10 Best Tupac Love Songs of All Time, Ranked

Tupac Shakur (2Pac) was, and still is, one of rap’s most influential artists. Before his murder in 1996, he was quickly becoming a staple name in the New York music scene and gained significant notoriety within its ranks. Posthumously, his death became a worldwide discussion point which skyrocketed the spread of his music further. 

While his life was a common lyrical point for 2Pac, he also made several heart-touching songs about love. In this article, I’ve collated the 10 best Tupac love songs which fit this category.

1. Do For Love

Album: R U Still Down? (Remember Me)
Released: 1997

Rife with a groove-laden bass line and uplifting, carefree lyrics, “Do For Love” is one of 2Pac’s more curious tracks. Its positive instrumentals act as an interesting contrast from the lyrical content as it discusses being a ‘sucka for love’ and hopelessly, consistently loving someone regardless of their downfalls. 

I suppose the message to take out of this is to love yourself and make sure you’re putting yourself in loving situations.

2. Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find

Album: All Eyez On Me
Released: 1996

If you’re looking for one of 2Pac’s most romantic songs, look no further than “Heaven Ain’t Hard 2 Find”. An ode dedicated to a woman he’s committed to wooing, he finds heaven within her and dotes on the idea of being with her.

What makes this track particularly loving is the soulful, funky bassline and steady jingle behind 2Pac’s signature vocals. Backing female vocals adds an extra soulful kick which takes the track to another level.

3. Dear Mama

Album: Me Against The World
Released: 1995

Moving on from 2Pac’s more romantic directions, “Dear Mama” is a touching ode to his mother who helped raise him and turn him into the man he was. 

The track’s delicate, melodic guitar which permeates throughout the entire track adds an extra emotive pull while 2Pac’s tear-bringing lyrics can’t help but make you smile and admire the love this man had for his mother.

If you’re in the mood for a tearjerker, “Dear Mama” is the one for you.

4. Can U Get Away

Album: Me Against the World
Released: 1995

“Can U Get Away” sits in a different position within the ‘love’ theme that’s been discussed so far. The track has a beautiful, romantically soulful twang to its instrumentals and alluring female backing vocals add an extra touch. 

The lyrical content might be less of a typical romantic track – 2Pac is doting on someone who is in a problematic relationship – but it all adds up to create a beautifully laid-out track with 2Pac’s signature groove.

5. My Burnin’ Heart

Album: Beginnings: The Lost Tapes 1988-1991
Released: 2007

Here, we have some OG, old-school 2Pac for your perusal. It’s a striking piece of musical history as it shows the origins of one of the most influential artists in the genre’s history.

It might be a simplistic track, but its electric guitar riffs and strong vocals make it a track every 2Pac fan should check out if they haven’t already.

6. California Love

Album: Greatest Hits
Released: 1998

It may not be towards conventional love between people, but in “California Love” 2Pac created an ode to the Golden State. Its upbeat piano crawl and shaky percussion make an uplifting, groovy track that stands as one of the late artist’s more robust offerings. 

I think Roger Troutman’s electric-voiced chorus here makes the track particularly catchy. Simplistic, lyrically impressive, and passionate, it’s one of 2Pac’s strongest tracks. 

7. Life Goes On

Album: All Eyez On Me
Released: 1996

Loosely connecting the theme of love to this somber track, 2Pac directs his attention to his lost friends. Its gospel-like backing vocals add to the emotional pull of the lyrical content as 2Pac battles with the concept of death while persisting on pushing forward from the loss of his loved ones. 

I think this is one of 2Pac’s most vulnerable tracks, where he exposes his fears while trying to turn those emotions into lyrical and musical strength. As one of his last releases before his death, it acts as a reminder that life is short and can be taken away in an instant. 

8. Unconditional Love

Album: Greatest Hits
Released: 1999

As one of 2Pac’s most touching posthumous tracks, “Unconditional Love” was given to M.C Hammer as a gift. The intention of spreading unconditional love to Hammer through the song is also reflected in the track’s touching lyrics and smooth, choir-like keys.

I think Nanci Fletcher’s soulful vocals make a powerful addition to this already beautiful track. Her soothing vocalizations complement 2Pac’s lyricisms and signature voice in a way that makes me wish we had more offerings like this. 

9. Ghetto Gospel

Album: Loyal To The Game
Released: 2005

It wouldn’t be a 2Pac list without mentioning one of his most iconic tracks. Loosely tying into the theme of love, “Ghetto Gospel” is a cry for spiritual salvation and peace in a world that desperately needs to change. His vision for tomorrow turned into a worldwide rap hit.

Elton John was an unlikely and rather unexpected choice for a collaboration on this track, but it worked to critical acclaim and became a recurring hit in the worldwide charts. 

10. U Can Call (Ft. Jazze Pha)

Album: Better Dayz
Released: 2002

This track is perhaps one of 2Pac’s lesser-known hits, but I feel it’s an iconic love song. It was originally supposed to be released on 1996’s All Eyez On Me but didn’t make the cut, and was eventually remixed and released with Jazze Pha years later. 

Its funky basslines and signature rap melodies with a catchy 808 beat make it a staple rap song. The difference here, however, is that 2Pac’s lyrics are all about wooing his interest, nothing else, as pure as it gets.