Meek Mill f/ Rick Ross: "Tupac Back"

When Rick Ross intones that “Tupac back,” he’s talking in the most abstract sense. Of course. Even stylistic imitators like Freddie Gibbs have about as much radio credibility as Aesop Rock these days. Face it, world: Tupac is never coming back.

Instead, “Tupac back” is a feeling, the same sort of nihilistic, nostalgic feeling as “remember me like John Lennon,” from Ross’ collaboration with Lil’ Wayne, “John.” Meek Mill is not too much more than a Baby Bomb to his mentor’s Waka Flocka, an eager side presence to the all knowing, roadblocking catchphrases from the man himself. Ross’ unshakable delivery, more obstinate with every song he’s a part of, is what makes “Tupac Back” such a welcome alternative on the radio to Kanye and Drake’s sociopathic foibles, the former cutting boasts with ineffective panders to “unemployment lines,” and the latter getting wistful about his callousness.

“I’m stacking my paper / I need a brand new Mercedes,” goes the hook, while Mill replies, “Look at them motherfuckin’ wheels / Them bitches was stolen.” The immediate declaration of need covers the same ground as Kanye’s recent ode to his “other other Benz,” while keeping the neuroses seated deeper. The binary of things bought and stolen introduces new economic complexities—even if unintentional. Of course no one needs a brand new Mercedes, let alone an other other one. That’s not the point here. The point is how that basic human need for status and comfort lies somewhere between stacking paper and being “In the cell raising hell / Tryna get back to the trap.”

Not only that, but the whole thing rides an epic, self-produced Lex Luger homage of a beat. That may be the furthest thing from Tupac’s pop-minded G-funk, but like fellow Pac idolizer Waka, it captures the nebulous spirit of a rapper whose model of conflicted integrity has proven more durable than his songs.