"Ambitionz az a Ridah" is a song by American rapper 2Pac from his fourth studio album All Eyez on Me (1996). Produced by Dat Nigga Daz, the song samples "Pee-Wee's Dance" by Joeski Love.
| "Ambitionz az a Ridah" | |
|---|---|
| Song by 2Pac | |
| from the album All Eyez on Me | |
| Released | February 13, 1996 |
| Recorded | October 13, 1995 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:38 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Dat Nigga Daz |
Background
edit2Pac wrote the lyrics to the song while in prison for sexual abuse charges in 1995.[1] After being released from prison, he recorded the song at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, Los Angeles on October 13, 1995.[2][3] In a 2015 interview with XXL, Kurupt stated that 2Pac recorded the first verse in 45 minutes.[3][4] Daz Dillinger also spoke about producing the song in the same interview: "The idea came from the me sampling Pee-wee Herman. So if you listen to Pee-wee Herman, I just put the gangsta twist on it. I gave it to 'Pac. Came back to the studio, and it was done."[4]
Content
editThe lyrics revolve around 2Pac's readiness to face challenges and obstacles in his life,[5] and seeking revenge on the people who wronged him. He mentions boxer Mike Tyson, and also addresses his shooting in 1994 and sexual abuse conviction.[3] The song also contains a sample of ring announcer Michael Buffer saying his catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!"[6]
Critical reception
editRoger Morton of NME cited "Ambitionz az a Ridah" as one of the songs from All Eyez on Me which he described as "superbly unsettling, unprecedented renderings of the fear-soaked, hardcore-G mentality."[7]
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[8] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[9] | Gold | 250,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[10] | Gold | 50,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[11] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Jagannathan, Meera (September 10, 2015). "Tupac lyrics written in jail to be auctioned off with estimated starting bid at $47,000". New York Daily News. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ "RECORDING DATE OF TUPAC'S SONGS [LIST]". 2PacLegacy. April 26, 2016. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ a b c Sayles, Justin (February 12, 2021). "A Deal With the Devil: The Triumph and Tragedy of 'All Eyez on Me'". The Ringer. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ a b "The Making of 2Pac's 'All Eyez on Me' (XXL)". 2PacLegacy. December 15, 2015. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Brown, Preezy (February 13, 2021). "11 classic lyrics from Tupac's 'All Eyez On Me' album decoded". Revolt. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Rohn, Jake (May 10, 2019). "Michael Buffer Reveals Unrealized Tupac Collaboration". HipHopDX. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
- ^ Morton, Roger (March 2, 1996). "2Pac – All Eyez On Me". NME. London. Archived from the original on August 17, 2000. Retrieved March 4, 2024.
- ^ "Danish single certifications – 2Pac – Ambitionz az a Ridah". IFPI Danmark.
- ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (2Pac; 'Ambitionz az a Ridah')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie.
- ^ "Italian single certifications – 2Pac – Ambitionz az a Ridah" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Select "2024" in the "Anno" drop-down menu. Type "Ambitionz az a Ridah" in the "Filtra" field. Select "Singoli" under "Sezione".
- ^ "British single certifications – 2Pac – Ambitionz az a Ridah". British Phonographic Industry.