2Pac’s, rather Makaveli’s, The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory turns 22 years old today and it’s past time to recognize the album as the greatest in Hip Hop history.
The album went 4x Platinum before the turn of the century, but record sales only begin to state its impact. There have been albums of higher quality or heavier influence, but no album in rap’s lore carries the same magnitude as the last 2Pac album that was (mostly) finished while he was alive.
To understand the depths of The 7 Day Theory is to recognize the controversy that led up to and followed its release. Retreading the Death Row Records/Bad Boy Records beef is beyond gratuitous. However, it’s important to note how shaken up the rap world was when 2Pac died after being gunned down in Las Vegas in September 1996.
If the beef was as dramatically Shakespearean as it seems and the music was its soundtrack, The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Who Shot Ya,” and 2Pac’s “Hit Em Up,” were the catalysts of the story, ‘Pac’s All Eyez On Me was the rising action and The 7 Day Theory was the climax (with Biggie’s Life After Death as the falling action, and Black Star’s call for peace on “Definition” as the musical resolution.)
Just two months after ‘Pac had been killed, the album was released under the alias “Makaveli.” The album was littered with conspiracy-theory fodder. 2Pac had read The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli while incarcerated and knew the author had faked his own death to fool his enemies. The new moniker made fans question whether or not ‘Pac was somewhere on a beach living the sweet life. The album’s first moments also raised eyebrows, as ‘Pac is heard saying “Shoulda shot me,” which sounds eerily like “Suge shot me,” a would-be reference to Death Row Records owner Marion “Suge” Knight. As if that weren’t enough, the album’s cover featured ‘Pac being crucified. While he included the disclaimer “This portrait is in no way an expression of disrespect for Jesus Christ,” fans and even critics pondered if the artwork was signifying a potential return.
These elements have had conspiracy theorists running wild for 22 years, and no album has inspired such fervent debate over its contextual meaning like The 7 Day Theory. Suge Knight Jr. recently tried to convince the public that 2Pac was still alive, and while his attempts clearly were a hoax, the fact that his claims made headlines two-plus decades after ‘Pac’s death is owed in part to The 7 Day Theory’s ambiguity. The album’s staying power as a conversation piece is a testament to its greatness.
The music itself stands up to Hip Hop’s finest, not only for the strength of its lyricism, memorability of its production, or conviction of its content but for the intriguing duality (word to The Fresh Prince) of Tupac Amaru Shakur.
Each of his preceding solo albums can be heard on The 7 Day Theory, though the album retains a unique juxtaposition of otherworldly intensity and humble sentimentality. “Hold Ya Head,” with Hurt-M-Badd’s mounting guitar licks and melancholic piano keys, as well as Tyrone Wice’s tortured wailing, sounds like ‘Pac is coming full circle in speaking to his people à la 2Pacalypse Now’s “Brenda’s Got a Baby.” The Malcolm X samples on “White Man’z World” would have been at home with ‘Pac’s Ice Cube-inspired militance on Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z., while the soft-hearted “To Live and Die In L.A.” holds the feel of Me Against the World’s “Old School” for the west side. And, of course, the outrageous excess of “Toss It Up” and playfulness of “Just Like Daddy” come straight outta All Eyez On Me.
The songs, as varied as they come, are tied together by 2Pac’s laser-focus approach to recording. A handful of producers – notably Hurt-M-Badd, Darryl “Big D” Harper, QDIII and Makaveli himself – combine down-home guitar licks with ghostly bells and creeping basslines to match the album’s alternation between quiet and explosive intensity. Whether ‘Pac is taunting Puff Daddy and Dr. Dre on the bombastic “Toss It Up” or imploring listeners to push past mainstream criticism of his music on “Krazy,” there’s a sense of urgency that provides cohesion to The 7 Day Theory. That urgency provides for ceaseless engagement, which ensures nary a moment is wasted. While some ‘90s heads won’t ever forgive ‘Pac for his vitriol at The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records, and as such can’t listen to this album, the art itself remains enthralling from start to finish.
