Thug Life, Volume I

Thug Life, Volume I is the only studio album by American hip hop group Thug Life, released on September 26, 1994, by Interscope Records and Out da Gutta Records and distributed by Atlantic Records. The group was started by American rapper 2Pac and also comprising Big Syke, The Rated R, Macadoshis and Mopreme Shakur, Tupac's stepbrother. The album features guest appearances by Y.N.V. and Nate Dogg and production by Warren G, Easy Mo Bee, Big Syke and Stretch.
The album received critical acclaim and has been regarded as one of Shakur's most underrated records.
Background
Due to heavy criticism of gangsta rap at the time, the original version of the album was scrapped and re-recorded with many of the original songs being cut. The album only contains ten tracks because Interscope Records felt many of the other recorded songs were too controversial to release. It has been said that 2Pac created two other versions of this album, with many of the songs still remaining unreleased. Several of these unreleased recordings include a 4 verse solo version of Bury Me A G with two new 2Pac verses, a radio version of Bury Me A G with another new unreleased verse by 2Pac and two alternate recordings of Str8 Ballin', which include never before released adlibs by the rapper.
Although the original version of the album never came to fruition as the album went through a number of changes, Tupac performed the planned first single from the album, "Out on Bail" at the 1994 Source Awards. Although the album was originally released on Interscope Records, Amaru Entertainment, the label owned by Tupac's mother, Afeni Shakur, gained the rights to it. Thug Life, Volume I was certified Gold. The track "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" appeared later in 1998 from 2Pac's Greatest Hits album.
In commemoration of its twenty-fifth anniversary, it was released on vinyl on November 22, 2019. In 2019, Universal Music Group posted the video version to the song "How Long Will They Mourn Me?" to their YouTube channel. This version features an alternate verse by 2Pac with different lyrics that was not issued on the album.
Singles
The first single, "Pour Out a Little Liquor" was released August 23, 1994 as a promotional single. It was originally released on the Above the Rim soundtrack. It was then included in the Thug Life, Volume I studio album.
The second and final single, "Cradle to the Grave" was released November 4, 1994.
Critical reception
The album has been met with critical acclaim retrospectively as a classic underground rap album. Full of machismo and do or die stances," wrote Jake Barnes in Q, "the lyrics' hardcore posturing is perversely undercut by sweet and delicate backings from artists like Curtis Mayfield, George Clinton and The Isley Brothers."
"A shockingly considered, thoughtful rap record," opined Select's Matt Hall. "And a very chilling one."
Commercial performance
The album was certified gold on January 24, 1996, selling over 500,000 copies.
Track listing
Charts
Weekly charts
Year-end charts
Certifications
References
1994 albums
Albums produced by Easy Mo Bee
Albums produced by Johnny "J"
Albums produced by Warren G
Tupac Shakur albums
Big Syke albums
Mopreme Shakur albums
Jive Records albums
Interscope Records albums
Atlantic Records albums
Thug Life albums