"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.

Background

2Pac wrote the lyrics to the song while in prison for sexual abuse charges in 1995. After being released from prison, he recorded the song at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, Los Angeles on October 13, 1995. In a 2015 interview with XXL, Kurupt stated that 2Pac recorded the first verse in 45 minutes. 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."

Content

The lyrics revolve around 2Pac's readiness to face challenges and obstacles in his life, 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. The song also contains a sample of ring announcer Michael Buffer saying his catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!"

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."

Certifications