‘Pac has always been underrated on the mic, partly because the oft-compared Biggie had it all over him in the flow department. Yet, no one can question Makaveli’s pen game as he endeavored two of the greatest allegorical rap songs in existence. The Nas-inspired “Me And My Girlfriend” features metaphors to fill an MC’s wet dream: “Picked you up when you was nine, started out my life of crime/Wit’ you, bought you some shells when you turned 22.” “Blasphemy” forays into T.H.U.G. Life of catastrophic proportions as Makaveli makes comparisons between Bible stories and the street life. Those who screamed sacrilege were missing the point – and the disclaimer on the album cover – that ‘Pac was, amongst many things, a true MC. That’s part of the reason 50 Cent and J. Cole listed The 7 Day Theory amongst their favorite albums. That’s no small praise and proves the lasting impact of The 7 Day Theory, as both Fif’ and Jermaine have been tastemakers for their respective eras.
As memorable as “Blasphemy” is, and as well-known for its ethereal vibes as “Hail Mary” is, “Life of an Outlaw” is the overwhelming, magnetic centerpiece. Never has ‘Pac sounded more desperate than when he’s asking Outlawz-comrade Napoleon if he’d kill for him. Chillingly, Napoleon responds, “On my grandmother,” and the drums take center stage as Nap’s raps about vultures, parasites and snakes position the Outlawz as weathering a plague in ancient Egypt. These mythical embellishments make The 7 Day Theory a legendary affair but also remain stuck in the minds of rap fans who sometimes forget the tenderness of the album’s latter half.
The 12 songs are brilliantly paced, with five of the first six cuts serving as unbridled acts of violence and four of the second half-dozen lighting up a joint in an introspective calm. The finest example of that reflection is “White Man’z World.” The track finds Afeni’s son stepping to the pulpit and motivating people of color to forge on: “Remember that, in this white man’s world, they can’t stop us. We’ve been here all this time, they ain’t took us out.” Tupac’s words are proof that the same dude who was waging war against Puff and Big was still handing out $100 bills to homeless people. His floetry is evidence of The 7 Day Theory’s relevance in today’s turbulent social landscape.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz2wVLyTar4
Nowhere is ‘Pac’s duality, a major ingredient to 7 Day Theory’s greatness, more prevalent than on the album’s final two tracks. It’s not the first time this has been said, but it bears repeating that the compassionate fortitude of “Hold Ya Head” giving way to the murderous free-for-all that is “Against All Odds” is an allegory for the last week of Tupac’s life. “These felonies be like prophecies, begging me to stop,” he raps on the former with total self-awareness. However, his cognizance fails to stop him from begging for bloodshed on the latter cut. The album dies in frightening hails of gunfire, and when it’s over the listener is left to steady themselves and wonder how it all came to this.
‘Pac’s pain created phenomenal art. Whether he was lucid with love or blurry with bluster, Tupac poured his soul into The 7 Day Theory for not only his finest album but one that stands up to any other in rap’s existence.
Your mama had it all right, ‘Pac. Rest your heading knowing you created the greatest Hip Hop album in history.
[apple_news_ad type=”standard”]
Definitely my favorite album of all time. Thank you for actually posting a quality article on this site.
Dope album for sure, but the dopest AND most impactful and important rap album ever recorded is It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back by Public Enemy. Followed by Fear Of A Black Planet.
Hey, I’m not mad at those! Great albums. Especially It Takes a Nation, that’s gotta be at least Top 5. Thanks for your feedback.
Its almost impoasible to narrow it down to 1 greatest album of all time but this one is definitely up there
Its almost impossible to narrow down 1 single greatest album of all time but this one is definitely up there
Wonder why the outlaws just couldn’t keep together after pac and kadafi. Hussein was also a very good rapper PAC s music has a different feeling to it.
Because a few of those dumbasses signed to Deathrow even after Pac told them not to, so they split. Napoleon left and became a Muslim motivational speaker, and fatal passed 3 years ago.
PAC had some of the best intros ever. Ambition az a ridah, bomb first. Those two joints mehn
Great article, this is definitely GOAT contender album and also my favorite of all time.
Heads need to take note and recognize that THIS is what you call a classic album. Everyone so quick to call shit an instant classic.
Can’t say it was the greatest, but that mofo was great
Great Album no doubt but not the greatest album sorry
Foh me against the world is 10x better then this
Ehh…MATW my favorite Pac album, but this is #2 definitely. Just a thought if he would have made one after this? Bruhhhh…but I can’t say this is THE best rap album…best of 1996? Then it would have to go against ATLiens, The Score, and even his own All Eyez On Me. Now if you want to say which year brought the best albums? ’96 was it…debate ya daddy!
