But since its emergence in the late 1980s, local rap has always stood out from its American big brother.

Death Row released the record, and shortly afterward, 2Pacs mother, Afeni Shakur, gained the rights to all of his unreleased recordings from both the Interscope and Death Row labels.

She founded the Amaru label and released the double-disc R U Still Down (Remember Me) in late 1997.

Culled from 2Pacs unreleased Interscope recordings between 1992 and 1994, including several tracks that have had backing musical tracks reconstructed, R U Still Down doesnt have the aura of exploitation that haunts the Makaveli album.

For the most part, Shakur sounds good, spinning out rhymes that are alternately clever or startling, although he eventually begins repeating himself.

As for the music itself, its pretty much standard-issue gangsta rap that never deviates from the course.

There are enough hidden gems to make R U Still Down worthwhile for hardcore 2Pac fans.

Cooper, ComposerLyricist - Tony Pizarro, Producer, ComposerLyricist - George Clinton Jr., ComposerLyricist - Tupac Shakur, Producer, ComposerLyricist - 2PAC, MainArtist.

Goodman, ComposerLyricist - Dennis Mcdowell, ComposerLyricist.

Wheaton, ComposerLyricist - Randy Walker, ComposerLyricist - O.

Jackson, ComposerLyricist - Live Squad, Producer - Tracy Lynn Curry, ComposerLyricist - George Clinton Jr., ComposerLyricist - Bernie Worrell, ComposerLyricist - Tupac Shakur, Producer, ComposerLyricist - 2PAC, MainArtist.

Himes, ComposerLyricist - BIG SYKE, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer.

Hardy, ComposerLyricist - BIG SYKE, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer.

Parker, ComposerLyricist - Tupac Shakur, ComposerLyricist - C.

Walker, ComposerLyricist - 2PAC, MainArtist - C Carter, ComposerLyricist - K.

Cox, ComposerLyricist - Dramacydal, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer - We Got Kidz, Producer.

Anderson, ComposerLyricist - Tupac Shakur, ComposerLyricist - 2PAC, Producer, MainArtist - Dj Daryl, Producer - Mark A.

Wood Jr., ComposerLyricist - The Black Angel, Vocals, AssociatedPerformer.

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