E.D.I. Mean of the Outlawz reveals which song Tupac Shakur wrote at 19-years-old which turned into an instant hit and classic years later.
Tupac Shakur has a catalog filled with classics songs, many of which the lyrics are quoted daily by millions all over social media. One song in particular continues to grow in popularity decades later. Becoming the an anthem back in 2020, ‘Changes’, according to E.D.I Mean was written by Shakur when he was only 19-years-old!
“I see no changes, wake up in the morning and I ask myself / Is life worth living, should I blast myself? / I’m tired of bein’ poor and even worse I’m black / My stomach hurts, so I’m lookin’ for a purse to snatch / Cops give a damn about a negro / Pull the trigger, kill a n—-, he’s a hero.”- Tupac
Officially released as the lead single for Tupac’s 1998 ‘Greatest Hits’ double CD album, the hit single is still today as relevant and powerful than ever. As the nation and the world fought against racism and police brutality, ‘Changes’ became the go-to song during the 2020 protests that have swept the United States and countries world wide. The song would then climb to number 28 on the iTunes Top 100, moving 35 spots overnight on June 3rd, 2020.
Featuring Talent, Changes quickly becoming a hit in 1998, as Tupac’s ‘Greatest Hits’ double album to-date sold over 10 million units, reaching Diamond status. In 2009, ‘Changes’ was selected by the Vatican as one of the institution’s “12 Favorite Songs”. It was the first time the Catholic Church had officially recognized the work of any popular American artist.
Tupac’s mother, the late Afeni Shakur was pleasantly surprised on ‘Changes’ being selected. “This came as such an amazing surprise – it’s not something I would have ever thought possible,” Afeni said. “I give thanks every day, knowing Tupac’s words and music continue to have such an incredible effect on people worldwide. My son was always striving to reach out to as many people as he could, and he changed the world in doing so.”
In an interview with VLAD TV, E.D.I Mean of the Outlawz and childhood friend of Tupac Shakur, revealed how old Tupac was when he wrote ‘Changes’. Not only was Shakur was 19-years-old when he recorded ‘Changes’, but it was slated to appear on his debut album.
“That was on his Interscope demo, and he didn’t use it for 2pacalypse Now,” E.D.I said during his interview with VLAD TV. “I don’t know if he couldn’t get the sample cleared at the time, cause that’s a Bruce Hornsby song.”
Sampling Bruce Hornsby & The Range’s ‘The Way It Is’, also touched on social issues. The 1987 released hit referenced the Civil Rights Movement and showcased the divide between the rich and poor. All with the message that more is needed.
Although ‘Changes’ did not make Tupac’s debut studio album, the original version of ‘Changes’ was never released, but leaked after Shakur’s passing.