Great article. For as great at Me Against the World and All Eyez On Me were, there was just a lot more weight on this album due to the imagery, timing, the sound, the urgency… I agree.
Nah Illmatic allday
One of the greatest rap albums but NOT THEE greatest album, Tough call against All eyes on me, Illmatic, Reasonable Doubt, The Chronic, Doggystyle and Aquemini. …Just my humble opinion tho
Great album. But it’s hard to say it’s the greatest when you have the Blueprint, Black Album, Illmatic, Slim Shady LP, Aquemini, etc.
No Jay album is anywhere near the conversation. All of his projects have some garbage.
Yeah this album is one of the G.O.A.T. no doubt.
Never gets old.
This is the greatest rap album of all time. Others are throwing names like Illmstic, Aquemini, Marshall Mathers LP, etc. Don’t get me wrong, those are great albums, but nothing has impacted the rap game more than The 7 Day Theory. From production to lyrics to delivery, this album is arguably the most infuentual of all time. Those albums you guys named, all those artists (Nas, Em, Jay, etc) have Tupac influence in their albums (JayZ’s Bonnie and Clyde, Nas’ Got Your Self A Gun, etc).
Tupac was influenced by nas also… me and my girlfriend listen to it was written js… came out before 7day theory but anyhow definitely 1 of the greatest albums can’t say the best because it was definitely albums that came before and after
Makaveli is a great album and Ima let you finish but Only Built 4 Cuban Linx is the greatest album of all time.
Word!
Liquid swords I think one step above Cuban linx
Great album and the impact can’t be denied. But it’s not even the greatest album in 2pac’s repertoire, let alone all time. All Eyes On Me and Me Against The World are better albums. And it’s not better than something like Illmatic or Life After Death. 2pac was a legend though and easily the most captivating hip hop artist of all time.
MATW is better. His rapping and writing on that at times is his best.
Fantastic album. Nowhere near rap’s greatest tho.
I lean towards AEOM as the best when debatin’ PAC’s catalog b/c of the content alone – it was a dbl CD of songs that bang. But Makaveli was fiya too – a true fan can make a good argument for this project b/c of the timing and issues surrounding PAC when he dropped this project.
No disrespect but that is not the greatest Rap album of all times. There are other albums way better than that one. Eric B. And Rakims PAID IN FULL, Nas ILLMATIC, Big Daddy Kane LONG LIVE KANE, Raekwon’s ONLY BUILT 4 CUBAN LINK, Dr Dre THE CHRONIC, Snoop Dogs DOGGYSTYLE, BBP CRIMNAL MINDED etc….
Lol they keep sucking PAC d… stop it. It a decent album and was Made in a short time. He used have spend more time on the album. Don’t call everything a Classic because its a PAC album
Btw the concept song me and my bitch is not an idea by Nas but Original Konfusion stay bullet. So stop givin Nas props for this. Learn your history.
Organized konfusion was indeed earlier and MC Shan also did it with the song cocaine
I’m just here to see all the people who get angry because someone has a different opinion than their own.
It’s hard to agree with THAT kind of statement but I read the whole thing and if you like it I love it, at least you wrote why and your arguments are valid. Me myself and I love this album too, though I feel it was rushed. Blasphemy, Against All Odds and Bomb First are my favourite songs. I love the “guitar” based beats as well. This album has only one flaw and that is MATW was just a lil bit better. And a greatest rap album of all time? 36 chambers lol no discussion (:
Ya that albumz slammin
I can’t call the greatest because it wasn’t approved by Pac to be released and who knows what other songs he might have added or taken off the album. This album was intended to be an underground album not a full ep according to the producers. So it sounds like Pac had other ideas about this album that never came to fruition
This album is average at best. Pac always raps over suspect beats. He’s a dope cat but his music didn’t move me like that. I also don’t worship ma fuckas like that . I like plenty of cats for different reasons even some pac songs but the constant dick ridin is ridiculous especially if you know and listen to lots of hip hop.
Machiavelli definitely did not fake his death , he was exiled from Florence for allegedly being part of a gang who plotted to kill one of the medici princes. The book, The Prince, was written while he was in exile for one of the medici princes as a way of trying to get allowed back into florence
Have u guys read the synopsis for this album on Tidal? Literally says its dog poop 🙁
Jay-Z owns Tidal and was dissed on this album. That’s not surprising.
