Background · Wanted Dead or Alive
In January 1997, Gridlock'd hit theaters, four months after Tupac's death. Opening the soundtrack to Gridlock'd was a pairing of Death Row's two biggest names: Wanted Dead or Alive unites Tupac and Snoop Doggy Dogg on a collaborative track.
Aggressive Meets Laid-Back: G-Funk About Life on the Run
Musically, the track is classic G-funk: Daz Dillinger built the beat around an interpolation of Zapp's Dance Floor. Tupac and Snoop trade verses about life on the run. AllMusic described Tupac's delivery as aggressive and unmistakable, while Snoop's was laid-back and cool, it is precisely this contrast that carries the song.
No. 16 in the UK, No. 1 on the Billboard 200
The single was released alongside the film's launch and reached No. 16 in the UK. The soundtrack itself debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2007, a remix titled "Gangsta Party" appeared on Nu-Mixx Klazzics Vol. 2. More on the film can be found on the Gridlock'd page.
Three Tracks on the UK CD Single
Discogs lists the three-track CD, for example, as the 1997 UK release 574 405-2.
Never Had a Friend Like Me is Tupac's second solo track on the soundtrack. The third track, Life Is a Traffic Jam, is by the band Eight Mile Road.
