Only Fear of Death
Track Information
| Artist | 2Pac |
| Track | Only Fear of Death |
| Performers | 2Pac |
| Producer(s) | Live Squad |
| Writer(s) | Tupac Shakur, Randy Walker (Stretch), Tyruss Himes (Big Syke), Walter Burns, Dirion Rivers, Maurice Harding, George Clinton, William Collins and Bernie Worrell |
| Recorded | October 1993 (estimated) |
| Released | 25 November 1997 |
| Length | 5:18 |
Overview
Only Fear of Death was officially released on R U Still Down? (Remember Me) in 1997, although the song originated during 2Pac's late 1993 recording sessions. Produced by Live Squad, the released version preserves the group's original production and remains one of the most authentic posthumous releases in 2Pac's catalogue.
Unlike many songs issued after 2Pac's death, Only Fear of Death required very little reconstruction before its commercial release. The version included on R U Still Down? (Remember Me) retains the original arrangement and production, differing primarily through updated mixing and mastering. As a result, it provides one of the clearest examples of Live Squad's contribution to 2Pac's music during this period.
Lyrically, the song explores mortality, spirituality and reincarnation, themes that became increasingly central to 2Pac's writing during the latter half of 1993 and continued throughout the remainder of his career.
Recording History
Only Fear of Death was recorded during the late 1993 recording sessions, with collector research generally placing its creation between October 1993 and January 1994. Produced by Live Squad, the song circulated among collectors in rough mix form before being considered for inclusion on 2Pac's planned Stay True album.
One of the song's most recognisable elements is the scratched vocal phrase, "My only fear of death is coming back reincarnated", sampled from Livin' In The Edge by Mental Illness & Evil Mind Gangstas. The line became closely associated with 2Pac and reflected his growing fascination with death, spirituality and reincarnation during this period.
Following 2Pac's death, the track was selected for inclusion on R U Still Down? (Remember Me), where it received its first official release in 1997. The commercial version retained Live Squad's original production with only minor refinements to the mix and mastering, making it one of the most faithful posthumous releases in the 2Pac catalogue.
Release History
| Year | Release | Format | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993/94 | Studio Recording | Unreleased | Original recording produced by Live Squad. |
| 1997 | R U Still Down? (Remember Me) | Album Track | First official release, retaining Live Squad's original production. |
Samples
Samples Used
- Gábor Szabó; Breezin' (Melody)
- Detroit Emeralds; You're Getting a Little Too Smart (Drums)
- Mental Illness & Evil Mind Gangstas; Livin' In The Edge (Scratched Vocal)
- Thug Life; Shit Don't Stop (Rough Mix) (Vocals)
- Lafayette Afro Rock Band & Hihache (Possible Drums & unconfirmed)
Lyrics
Lyrics coming soon.
This transcription is currently being prepared for the archive.