's become wealthy and enjoy our extravagant lifestyle while everyone keeps watching and admiring us
I bet you got it twisted, you don't know who to trust
I'm certain that you misunderstand and are unsure about who you can rely on
So many player-hatin' niggas tryna sound like us
There are numerous jealous individuals attempting to imitate and compete with us
Say they ready for the funk, but I don't think they knowin'
They claim to be prepared for the conflict, but I doubt they truly understand
Straight to the depths of Hell is where those cowards goin'
Those weak and fearful individuals will end up in a terrible place
Well, are you still down? Nigga, holla when you see me
Are you still loyal and supportive? Call out to me when you come across me
And let these devils be sorry for the day they finally freed me
When the people who have caused me harm realize their mistake in releasing me, they will regret it
I got a caravan of niggas every time we ride
I have a group of loyal friends accompanying me whenever we travel
Hittin' motherfuckers up when we pass by
We attack and shoot at enemies as we drive past them
Until I die, live the life of a boss player, 'cause even when I'm high
Until my death, I will continue to live a lavish and dominant lifestyle, even when under the influence of drugs
Fuck with me and get crossed later, the futures in my eyes
If you mess with me, you'll face consequences in the future. I have a clear vision of success
'Cause all I want is cash and thangs
Because all I desire is wealth and material possessions
A five-double-oh Benz, flauntin' flashy rings
An expensive Mercedes-Benz 500 with flashy jewelry on display
Uhh, bitches pursue me like a dream
Women chase after me with great desire and attraction
Been known to disappear before your eyes just like a dope fiend
I have a reputation for vanishing quickly and unexpectedly, like a drug addict
It seems, my main thing was to be major paid
It appears that my ultimate goal is to accumulate substantial wealth
The game sharper than a motherfuckin' razor blade
The competition and strategies in this lifestyle are extremely intense and dangerous
Say money bring bitches, bitches bring lies
Money attracts women, but women often bring deceit and falsehoods
One nigga's gettin' jealous and motherfuckers die
When someone becomes envious, the situation can lead to violent consequences
Depend on me like the first and fifteenth
Rely on me consistently, just like people depend on paychecks on the first and fifteenth of the month
They might hold me for a second, but these punks won't get me
They may try to detain me briefly, but these weak individuals won't capture me
We got four niggas in low riders and ski masks
We have four guys in lowrider cars wearing ski masks
Screamin', 'Thug Life' every time they pass
Yelling 'Thug Life' loudly every time they drive past
All eyes on me
Everyone's attention is fixed on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Continue to live a rebellious and dangerous life until I pass away
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Lead the lifestyle of an influential and dominant figure, even when indulging in drug use
All eyes on me
Everyone's attention is fixed on me
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Continue to live a rebellious and dangerous life until I pass away
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Lead the lifestyle of an influential and dominant figure, even when indulging in drug use
Ayy, to my nigga 'Pac
Hey, this is dedicated to my friend Pac
Live the life of a thug nigga until the day I die
Continue to live a rebellious and dangerous life until I pass away
Live the life of a boss player 'cause even gettin' high
Lead the lifestyle of an influential and dominant figure, even when indulging in drug use
All eyes on me
Everyone's attention is fixed on me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Andre Harris, Andre Terry, Bryan James Sledge, James P. Pennington, Johnny Lee Jackson, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Tyruss Gerald Himes, Vidal Davis
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
S J
2pac will never leave us. Our kids don't no what or who he was. He was the King. Rip.
West Kline
its sad my generation has no clue who these people/singers are, i love all the old rappers i could name a million songs by eminem and 2pac and snoop dog and DR dre i could go on and on.
puff0086
2Pac is still living between us !
DeanBalkanGaming
damn right he is 🫶
MOHD AL OWEIDI
How come?
Swicce
No😂
Mohammad Al-Attiyah
How between us even though he is in HELL ?
Rx Rafi
bib is ill ev
A. 76
Bro much of us weren't even born when tupac died and yet we love his music still the best after all these years 90's was a cool decade
Md rohit Sk
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