R U Still Down? (1997)

This album contains previously unreleased material coming from the time period of his albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., Thug Life: Volume 1, Me Against the World and All Eyez on Me.

The first release on his own Amaru Records, R U Still Down? was overseen by 2Pac's mother, Afeni Shakur. This album features a younger, more inexperienced 2Pac, and it airs his views on life from a time before he became involved in the controversial east coast/west coast rivalry. His lyrics foreshadow his death in songs like "Open Fire" and "Thug Style."

The art work shows a letter from 2pac saying the following "Keep the faith in me. I will not let u down! love 2pac".

The album cover was previously used on Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.

R U Still Down? is 2pac's first album released after his death without the rapper's input. A few songs in the album Tupac mentions his life in the streets of Oakland, California in songs such as "Nothin' But Love" where he started his career, and how he started his "Thug Life" mentality in those streets. As more of the original songs are leaked it has become evident that many of the album's tracks were kept true to the originals by mastering and perfecting the original instrumentals and vocals. Songs like: "Hold On Be Strong", "Nothing To Lose", "Only Fear Of Death", "When I Get Free", "Open Fire" are kept true to original. Some with fundamentally similar compositions include: "Lie 2 Kick It", "I'm Gettin' Money", "Thug Style". On the other hand a few tracks with completely new instrumentals include: "Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto", "Hellrazor" and "Enemies With Me".