28. 2pac, All Eyez on Me
All Eyez on Me was 2Pac’s first album with Death Row Records. While the record was iconic, it was something about this soldier’s poise on the cover that spoke volumes about the next few stages of his life. His eyes were defiant and his posture was set with a confidence (and comfortability) that was not fully present in his other projects. Tattoos prominently swaying on his left shoulder, leading your eye to what was clearly his prized possession at the time: his Death Row medallion. Across from his hood-boastful display of his diamonded-out piece is his classic West-side “W.”
The four of the other sleeves show the semi-conscious prince in a new light. He seems to be getting money. One of them, in big red letters and image, was the Death Row logo. The entire flip is heartbreaking as we know in 2021 something he didn’t in early 1996 when the LP dropped — in seven months to the day of its release he would be released to the heavens. All eyes were indeed on him.