A Deep Dive into '90s Hip-Hop: Discovering Tupac’s 'Hit ’Em Up'

As someone who was born in 1991, my introduction to the golden era of hip-hop was gradual and complex. In my high school days, Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G were the names that echoed through my schoolyard, and I found myself drawn to their hip-hop anthems much like any impressionable teenager. However, my earlier exposure to popular rappers like Eminem, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre piqued my interest in the genre, leading me to explore beyond the typical hits.

Early Discoveries and Influences

MTV, particularly MTV Base and South African music outlets like Channel O, played a crucial role in expanding my horizons. Channel O, especially, introduced me to the burgeoning career of Jay Z, while MTV Base and MTV helped me discover the works of artists like Nas, Mobb Deep, Redman, Method Man, Twista, Mobb Deep, and A Tribe Called Quest. Video games like GTA San Andreas and movies also became gateways to the early 90’s West Coast rap scene. With each new discovery, my appreciation for 90's hip-hop grew, but the process was vastly more rounded than simply catching the commercial-rap hits of the time.

My All-Time Favorite Song: Tupac’s 'Hit ’Em Up'

Through all these explorations and introductions, one song in particular has always stood out, and that is Tupac’s "Hit 'Em Up" from 1996. This track is more than just a collection of politically charged lyrics; it is a true testament to the power of raw, unfiltered anger and truth.

Addressing the Rivalry: Tupac’s Anger and Artistry

"Hit 'Em Up" is an angry and brutally honest response from Tupac to Notorious B.I.G and the Bad Boy Entertainment label. Tupac's account of being shot five times in a lobby immediately sparked suspicion that the shot was called by Biggie and his associates. This song is much more than just words; it is a painful testament to the reality Tupac felt in his bones.

The song's lyrics veer into the intensely personal. Lines like "fuck your wife" directly target Biggie, portraying Tupac as a man capable of seducing multiple partners, a counterpoint to Biggie’s claimed role as a faithful husband. Such blunt and unapologetic content shows how deeply the rivalry cut. Moreover, the lyrics also mention Prodigy’s sickle-cell anemia, a genetic condition prevalent in African Americans due to their historical origin. The reference to sherm, a potent form of marijuana, further adds to the unsettling and raw nature of the song.

Crystal Clarity and Emotional Impact

Despite the personal and often heated subject matter, the clarity of Tupac’s lyrics is what truly drives the message home. Tupac’s emotional clout is the hallmark of his rapping style, and this song is an exemplary demonstration of it. The song captures a moment of intense heartache and infuriating rage, all in a form that remains accessible and impactful even for listeners who are not long-time fans of hip-hop.

In conclusion, "Hit 'Em Up" remains my favorite hip-hop track from the 90s. Its raw authenticity and intense emotional impact continue to resonate with me, becoming a cherished part of my musical journey. The song not only showcases Tupac’s artistic prowess but also highlights the complex and often tumultuous nature of hip-hop’s golden era.