VIA PRESS RELEASE | Interscope Records announces the release of a 25th anniversary vinyl reissue of Thug Life: Volume 1—the only studio album from Thug Life, the group founded by rap legend and cultural icon Tupac Shakur. In addition to the vinyl reissue, the anniversary celebration includes the release of all-new Thug Life merchandise, including t-shirts, a hoodie, jacket, overalls and beanie. Album t-shirt and hoodie will also be available as a purchase bundle with vinyl.
Initially released on September 26, 1994, Thug Life: Volume 1 received gold certification from the RIAA. Among the album’s notable tracks are “How Long Will They Mourn Me?” ft. Nate Dogg, a reflective but powerful piece featured on 2Pac’s diamond-selling double-album Greatest Hits. In addition, the largely-self-produced Thug Life: Volume 1 includes tracks like “Pour Out a Little Liquor” (which also appears on the soundtrack to Tupac’s 1994 film Above the Rim), “Cradle to the Grave,” and “Str8 Ballin’.”
Prior to forming Thug Life in 1993, Tupac had established himself as a formidable new force in the hip-hop world with his 1991 debut album 2Pacalypse Now and 1993’s platinum-certified Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z. With its unapologetically honest and deeply personal look at street life, Thug Life: Volume 1 is widely considered a crucial midpoint between Tupac’s early work and his history-making, diamond-selling, massively influential 1996 album All Eyez on Me.
ABOUT TUPAC SHAKUR | Though his recording career lasted just five years, Tupac Shakur is one of the most popular artists in music history, having sold more than 75 million records worldwide. Over half of his eleven studio albums have sold in excess of three million copies each, and two of his releases—1996’s All Eyez On Me and his Greatest Hits collection—have received diamond certification, with sales of over 10 million copies each.
In December 2016, it was announced that Tupac would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, making him the first solo hip-hop artist to be recognized for inclusion. The ceremony took place in Brooklyn, New York, on April 7, 2017, and included a musical tribute from Snoop Dogg, Alicia Keys, and T.I. Along with his musical career, Tupac also found success and critical acclaim as an actor, starring in films like Juice, Poetic Justice, Above The Rim, Gridlock’d, and Gang Related.
Tupac’s life and legacy continue to impact and influence culture today, from a groundbreaking performance via hologram at the 2012 Coachella Music and Arts Festival to a spoken-word appearance on Kendrick Lamar’s critically praised 2015 album To Pimp A Butterfly.
Tracklist forThug Life: Volume 1:
Eastside:
1. Bury Me a G
2. Don’t Get It Twisted
3. Shit Don’t Stop
4. Pour Out A Little Liquor
5. Stay True
Westside:
1. How Long Will They Mourn Me?
2. Under Pressure
3. Street Fame
4. Cradle To The Grave
5. Str8 Ballin’
