Background · Tupac: Resurrection (Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture)
In November 2003, a documentary film arrived in theaters that tells Tupac's life entirely in his own words. Director Lauren Lazin assembled Tupac: Resurrection for MTV Films and Amaru from interviews, speeches, and recordings; the work was nominated for an Oscar for Best Documentary. The soundtrack functions similarly: it traces his career and supplements it with several newly produced tracks.
Well-Known Classics Trace Tupac's Path
The framework is formed by well-known tracks in a chronological mix. Featured are Same Song with Digital Underground from 1991, Rebel of the Underground, Holler If Ya Hear Me, Bury Me a G by Thug Life, Str8 Ballin', Death Around the Corner, and Starin' Through My Rear View. Panther Power dates from Tupac's beginnings in the Bay Area with Strictly Dope and recalls the Black Panther past of his mother, Afeni Shakur.
Three New Beats from Eminem and the Hit with Biggie
New were three songs reworked by Eminem. Ghost was originally produced by DJ Pooh; Eminem put a new beat under it and pitched down the opening of Tupac's vocal. One Day at a Time (Em's Version) combines Tupac with Eminem and the Outlawz; Spice 1, who was heard on the original version, is missing here. The best-known became Runnin' (Dying to Live) with The Notorious B.I.G., built on Edgar Winter's Dying to Live. The album closes with The Realist Killaz with 50 Cent.
No. 2 on the Charts and Platinum in December 2003
The album entered the Billboard 200 at No. 2 and was certified platinum in December 2003. Runnin' (Dying to Live) reached No. 19 on the Hot 100, No. 17 in the UK, and No. 12 in Germany. For Eminem, the project was the prelude to Loyal to the Game, which he produced almost entirely a year later. For more on the film, see the Tupac: Resurrection page.
Sales Figures and Credits
A figure of 4.5 million copies sold is sometimes cited. That figure could not be verified; what is documented is the platinum award for one million. Several guests are often misattributed: Stretch on Death Around the Corner, Richie Rich on Same Song. The chorus of Runnin' is not quoted here for copyright reasons.