Updated: 2/14/03
By: Rice
SONG OF THE WEEK
Updated: 2/14/03
By: Rice
Yes, I've heard the non-acoustic version as well, and I realize they have different lyrics during the chorus, but this version won me over thanks to only a simple acoustic guitar riff providing the beat throughout this 2Pac post-mortem release. It's a refreshing change from all the bass thumping beat-box a regular rap song entails.
I am also fascinated by the lyrics. Thugz Mansion is a thinly veiled metaphor for a gangsta's heaven, where 2Pac envisions where all his homies will chill in the afterlife, with angels soaring in heavenly wings whilst sipping champagne. While it was no secret to me that project neighborhood black folks lived poorly, this song reminded me often times they're harassed by cops and shot at by rivals. It's a miserable way to live.
People like 2Pac end up growing into that lifestyle because that's the only lifestyle he knows. Doesn't matter if he makes millions selling his albums, because he stays true, and when you strip all the fame and toughness away, he's just like any regular joe (or thug, to keep in context) who just wants to live in peace and hang with loved ones.
[Tupac Talking] Shit, tired of getting shot at Tired of getting chased by the police and arrested Niggas need a spot where we can kick it A spot where we belong, that's just for us Niggas ain't gotta get all dressed up and be Hollywood You na'mean? Where do niggas go when we die? Ain't no heaven for a thug nigga That's why we go to Thug Mansion That's the only place where thugs get in free And you gotta be a G At Thug Mansion [Verse 1 - 2Pac] A place to spend my quiet nights Time to unwind So much pressure in this life of mine I cry at times I once contemplated suicide And woulda tried But when I held that nine All I could see was my mama's eyes No one knows my struggle They only see the trouble Not knowing it's hard to carry on when no one loves you Picture me inside the misery and poverty No man alive has ever witnessed struggles I've survived Praying hard for better days Promised to hold on Me and my dogs don't have a choice but to roll on We finally found a spot to kick it Where we could drink liquor And no one bickers over trick shit A spot where we could smoke in peace And even though we Gs We still visualize places That we could roll a piece And in my minds eye I see this place the players go and pass it Got a spot for us all So we can ball At Thugs Mansion [Chorus] Every corner, every city There’s a place where life’s a little easy Little Hennessey, laid back and cool Every hour cause it’s all good Leave all the stress from the world outside Every wrong done will be alright Nothing but peace, love and street passion Every ghetto needs a thug mansion [Verse 2 - Nas] A place where death doesn't reside Just thugs who collide Not to start beef But spark trees No cops rolling by No policemen No homicide No chalk on the streets No reason, for nobody's mama to cry See I'm a good guy I'm trying to stick around for my daughter But if I should die I know all of my albums support her This whole year's been crazy Asked the holy spirit to save me Only difference from me Jose Davis is gray hair maybe 'Cause I feel that my eyes saw too much suffering I'm just twenty some odd years And I already lost my mother and I cried tears of joy I know she smiles at her boy I dream of you more My love goes to Afeni Shakur 'Cause like Ann Jones She raised a ghetto king in a war And just for that alone She shouldn't feel no pain no more 'Cause one day we'll all be together Sipping heavenly champagne where angels soar With golden rings At thugs mansion [Chorus] Every corner, every city There’s a place where life’s a little easy Little Hennessey, laid back and cool Every hour cause it’s all good Leave all the stress from the world outside Every wrong done will be alright Nothing but peace, love and street passion Every ghetto needs a thug mansion [Verse 3 - 2Pac] Dear mama don't cry Your baby boy's home again Tell the homies I'm in heaven and it ain't got hoods Seen a show with Marvin Gaye last night It had me shook Drinking peppermint schnapps with Jackie Wilson And Sam Cook Then some lady named Billie Holiday sang Sittin there kickin it with Malcolm till the day game Lil' Latasha sure grown Tell the lady in the liquor store that she's forgiven So come home Maybe in time you understand Only God can save us Where Miles Davis cutting lose with the band Just think of all the people that you knew In the past that passed on They in heaven found peace at last Picture a place that they exist, together There has to be a place better than this In Heaven So right before I sleep dear God what I'm asking Remember this face, save me a place In Thugz Mansion [Chorus]