The album received acclaimed reviews by critics, being ranked among the best albums of the 1990s. At the 38th Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for Best Rap Album and 'Dear Mama' was nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. Me Against the World was eventually certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). While 2Pac was in prison, the album over-took Bruce Springsteen's Greatest Hits as the current best-selling album of the year in the United States. ' Dear Mama' was released as the album's first single in February 1995 and would be the album's most successful single, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart, and peaking at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100. Released while 2Pac was imprisoned, Me Against the World made an immediate impact on the charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200, holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Me Against the World features guest appearances from rap group Dramacydal and rapper Richie Rich.

The musical production on the album was considered by several music critics to be the best of any of his albums up to that point in his career.

Lyrically, he intentionally tried to make the album more personal and reflective than his previous efforts.

According to 2Pac, Me Against the World was made to show the hip hop audience his respect for the art form. Drawing lyrical inspiration from his impending prison sentence, troubles with the police, and poverty, the album is described as being 2Pac's most introspective album. Me Against the World is the third studio album by American rapper 2Pac, released on March 14, 1995, by Interscope Records and Jive Records.

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