Me Against the World is the third studio album by 2Pac, released on 14th March, 1995 by Out Da Gutta/Interscope Records. Drawing lyrical inspiration from his impending prison sentence, troubles with the police, and poverty, the album is described as being 2Pac’s most introspective album.

Released while 2pac was imprisoned, the album made an immediate impact on the charts, debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200.  “Dear Mama” was released as the album’s first single in February 1995 and would be the album’s most successful single, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart, and peaking at the ninth spot on the Billboard Hot 100.  Me Against the World won best rap album at the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards.  In 1996, at the 38th Grammy Awards, Me Against the World was nominated for Best Rap Album and the single “Dear Mama” was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance.

Touted as “confessional,” “reflective,” and “soul-baring,” Me Against the World was as one of 2pac’s most positively reviewed albums,  with many calling it the magnum opus of his career.  The work is considered one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time.  In 2008, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognized Me Against the World as one of the “most influential and popular albums,” ranking it number 170 on a list of 200 other albums by artists of various musical genres.