2pac's Final Album: All Eyez on Me
2pac's last album is widely recognized as All Eyez on Me, a double-disc studio release issued by Death Row Records and Interscope Records. The project features production from Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Johnny "J", and others, with guest appearances from OutKast, Nate Dogg, and others. It is the only double album in hip-hop history to debut at number one on the Billboard 200, and it is certified Diamond by the RIAA for over 10 million units sold in the United States.
The album's lead singles, including "California Love" and "How Do U Want It," dominated radio and charts in 1996. "California Love" reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of 2pac's most streamed tracks. The project's tracklist spans 27 songs across two discs, with themes centered on street life, resilience, and celebration of West Coast hip-hop culture.
Release Timeline and Label Context
All Eyez on Me was released on February 13, 1996, less than three months before 2pac's death on September 13, 1996. The album was recorded primarily at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, California, under the supervision of Suge Knight and the Death Row Records team. It was the fourth and final studio album 2pac released during his lifetime, following Me Against the World and Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.
Death Row Records, founded by Suge Knight and Dr. Dre, was the primary label behind the release, with distribution handled by Interscope Records, a division of Universal Music Group. The album's commercial success helped solidify Death Row's position as a dominant force in 1990s hip-hop, though the label later faced significant legal and financial challenges documented by the SEC and in court filings.
Legacy and Posthumous Releases
All Eyez on Me continues to be cited in discussions of 2pac's discography and in rankings of the greatest hip-hop albums. It is frequently referenced in retrospectives by Forbes and music publications when listing influential rap albums. The album's influence extends into modern hip-hop, with artists frequently sampling its beats and referencing its themes.
After 2pac's death, several posthumous albums were released using previously recorded vocals, including All Eyez on Me and later compilations such as The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory, which arrived in November 1996. These releases are distinct from his final studio album completed and released during his lifetime. All Eyez on Me remains the definitive answer to what was 2pac's last album in terms of a fully realized, released project under his direct creative control.