"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 |
"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.
Background
2Pac wrote the lyrics to the song while in prison for sexual abuse charges in 1995. After being released from prison, he recorded the song at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, Los Angeles on October 13, 1995. In a 2015 interview with XXL, Kurupt stated that 2Pac recorded the first verse in 45 minutes. 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."
Content
The lyrics revolve around 2Pac's readiness to face challenges and obstacles in his life, 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. The song also contains a sample of ring announcer Michael Buffer saying his catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!"
Critical reception
Roger 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."
Certifications
Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
---|---|---|
Denmark (IFPI Danmark) | Gold | 45,000 |
Germany (BVMI) | Gold | 250,000 |
Italy (FIMI) | Gold | 50,000 |
New Zealand (RMNZ) | 3× Platinum | 90,000 |
United Kingdom (BPI) | Platinum | 600,000 |
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. |
References
- 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.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "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".
- "New Zealand single certifications – 2Pac – Ambitionz Az A Ridah". Radioscope. Retrieved January 7, 2025. Type Ambitionz Az A Ridah in the "Search:" field.
- "British single certifications – 2Pac – Ambitionz az a Ridah". British Phonographic Industry.