Stay True

Overview

Stay True is a collaboration between 2Pac, Mopreme and Stretch, released on Thug Life: Volume 1 in 1994. Produced by Thug Music, the song stands apart from the darker material found elsewhere on the album, instead celebrating friendship, loyalty and enjoying life despite the hardships surrounding the group.

The chemistry between the three performers is one of the song's greatest strengths. Rather than focusing on confrontation or violence, each verse captures a carefree day cruising through Los Angeles while reflecting on the importance of remaining loyal to family and friends.

Although never released as a single, Stay True has become a favourite among fans of both Thug Life and Live Squad, largely due to Stretch's memorable closing verse and the track's smooth, soulful production.

Recording History

Stay True was recorded during the Thug Life sessions in the spring of 1994. Official credits identify the production as Thug Music, the production partnership between 2Pac and Stretch, while the song's relaxed atmosphere provides a contrast to many of the harder-edged recordings completed during the same period.

Collector research suggests the song was, at one stage, considered for 2Pac's planned third solo album before ultimately being included on Thug Life: Volume 1. Although surviving tracklists support this theory, no official documentation confirming the proposed album sequence has ever been released, so the exact intended destination of the recording remains uncertain.

Unlike many recordings from this period, Stay True was released without significant alteration. The version included on Thug Life: Volume 1 remains the definitive recording and has never been substantially remixed or reconstructed for a later posthumous release.

Release History

Samples

Samples Used

• Curtis Mayfield – Tripping Out (Multiple Elements)

Lyrics