Me Against the Worldis the third studio album by2Pac,released on 14th March, 1995 by Out Da Gutta/Interscope Records. Drawing lyrical inspiration from his impending prison sentence, troubles with the police, and poverty, the album is described as being2Pacsmost introspective album. Released while2pacwas imprisoned, the album made an immediate impact on the charts, debuting at number one on the USBillboard200.Dear Mamawas released as the albums first single in February 1995 and would be the albums most successful single, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart, and peaking at the ninth spot on theBillboardHot 100. Me Against the Worldwon best rap album at the 1996 Soul Train Music Awards. In 1996, at the 38th Grammy Awards,Me Against the Worldwas nominated for Best Rap Album and the singleDear Mamawas nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance. Touted asconfessional, reflective, and soul-baring, Me Against the Worldwas as one of 2pacs most positively reviewed albums, with many calling it the magnum opus of his career. The work is considered one of the greatest and most influential hip hop albums of all time. In 2008, the National Association of Recording Merchandisers, in conjunction with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizedMe Against the Worldas one of the most influential and popular albums, ranking it number 170 on a list of 200 other albums by artists of various musical genres.