Trapped

Cornered by the police, with no way out: with that feeling, Tupac introduced himself as a solo artist in September 1991. Trapped is the lead single from 2Pacalypse Now and sets the tone of the album-angry, political, and told from the perspective of a young Black man.

Trapped Between Prison and Death

In the first verse, Tupac describes a confrontation in which a police officer fires at him and he strikes back-after countless stops and humiliations. The title describes the feeling behind it: trapped in a neighborhood where prison or death seem like the obvious ways out.

Producer Pee-Wee built the beat around samples from the Bar-Kays and James Brown. Shock G of Digital Underground sings the hook.

Behind Bars in the Video-and Soon Reality in Oakland

Shot in August 1991, the video shows Tupac behind bars. Appearing alongside him in cameo roles are Shock G, Stretch, and J-Dee of Da Lench Mob.

Almost simultaneously, Tupac experienced firsthand what he was rapping about: in October 1991, Oakland police officers beat him after an argument over a jaywalking citation. He later sued the city.

Past the Major Charts and Onto "Greatest Hits"

Trapped did not make it onto the major charts. The song became known through rap radio and music television. In 1998, Tupac's estate included the track on Greatest Hits.

The US Maxi on Cassette and Vinyl

Interscope issued the US maxi-single (cassette 4-96281, also on 12").