Live (Parental Advisory) [PA] - 2Pac

Author's product rating:   

Originality	Definitely a cut above the rest
Lyrics	Thought-provoking
Quality and consistency of tracks	A couple of weak links
Value for Money	Good

Advantages:	Lots of hits
Disadvantages:	Some tracks were lesser known

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

This is a live recording of a concert which occurred in 1996, featuring 2Pac as the main attraction. Other people associated with him appear on this album for support on tracks where he collaborates with people such as Trese, KCi and Jojo.

1. Live Medley

2. Intro

3. Ambitionz Az A Ridah

**Four Stars**

This was "All Eyez On Me" this one is a great addition, as everyone want to know what's in his head, what he wants to achieve being the soulja he is.

I assume that this was recorded near to the time of release of, his final album to be completed before his passing. If so then it would make sense in putting this here because then he can connect with te audience early on in the concert.

4. So Many Tears

**Three Stars**

This is an emotive track, it is extremyl emotive and feels as though it is a blues song. This is reinforced by the sound of the harmonic, usually assicated with is stlye of music, it features in the hook to create a solemn atmosphere.

It isn't one of the best tunes on here however it can be put nowhere near the bottom of the list. I has very typical lyrics and a regular delivery from this artist

5. Troublesome

**Five Stars**

This is "Troublesome '96" which first was heard on a pothumously released "Greatest Hits" album from 2Pac. I was really happy to hear this as I had only heard it once previous to this on that album and it is good to see that it was enjoyed by more people, meaning that it was good enough to be included for this LP.

I'd say that this is a great murder rap anthem and it relly gets you into a hyped up mood. It leads on well from the last track eventhough it was on anothr disk. I feel that if thety were put together then they would have had a bigger impact in psyching-up the listener.

6. Hit 'Em Up

**Five Stars**

The diss track of all time, it will never be beaten. This is the the best exmple of 2Pac work with his emotions as high as they get, spitting about his Bad Boy fued.

I love how this feels so in your face that it is as if he is shouting directly as you. The beat is a classic one and was later used as a sample to the remix of TLC's "Unpretty". THe way Pac humilates the people he is dissng is great becasue there is no way they will be able to recover from it.

7. Tattoo Tears

**Four Stars**

This is a track which sees 2Pac team up with the Outlawz. This is a funky track and it reflects the theme he is trying to portray. He is shedding tattoo tears, something seen usually amongst criminals who have killed in the passed, and a tear is tattooed by the eye to symbolize this. It is ironic that the person is shedding tears so this beat shows this as he doen't care about killing people.

This track is for those wo can say that they are a thug, as the artist, not caring for others, being able to kill without reason. THere is a lot to like here but then again mny could be offended in how open he is about his lifestyle.

8. Heartz Of Men

**Four Stars**

This is a nice way to end because this track is very calming. This track allows us to see what Tupac is all about because his style here is to bring a hardcore rap whilst the beat remains rather soft. He uses big contrasts to get his point across, so that the beat doesn't loose some of the messages he talks about in the track.

The beat is a rather slow one with lots going on within it. This rap is about people who are gold-digging but, act as your freinds. The fact that he has written an entire rap about it sows that this has previously occurred in his life, big nough to have to tll everyone about it.

9. All Bout You

**Five Stars**

I find this to be an underated track which is pure G-Funk, great 2Pac raps with Nate Dogg melodies which make it perfect. In this live version we do nnot see all of the performer from the single however it takes little away from the track.

I don't know how someone can say that they don't like this becasue it could not be made to be any better. This samples the 1987 song by Cameo, entitled "Candy". This group were know for their funky ways and so this traslated onto this rap track.

10. Never Call You Bitch Again

**Four Stars**

After that track all of the entertainers leave, resulting in 2Pac on his own, however he is soon accomapanied by a young Tyrese. This track shows the artists sensitve side as he has gotten into a seriuos relationship with a woman, so serious that he doesn't call her "bitch" anymore. I could think of many other things he could have done instead but if he feels this is step will allow her to get closer to him then good luck, I'm surprise she stuck around after being called it once.

As you can imagine, this track is quite slow and it shows that Pac really loves this woman, enough to change his style, for one track at least.

11. How Do You Want It

*Five Stars**

A track for the clubs, one of the most favourable at that, with a collaboration with members of Jodeci to make it just that extra bit more appealing.

This is a classic and to was amazing to hear this collection of superstars on a stage together; I wish I was there.

12. 2 Of Amerikaz Most Wanted

**Five Stars**

This fits in well after K-Ci & Jojo leave, they are replaced by Snoop Dogg. The excitement from the track which preceeded it carrys on through this as it is also a party song with lots to enjoy because they "Nothing like a Gangsta Party!

13. California Love

**Five Stars**

This is one of the best track he ever performed, and had to be included due to its popularity at he time, which still to this day stands strong. This would have just been released at the time so it must have been very popular, due to this reason it was a great idea to have this as the final track on th album. It hypes everyone up as we finished the concert and album so the audience and listeners are left on a high.

Here is he origianl version of a song everyone knows. Its pure West Coast, no paying around, its just hardcore 2Pac in his prime alongside Dre, both showing their love for California.

Many of Pac's best tracks are on here, which is quite convienient as it was to be one of the final live albums he would do before his passing. You cannot complain about the content here as non of Pac's phases were weaker than others, this one is the 95-96 erawhere his party tracks became more promintant.

I enjoyed the fact that we had many of the good 'Death Row' artists appearing as this givfes the album more appeal. having Dre there was quite a surprise because it isn't something we see him do too often, therefore it was something which was pleasant to see.