15 Great Posthumous Tupac Songs

On September 13, 1996 Tupac Shakur died tragically at the age of 25, but his musical legacy has only grown since then. In our recent interviews with performers and producers who knew Tupac, multiple people cited his stunning work ethic as an essential part of what made him such a compelling and vital artist. He was prolific, logging hours of studio time and storing verses for future projects, always finding inspiration in the world around him. So it's hardly surprising that he's had so much material come out since his death.

Though Tupac released only five official studio albums while he was alive, in death he's released six full-lengths—and that's not even counting addition to collaborative albums, rarity collections, soundtracks and more. It's a lot to sift through, even for the most dedicated and devoted Tupac fan.

Not all of these posthumous projects have been great—part of the problem with being so prolific means that you've got more ideas than you know what to do with—but there are still songs in his posthumous material that rival the best tracks he released while alive. Today, we've selected 15 great Tupac posthumous Tupac tracks that display his range, creativity and dedication. -Written by Dan Jackson, Eric Diep and C. Vernon Coleman

Previously: Scarface, Warren G, Big Daddy Kane, More Spill Some Of Their Favorite Tupac Stories
Previously: What Is Tupac’s Most Iconic Song?

"To Live And Die In L.A."
Album: The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory (1996)
“California Love” part motherfucking two,” as Pac put it served as one of the few breaks in the hardcore monotony of the rap legend’s final studio album, Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory. The jumping guitar licks and upbeat content, which depicts a sunnier side of the City of Angles, made the track a “W” throwing feel good anthem for the Left coast, and remains one of the best Pac songs to ride with the top down to. The visual for the track was the first filmed off the album and one of the last videos Pac recorded before his death.

"I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto"
Album: R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997)
'Pac’s authentic social and spiritual consciousness was one of the things that separated him from most MCs. “I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto” displayed the perfect combination of both. Memorable because it was the first official single released on 'Pac’s second posthumous album, the song was released while people were still in mourning mode almost a year after his death and was another one of the later rapper’s tracks that was almost prophetic in nature.

"Lie To Kick It" Featuring Richie Rich
Album: R U Still Down? (Remember Me) (1997)
Tupacac and Richie Rich’s chemistry was evident on tracks like “Rather Be Ya Nigga” and “Heavy In The Game.” The two continued to mesh on their ratchet groupie ballad, “Lie To Kick It.”  Tagged as an ode to Mike Tyson, the track finds 'Pac and Rich going back and forth about the trials of dealing with gold diggers who like to stretch the truth.

"Changes"
Album: Greatest Hits (1998)
'Pac was often seen as a thugged-out reckless livewire but a catalyst for his success was his earlier work that focused on social revolution. Songs like “Changes” proved 'Pac was still about the growth and still as prophetic as ever with the famous line, “Although it seems heaven sent, we aint ready to have a black president.”

"Letter To The President"
Album: Still I Rise (1999)
'Pac’s third posthumous album, a collaboration with his protégé’s The Outlawz, featured a gem in the form of an open letter to the Commander In Chief. Using his signature passionate prose, 'Pac has some serious inquiries about the state of the black community posing poignant questions over bouncing production from QD3. And he wants answers.

"Letter 2 My Unborn"
Album: Until The End Of Time (2001)
There’s no question that ‘Pac inspired many artists to pen letters to their unborn child. While Hov and ‘Ye were the latest with “New Day,” this track shows ‘Pac was lightyears ahead of the competition. Each of his rhymes are concise and straightforward, meaning he must have put all of his heart into every one. Let “Letter 2 My Unborn” remind us how amazing of a lyricist ‘Pac was.

"Until The End Of Time"
Album: Until The End Of Time (2001)
Produced by the legendary Trackmasters, this track is one of the many successful singles after his death. With ‘Pac’s spitting his reality raps, “Until The End Of Time” ranks high on the long list of famous songs from him.

"Fuck Friendz"
Album: Until The End Of Time (2001)
Leave it to ‘Pac to be direct as possible. Instead, ‘Pac sings his “ghetto love song” on “Fuck Friendz,” a track that follows his foolproof mantra: “Make money and take money.” Always the one to be wild with his lyrics, ‘Pac even goes after a young Jay Z at the time.

"Thugz Mansion" Featuring Nas And J. Phoenix
Album: Better Dayz (2002)
“Thugz Mansion” is the perfect song. Nas opens up with a strong narrative about living the easy life and ‘Pac does the same. The pair, who has had enough running around the streets, just wants a place to call their own. Apparently, thug mansion is their safe zone.

"Still Ballin'" Featuring Trick Daddy
Album: Better Dayz (2002)
There were certainly better days for ‘Pac ahead of him. Continuing with part two of “Still Ballin’,” he tapped Trick Daddy for the remix. California and Miami connect on the bombastic production that has them dominating with their rhymes about being paid. Stunting at its finest.

"Runnin' (Dying To Live)" Featuring Notorious B.I.G.
Albun: Tupac: Resurrection Soundtrack (2003)
While there's something a little haunting and morbid about the idea of hearing B.I.G. and Tupac on the same track, in execution it's surprisingly poignant without being too treacly. Drawing the chorus from Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live," the song shows two icons at the height of their powers.

"Thugs Get Lonely Too" Featuring Nate Dogg
Album: Loyal To The Game (2004)
2004's Loyal To The Game was primarily conceived and produced by Eminem after he wrote a letter to Tupac's mother asking for permission to produce new 'Pac material. Not all of the tracks on the album works—Eminem's take on West Coast rap doesn't always meld with Tupac's sound—but this Nate Dogg assisted single is an impressive piece of hip-hop alchemy.

"N.I.G.G.A." Featuring Jadakiss
Album: Loyal To The Game (2004)
Eminem's stark production here might be the real star on this tough talking track. The simple, minimalistic beat buzzes with real menace as Jadakiss and Tupac provide fittingly threatening verses.

"Untouchable (Remix)"
Album: Pac's Life (2006)
There's something a little silly about the "Tu-pac-pac/Tupac/Tupac" chorus to this track, but the song itself is an infectious and joyful combination of a classic Tupac hook and Swizz Beatz's distinct production choices.

"Soon As I Get Home"
Album: Pac's Life (2006)
"At times it's like I'm living just to die," raps Tupac in the first verse of this twinkling, emotional track off 2006's Pac Life. Taking the form of a letter from prison, the song finds Tupac in a difficult situation but still finding hope in times of great struggle. Never give up.