1996-02406 words · 2 min
Preview 1996: Tupac Announces All Eyez on Me
Over two hours of music and $1.4 million in bail: how Music Wire announced Tupac's Death Row debut "All Eyez on Me" in February 1996.
Original: “2PAC to Release All Eyez On Me” · Music Boulevard (Music Wire) · Peter Hagopian · February 1996
Over Two Hours of Music for His Debut
A few days before the release, the online music magazine Music Boulevard announced Tupac’s return. Reporting on Music Wire, Peter Hagopian slated the new double album All Eyez on Me for Tuesday, February 13, 1996-and marveled at a runtime of more than two hours of music. It was Tupac’s first album since his release from prison and his debut on Death Row, which also explained the many prominent guests.
The preview highlighted the major lead tracks: the hit California Love featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman (“yes, the guy that did I Wanna Be Your Man”), as well as the duet 2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted with Snoop Doggy Dogg. The dispatch concluded with a note on an appearance on Saturday Night Live on February 17.
Record Debut at No. 1 with 27 Tracks
The report’s key details proved accurate: All Eyez on Me was released on February 13, 1996, on Death Row and Interscope as one of the first-ever rap double albums, featuring 27 tracks. It debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with roughly 566,000 copies sold in its first week. California Love also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. To this day, it remains Tupac’s best-selling album; in 2014, it was certified diamond in the US.
Bail Instead of Parole: Two Albums for Freedom
On one point the preview was inaccurate: Tupac was not out on parole (“parole”). He had left Clinton Correctional Facility in October 1995 because Suge Knight and Interscope posted $1.4 million in bail-pending the decision on his appeal in the sexual abuse case. The album was part of the deal: Tupac owed Death Row three albums, and with the double album, two of them were fulfilled.
Live with Tom Arnold, and Seven Months Until the End
The Saturday Night Live appearance did in fact take place. On February 17, 1996, with Tom Arnold hosting, Tupac performed California Love and I Ain’t Mad at Cha alongside Roger Troutman and Danny Boy.
In its review, the Los Angeles Times called the album “bitter, remorseless, brilliant.” Many fans still consider it Tupac’s defining work. Seven months after its release, he was dead.
Read more
People in this text