I love Pac, and it’s a dope album, but it’s overrated. The production, especially the engineering, is a disaster. That Bomb First beat? A mess. The off key singing on the album? Terrible. The levels are way off. I know, I know, it’s hiphop so it doesn’t have to be perfectly neat, but this is not just sloppy it’s simply unmastered and not done. Me Against the World is better. Peace.
Illmatic is the greatest hip hop album of all time. Period.
Reaching here. Not even close to illmatic
Illmatic
GREAT ALBUM, BUT SOME PRODUCTION WAS SUSPECT AND THERE WERE SOME THROWAWAYS ON THIS. CAN’T DENY THE CLASSIC MATERIAL ON THIS THO
This is one of my favorite albums. One of the few albums I bought at least 3 times (The What, Reasonable Doubt, Resurruection, Iron Man, It was Written, and Urban Hang Suite are the others).
All Eyes on Me has a much larger historical footprint than this one, and by a sizable margin. Before you make the argument that one album clearly stands above others in its genre it first needs to be the best album by that artist, which 7 Day Theory is not.
Forgot to mention Aquemini. Figure I’ll show the South some love even though they ruined hiphop. Oops.
Lmao all y’all retarded as fuck and are the reason these ass clowns in hip-hop today are even in music none of y’all have any ground or experience to stand on to even attempt ot make valid comments about weather or not this album is the best or not ain’t no one dick riding how could they be when it’s so far up y’all asses
Tupac was a fraud the guy flip flopped on everything he stood for constantly, today he’s conscious he’s a poetic activist tomorrow he’s a gangbanger hanging out with rapists and drug dealers.
He was a Gemini, you know? the twins…. Hence the 2 sides, the flip flop.
Also he was from the gutter but showed he could aspire/inspire better things and ways. Every genius has his flaws and he never ever shied away from that fact, if anything he put it out there for all to see.
“Hung out with rapists drug dealers”. Not so sure about the rapist comment but yes he was surrounded by a criminal element. While his panther mum was hooked on crack and his father figures were incarcerated he was brought up by the streets. Was that by choice? or circumstances beyond his control?
One thing I do know is the guy had balls of steel. He knew he was a dead man walking. Rich and aged just 25 he could have hid away but he chose to get dressed everyday and step out into the spotlight and face it like a man. could any of us have the heart to do that? Im not so sure.
You can’t name one person,that was one thing,all the time,and days of of their life,so why do you expect this from Tupac?……Why do we tear down those,who show us love? Tupac could have made chart topping rap music for 30years, and he’d be alive now,rich(Jay z ×10.),and the ultimate example of success,but instead he opted to aline himself,with a people that had no voice, no representation,and no structural power,and he suffered the same faith, as so many stand up,black Men,before him.(Malcom X,Fred Hampton,Khalid Muhammad, Martin King,Patrice Lamumba,Marcus Garvey,Jesus Christ and so many more),and at the same time,he made the right choice. Pac said,”For all MC’s that follow me,protect your essence,born with less,your still precious”……..Hows that for a message,to a people that worships money. He knew everybody was selling out.That’s real,and so is this Gangsta shit,that American culture fed us. God please bless us.
it was “to all the seeds that follow me” not mcs dont twist the mans words to fit your your point.
This will always be the debate, and truly their should be one. Makaveli or this album was raw and in a way (to me) rushed, I think Pac knew he only had a matter of time, sad. But, I think this album for all of the points the author of this article pointed out are valid. Me personally, I like Pac’s early albums Strictly for my N’s, 2pacalypse Now, and Me against the World. I wish he never met Suge, he’d still be alive probably. RIP to the greatest.
Nu mixxx klazzixxx was better
not even close and you ain’t a real pac head for that,all that did was ruin classics in a greedy easy way to make money off him#tilltheendoftime blows that shit away
One of the greatest rappers of all time hands down. He begin the realm of thug life and completed the world of beef single handed. Pac only had one true rilvalry who could match his skills at the time which was Nas. The songs embrace MCs to either be better than him or not. Most MC’s we’re frightened to test his rap capabilities. What I’ve learned in the last 22 years is that Tupac created a world of trends for younger MC’s that will stretch another 82 years or more. His patent with deathrow will last till 2086.