2pac's Song Analysis

We live in a world that progresses based on the words and actions of one another. Each individual has the capability to transcend and revolutionize the standards and conditions of society. There are several methods in which an individual can advocate for social change in society. An example of this advocacy has been artist in the hip-hop industry that have turned too music as a method to express their opinion on these social conditions. Hip-hop artists such as 2Pac and Kanye West have used music to express their opinion about the social injustice that America has oppressed upon its residents and citizens. 2Pac's, "Me Against the World" and Kanye West's, "Heard 'Em Say," express the moral and political injustice that minorities face within this

This is evident in his song "Heard 'Em Say" that discusses the social conflicts specifically politically involving low income communities of color in society, consumerism, and the "ghetto." West's song itself contains two samples from different artist. The drum sample in the beginning of the song is from "Candy Maker" by Tommy James and the Shondells, and the hook is from "Someone that I Used to Love" by Natalie Cole. West incorporates these samples into his music because these were basic beats that were easy to include in his song, and he was not the only artist to do so during this time. Trisha Rose's novel, "The Hip Hop Wars: What We Talk About When We Talk About Hip Hop-And Why It Matters" discusses the technological advancement within the music industry, but also the new innovations that artists were gaining. Rose clearly outlines how artists during this time were trying to establish their brand, and as a result they did not have time to create their own beats. Instead, these artists turned to sampling because based off previous successful songs that incorporated samples. Rose clearly states, "presumed need to keep it simple--to please the audience who supported the last basic rhyme and beat that did well financially--generates ever more basic rhymes, and so it goes" (Rose 219). This explains that the samples that West used in his song were intentional because he

The second verse of the song highlights the pressure of consumerism in America, and how it affects low income people of color to feel the need to purchase these materialistic goods as a need of acceptance. This addressed in his second verse about the how money has become a symbol of belonging in society in his lines, "Claiming money is the key, so keep on dreamin/And put them lottery tickets just to tease us" ("Heard 'Em Say). Just based off the lyrics it demonstrates how West believes how society has come to value materialistic goods as a means of belonging in society because now people are willing to bet their chances on lottery ticket just to be able to have the chance of obtaining this wealth. People are willing to becomes slaves to consumerism, but West wants to reassure to society that it does not matter about what you have, and do not have because in the end those items will not last forever. This acceptance in society has cause many to feel pressure to buy and provide objects to themselves and their loves ones to reassure them that they are as equal to anyone with these