2Pac "Me Against the World"

The third studio album by 2Pac, "Me Against the World", was released on March 14, 1995, under the Interscope label. The rapper drew inspiration from his upcoming prison sentence, legal issues with law enforcement, and struggles with poverty.

2Pac aimed to demonstrate his respect for hip-hop through the album and made an effort to infuse it with more personal and introspective lyrics than his previous works. The album's musical production was handled by Shock G, Easy Mo Bee, Tony Pizarro, Johnny "J", and Soulshock and Karlin, among others. "Me Against the World" features guest appearances from Dramacydal and Richie Rich.

Despite being released while 2Pac was incarcerated, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, staying on top for four consecutive weeks and also topping the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. "Dear Mama" was the first single released from the album in February 1995 and became the most successful single from the album, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100.

The album received critical acclaim, with several music critics considering it 2Pac's best work to date. The album was certified double platinum by the RIAA, and "Dear Mama" was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance at the 38th Grammy Awards. The album has been ranked by many critics as one of the greatest hip hop albums and one of the best albums of all time. In 2008, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) included "Me Against the World" on its list of the Definitive 200 Albums of All Time, in collaboration with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.