album VI

The tenth and final track of Poetic Justice, Hope featuring Mariah Carey, serves as the perfect conclusion to Tupac's masterpiece. Unlike the darker, grittier songs earlier in the album, this track carries a powerful, uplifting message—one that acknowledges the tragedies and struggles of the world but encourages faith and perseverance. It encapsulates the entire journey of Poetic Justice, from pain and injustice to love and hope.

One of the most striking aspects of this song is Tupac's rapid-fire delivery. He raps with such speed and intensity that many listeners struggle to catch every word on the first listen. This is not just a stylistic choice—it's a deliberate technique. The sheer velocity of his flow mirrors the urgency of his message. In Hope, Tupac is not just rapping; he is pleading, demanding that the world listen, wake up, and take action. The energy he brings to this track is reminiscent of his performances on songs like Hail Mary and God Bless the Dead, where his relentless cadence forces listeners to stay engaged, even if they struggle to keep up.

Tupac's ability to rap at blistering speeds while maintaining lyrical depth is part of what makes him one of the greatest MCs of all time. He wasn't just rhyming words together—he was telling stories, educating, and inspiring. On Hope, his flow is so fast and intricate that some fans have had to replay the track multiple times just to fully grasp the depth of what he is saying. But even without catching every word, listeners can feel the passion, the desperation, and the sincerity in his voice.

Mariah Carey's hook provides the perfect balance to Tupac's intensity. Her angelic vocals soften the edges of the song, offering a sense of reassurance. She sings:

"Cause I'm hopeful, yes I am

Hopeful for today

Take this music and use it

Let it take you away"

These lines serve as a reminder that music has the power to heal. No matter how much pain the world endures, there is always room for hope. The collaboration between Tupac and Mariah on this track is nothing short of magical. Mariah's voice lifts the song to another level, making it a universal anthem for resilience.

Breaking Down the Themes of Poetic Justice

Tupac's Poetic Justice is a carefully structured album, with each song contributing to the overall narrative. It is not just a collection of tracks—it is a story. Within this story, there are four major themes that define the album:*

1. Greatest Storytelling Tracks

"Brenda's Got a Baby" – The song that started it all, showcasing Tupac's ability to tell heartbreaking, real-life stories.

"Unjustice" – The track that sets the tone for the album, depicting police brutality and systemic oppression.

These two songs stand out as some of the greatest storytelling tracks in hip-hop history. Brenda's Got a Baby is a tragic tale of a young girl struggling to survive, while Unjustice paints a vivid picture of the unfair treatment Tupac and many others have faced. These tracks highlight Tupac's role as a storyteller of the streets, someone who speaks for those without a voice.

2. Love Songs

"Angel's Cry" (feat. Mariah Carey) – A deeply emotional ballad about love, loss, and redemption.

"Baby Hold My Hand" – A classic love song that captures the feeling of deep emotional connection.

While Poetic Justice is a heavy album filled with themes of injustice and struggle, Tupac made sure to include songs about love. Angel's Cry and Baby Hold My Hand show his softer side, proving that he was not just a revolutionary figure but also a romantic at heart. These tracks serve as a reminder that love is just as important as the fight for justice.

3. Social and Political Messages

"Changes" – A reflection on systemic racism and the cycle of violence.

"Where Is the Love" (feat. Michael Jackson) – A plea for unity and compassion in a world filled with hatred.

"So Many Tears" – A deeply personal song about pain, loss, and regret.

"Hope" (feat. Mariah Carey) – The final message of resilience and faith.

The core of Poetic Justice lies in its message-driven songs. Tupac wasn't just making music—he was trying to change the world. Tracks like Changes and Where Is the Love challenge the listener to think about the world we live in, while So Many Tears gives us a glimpse into Tupac's personal struggles. And then, of course, there's Hope, which ties everything together with a final call for faith.

The Perfect Ending to Poetic Justice

By ending the album with Hope, Tupac leaves the listener with a sense of closure. He has taken them through the harsh realities of the world, the pain of injustice, and the power of love—and now, he leaves them with something to hold on to: hope.

The album started with Tupac arguing with Jerry Heller, exposing the corruption within the industry and the world at large. It then took listeners on a journey through pain (Unjustice, So Many Tears), struggle (Changes, Where Is the Love), and love (Angel's Cry, Baby Hold My Hand). Now, with Hope, Tupac reminds us that no matter how dark things get, we must keep pushing forward.

This is what makes Poetic Justice one of the greatest albums of all time. It is not just a collection of songs—it is a statement. It is Tupac's vision for a better world. And as long as people continue to listen to this album, his message will never die.

When the final chorus of Hope fades out, the listener is left in deep thought. They have just experienced a masterpiece, a journey through the mind of one of the greatest artists in history. And as the silence settles in, one thing becomes clear—Tupac didn't just make an album. He made a movement.

The first week sales of Poetic Justice were nothing short of a phenomenon. The album crossed an impressive 1.3 million copies, with 700,000 of those sales directly attributable to the two tracks featuring Michael Jackson. Michael's massive fanbase, eager to hear his collaborations with Tupac, provided the album with a huge boost. These two songs alone helped propel the album's visibility, driving up its presence on the Billboard charts, where the songs climbed higher and higher, securing Tupac a more prominent place in the mainstream music scene.

However, despite its massive success in the American market, Poetic Justice was not yet released internationally. Tupac wasn't quite the household name outside of the U.S., so Universal Music Group (UMG) made a significant investment, spending millions on album promotion to maximize its reach in the U.S. market. The focus was on establishing Tupac as a major force in American hip-hop, and it paid off in a big way.

Capitalizing on the album's success, Death Row Records quickly rolled out music videos for nearly every track, shooting them in a whirlwind of creative energy over just a few days. Tupac, ever the businessman, recognized that timing was key. He strategically released these music videos while the album was still riding high on the charts, ensuring that the singles continued to gain momentum and maintain their place in the public eye. The impact was immediate: single-track sales surged, with some tracks selling over 120,000 copies within two days, further boosting the label's income and reinforcing the album's success.

Tupac's understanding of timing, promotion, and his ability to tap into Michael Jackson's fanbase made Poetic Justice a cultural milestone. He not only created a great album but also turned it into a massive commercial success through sharp business decisions, solidifying his reputation as both an artist and a savvy entrepreneur.