Papa'z Song

Tupac grew up without his biological father. On Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., he dedicated a song of his own to the subject: in Papa'z Song, he addresses it alongside his older stepbrother Mopreme, who was performing under the name Wycked at the time. The track is among the most personal songs on the album.

Between Longing and Reckoning

The verses alternate between the perspective of sons longing for a father and a reckoning with a man who only surfaces when there is nothing left to save. Bitterness and longing lie close together. The song was recorded in 1992 during the same period as Keep Ya Head Up, which likewise addresses the absence of fathers.

Vivica A. Fox as the Mother in the Video

Tupac and Mopreme appear in the video themselves, while the role of the mother was played by actress Vivica A. Fox. The visuals depict family conflict and scenes in prison.

In the Shadow of the Hits, Valuable for Collectors

As the fourth single from the album, Papa'z Song fell far behind I Get Around and Keep Ya Head Up. Of interest to collectors is the B-side Cradle to the Grave, which appeared here prior to the album Thug Life: Volume 1.

The US Maxi-Single and Two Different Dates

Shown here is the US maxi-single (12" 0-95933, also on CD).

Sources contradict each other regarding the release date: March 10, 1994 is often cited, whereas Wikipedia and the CD edition on Discogs state January 17, 1994.