Tupac's vocal power on his verse

How did “California Love” crystallize Tupac Shakur at his peak? LUXXURY and Diallo dive into the West Coast anthem, untangle its stacked list of collaborators, and examine how Pac’s charisma and contradictions collide to create a lasting cultural moment.

Songs Discussed:

“California Love” - 2Pac feat. Dr. Dre (0:00)

“Same Song” - Digital Underground feat. 2Pac (9:38)

“Keep Ya Head Up” - 2Pac (10:39)

“Dear Mama” - 2Pac (10:46)

“Changes” - 2Pac (10:53)

“What’z Ya Phone #” - 2Pac (13:12)

“777-9311” - The Time (13:24)

“Pain” - 2Pac feat. Stretch (13:47)

“Ambitionz Az a Ridah” - 2Pac (14:41)

“Hail Mary” - 2Pac (14:50)

“Thug Luv” - Bone Thugs-N-Harmony feat. 2Pac (15:06)

“Paper Planes” - M.I.A. (15:28)

“Ill Street Blues” - Kool G Rap & DJ Polo (23:53)

“Woman To Woman” - Joe Cocker (24:44)

“With A Little Help From My Friends” - Joe Cocker (25:09)

“Knick Knack Patty Wack” - EPMD (26:29)

“West Coast Poplock” - Ronnie Hudson (38:25)

“So Ruff, so Tuff” - Zapp (39:18)

“Magic’s Rap” - Magic Fraga (41:23)

“ROCKIN” - Shoreline Mafia (52:54)

“Funky Little Beat” - Connie (53:51)

“Love” - Lambrini Girls (54:35)

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