Volume 1’s only probably appears rarely where 2Pac is absent or the production fails miserably to carry the vocal performances of the tracks. Other members involved in tracks contribute extremely well when 2Pac leads the pack. Thug Life’s ‘Volume 1’ showed that 2Pac could carry an entire group in most cases. The vocals are muffled and inattentive, along with an odd bass noise by producer Stretch it’s just a mediocre track compared to the previous before it. “Street Fame” is really hindered by the absence of 2Pac leading the charge and the other members have a difficult opening. “*** Don’t Stop” involves a good lyrical vocal performance by various contributors and female background vocals, the beat well…it’s a bit to be desired. Obviously, this causes a bit of an inconsistency within the music. Since there are different producers involved in this such as Thug Music, Jay & Mopreme (of the group), Johnny “J”, Nate Dogg & Warren G, Jay Choi and Big Syke, Easy Mo Bee, and Stretch. There are a few major problems in this album, mostly the production. “Under Pressure” is the best aggressive track within the album and 2Pac leads through the most of the song except for the main lyric line that’s sung by Stretch:ĭon't nobody move when we walk tha streets 2Pac is obviously the best rapper in the entire group as the album showcases through and through. Volume 1 has a mixture of ‘soft’ lyrical content about problems others that involve aggression for the most part fail. More laid back tracks such as “Pour Out A Little Liquor”, “How Long Will They Mourn Me”, and “Cradle To The Grave” are masterful with their political, social, and gangster-affiliated problems involved for each member. Fortunately it gets easier as the track goes through.
This type of shift from the intro to a lot more aggressive vocal style and beats does make it a bit difficult to appreciate. Mopreme Shakur, Macadoshis, and Rated R discuss the intricacies of being a ‘thug’ as a 24-7 ordeal. “Don’t Get Twisted” is the only track that doesn’t involve Tupac, surprisingly it works well. The background music that is involved with this track has a nice calm atmosphere that makes it extremely easy-going. Gotta keep my mind on my motha***en riches The track is given lots of diversity each member has a distinct voice which makes it interesting and fresh. The opener “Bury Me A G” features the entire cast with Natasha Walker contributing for the backing vocals. Most of the album really has a soulful feel to it. The main constant on most of this album is by far 2Pac at the helm of each track nearly every track on this album involves 2Pac, except “Don’t Get It Twisted” and “Street Fame”. With so many contributors on one album, which include the producers on each track the album becomes very diverse. Even with most of the original being scrapped (some say they are unreleased) ‘Volume 1’ packs a huge punch with each individual contributing to some extent. ‘Volume 1’ was originally intended to be released under 2Pac’s label named Out The Gutta, but they had to scrap most of the original version due to heavy criticism within the media on the self-proclaimed nature of gangsta rap. ‘Volume 1’ was their first release and unfortunately only for the Shakurs and co. Thug Life consists of Tupac Shakur, Big Syke, Macadoshis, Mopreme Shakur (of relation), and Rated R. Although this album is under the moniker of 2Pac, it really isn’t only him involved.
2Pac’s invention of a group he called “Thug Life” stands as his best work at that time since his debut (2Pacolaypse Now).
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