Thug Life — Thug Life, Vol. 1
Turning thirty soon, Thug Life, Vol. 1 has been heralded as an underground cult classic in recent years. However personally, the album comes short of being a consistent body of work and suffers from the shadow of the group’s biggest member.
Thug Life (left to right: Big Syke, Mopreme Shakur, 2Pac, Macadoshis and The Rated R)
Consisting of five members; Big Syke, Macadoshis, The Rated R, Mopreme Shakur and Mopreme’s step brother, 2Pac. Thug Life’s tenor was short and the world only received one album, though it has been suggested that there were meant to be more albums released. Clocking in at just over 40 minutes, Thug Life, Vol. 1 consists of just ten songs. Though it has been alleged that the group's label, Interscope, scrapped many of the songs that were made for the album.
Some of the album’s songs have gone on to become cult favourites within 2Pac’s dedicated fanbase. The group’s debut album, “Pour Out a Little Liquor”, which was also featured on the Above the Rim soundtrack, is a standout on both projects. Produced by Johnny J, who produced many of 2Pac’s best songs, only 2Pac makes an appearance on the song. “Str8 Ballin”, which is another 2Pac solo performance, has also become another fan favourite. Though I mentioning great records, they are prime examples of the biggest problem that this album has. With respect to the other members of the group, 2Pac overshadows the rest of the group members. The two songs mentioned, arguably represent some of the best work on this album, if not the best work. That being said, if two of the best songs on this album only consist of 2Pac it showcases the huge shadow that legendary rapper places over the other members.
The album’s sixth track, “How Long Will They Mourn Me?” featuring Nate Dogg, has become the album’s biggest song though not originally being a single. Making an appearance on 2Pac’s Greatest Hits album, 2Pac once again provides a stellar performance over the Warren G produced track. On the other hand, he doesn’t steal the show, as Nate Dogg’s performance on the chorus is pitch perfect. Vocally he sounds amazing, and the song is just one of many examples of how Nate’s vocals would improve the quality of any song. Other Thug Life members, Big Syke, The Rated R and Macadoshis make an appearance. Though I mention that 2Pac overshadows the other members on the album, the other members do really well to hold their own on this song, particularly Big Syke and Macadoshis. The members also particularly do well on the album’s intro track, “Bury Me a G”, which consists of a beautiful sample of the Isley Brother’s “For the Love of You”.
The album does have some shaky moments. “Under Pressure” featuring Stretch, would have been a lot better as just another solo 2Pac record. I for one have never been a fan of Stretch’s voice, this is the same case on “Pain”, which was another record on the Above the Rim soundtrack. Whilst, “Street Fame” and the single “Cradle to the Grave” are decent records, however not memorable as other songs on the album.
Though Thug Life, Vol. 1 has garnered huge amounts of love with Hip-Hop fans, I don’t believe that it deserves the classic stamp that many fans are giving this album. It’s a group album, however one particular member is the most memorable. Some may think it’s because of 2Pac’s legendary status, and that could be true, however it’s also the fact that he’s a much better rapper than the rest of the group. Besides some verses from the group that I have mentioned above. 2Pac has the most standout features, on the album’s best songs. Additionally, his work on the choruses for records such as “Bury Me a G” and “Stay True” are also great. Though the album is from Thug Life, 2Pac completely carries this project, hence why many mistake it as a 2Pac album. To me I view this album as an interlude for 2Pac, between his 1993 sophomore album Strictly 4 My N.I.*.*.A.Z to what many view as his greatest creation, 1995’s Me Against the World.