"Ambitionz az a Ridah" is a song by American rapper 2Pac from his fourth studio album All Eyez on Me (1996). Produced by Dat Nigga Daz, the song samples "Pee-Wee's Dance" by Joeski Love.
| "Ambitionz az a Ridah" | |
|---|---|
| Song by 2Pac | |
| from the album All Eyez on Me | |
| Released | February 13, 1996 |
| Recorded | October 13, 1995 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:38 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | |
| Producer(s) | Dat Nigga Daz |
Background
2Pac wrote the lyrics to the song while in prison for sexual abuse charges in 1995.[1] After being released from prison, he recorded the song at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, Los Angeles on October 13, 1995.[2][3] In a 2015 interview with XXL, Kurupt stated that 2Pac recorded the first verse in 45 minutes.[3][4] Daz Dillinger also spoke about producing the song in the same interview: "The idea came from the me sampling Pee-wee Herman. So if you listen to Pee-wee Herman, I just put the gangsta twist on it. I gave it to 'Pac. Came back to the studio, and it was done."[4]
Content
The lyrics revolve around 2Pac's readiness to face challenges and obstacles in his life,[5] and seeking revenge on the people who wronged him. He mentions boxer Mike Tyson, and also addresses his shooting in 1994 and sexual abuse conviction.[3] The song also contains a sample of ring announcer Michael Buffer saying his catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!"[6]
Critical reception
Roger Morton of NME cited "Ambitionz az a Ridah" as one of the songs from All Eyez on Me which he described as "superbly unsettling, unprecedented renderings of the fear-soaked, hardcore-G mentality."[7]
Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[8] | Gold | 45,000‡ |
| Germany (BVMI)[9] | Gold | 250,000‡ |
| Italy (FIMI)[10] | Gold | 50,000‡ |
| United Kingdom (BPI)[11] | Gold | 400,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||