This came out in 2000 — or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
You know how you can tell these tapes really were lost? Because Tupac Shkur has been dead almost four years, and any self-respecting cash-in schemer would’ve had these on the Internet long before now.
But while they may be authentic, that doesn’t make these decade-old demo tapes the real deal (artistically speaking). Recorded by Digital Underground associate Chopmaster J while Shakur was auditioning for the group, they present the future rap king in a way he’d probably rather not be remembered — inexperienced, unnatural on the mic, lacking in rhythmic flow and blatantly biting the ’80s rap sound of N.W.A, Ice-T and Public Enemy. If you’re an obsessive fan, you might get a kick out of hearing ’Pac back in the day. And if not, well, stay tuned for the inevitable Lost Tapes Vol. 2: The Telephone Messages Album, featuring the single, Yo Chopmaster, Pick Up! It’s Me! Tupac!
