Still Ballin'

2Pac's 'Still Ballin'' is a testament to the rapper's resilience and unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. The song, which features a posthumous collaboration with Kurupt, continues the themes of struggle and survival that are prevalent in 2Pac's body of work. The lyrics reflect on 2Pac's rise from a difficult childhood, marked by the expectation of ending up in prison, to achieving success in the rap game while maintaining his 'thug' identity.

The chorus, 'Still ballin', till the day I die,' serves as a defiant declaration of 2Pac's determination to remain at the top of his game, regardless of the challenges he faces. The term 'ballin'' is slang for living a luxurious lifestyle, but here it also implies staying true to oneself and persevering. 2Pac's reference to surviving a shooting ('I got shot but didn't die') and the loss of his peers ('many peers dead') adds a somber reality to the song, highlighting the violence that often surrounded him.

The song also delves into the darker aspects of fame and the street life, including violence, the pursuit of money, and the impact of living a high-risk lifestyle. 2Pac's lyrics are a reflection on the duality of his existence, where success comes with a price, and trust is a rare commodity. Despite the dangers, he remains committed to his path, 'Still ballin',' and invites his crew to stay true in the face of external pressures. The song is a powerful expression of 2Pac's legacy as an artist who consistently portrayed the realities of street life and the strength required to navigate it.