{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2025}} {{Infobox album | name = Better Dayz | type = studio | artist = [[Tupac Shakur|2Pac]] | cover = Beterdayz.jpg | alt = | released = November 26, 2002 | recorded = {{Plainlist| * 1994–1996 (2Pac's vocals) * 2001–2002 (production, guest vocals, and mixing) }} | studio = | genre = {{hlist|[[Hip hop music|Hip hop]]|[[gangsta rap]]|[[West Coast hip hop]]|[[hardcore hip hop]]<ref name="allmusic"/>|[[Contemporary R&B|R&B]]<ref name="allmusic"/>}} | length = 105:33 | label = {{hlist|[[Amaru Entertainment|Amaru]]|[[Death Row Records|Tha Row]]|[[Interscope Records|Interscope]]}} | producer = {{hlist|[[Afeni Shakur]] ([[executive producer#Music|exec.]])|[[Johnny "J"]]|[[Hurt-M-Badd]]|[[DJ Quik]]}} | prev_title = [[Until the End of Time (Tupac Shakur album)|Until the End of Time]] | prev_year = 2001 | next_title = [[The Prophet: The Best of the Works]] | next_year = 2003 | misc = {{Singles | name = Better Dayz | type = Studio | single1 = [[Thugz Mansion]] | single1date = October 17, 2002 | single2 = [[Still Ballin']] | single2date = May 21, 2003 }} }}
'''''Better Dayz''''' is the eighth [[studio album]] and fourth [[wikt:posthumous|posthumous]] album by the late American rapper [[2Pac]]. It is his last double-album.
It was released on November 26, 2002, debuting at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]]. The album is the second of two albums (the first being ''[[Until the End of Time (Tupac Shakur album)|Until the End of Time]]'') that consists of a collection of previously unreleased material by way of [[remix]]ed songs from Tupac's "[[Makaveli]]" period while signed to [[Death Row Records]], and was produced by [[Johnny "J"]], [[Jazze Pha]], Frank Nitty, and [[E.D.I. Mean]] of [[Outlawz]]. It includes "Military Minds" which features [[Boot Camp Clik]] members Buckshot and [[Smif-n-Wessun]] (credited as Cocoa Brovaz) which was supposed to be part of a collaborative album between Shakur and BCC titled ''One Nation'' but was never officially released due to Shakur's death. Better Dayz has no censored references to [[Death Row Records]] unlike the previous album, ''Until the End of Time''. The only track on the album pre-Death Row era is "My Block (Remix)", which was recorded in 1994–1995 during Shakur's time with [[Interscope Records]], and which the original version was released prior on the 1995 soundtrack album ''[[The Show (soundtrack)|The Show]]''. The songs ‘’Late Night’’ and "Who Do You Believe In" were also released previously on Death Row's 1999 compilation ''[[Suge Knight Represents: Chronic 2000|Chronic 2000]]''. The song ‘’Late Night’’ is missing from all digital and streaming releases, as well as newer CD releases.
The album features appearances by [[Outlawz]], [[Ron Isley]], [[Nas]], [[Mýa]], [[Jazze Pha]] and [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]], among others. The hit single, "Thugz Mansion," has two versions: an [[Acoustic music|acoustic]] version featuring Nas and J. Phoenix, which the music video is based on, and a hip hop version featuring [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]].
==Recording== The album features unreleased recordings from the 1994–1996 period, the majority of which are remixed tracks from ''[[Thug Life Volume 1]]'', ''[[All Eyez On Me]]'' & ''[[The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory]]''. The album's other tracks retain their original form or are complete finished mixes, such as "Fuck 'Em All", "Late Night", "Ghetto Star", "Better Dayz", "Who Do U Believe In?" and "They Don't Give a Fuck About Us".
==Critical reception== {{Music ratings | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/better-dayz-mw0000663367 |title=2Pac - Better Dayz |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=December 7, 2017 |last=Bush |first=John}}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' | rev2Score = C<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,401865,00.html|title=Better Dayz Review|last=Ford|first=Robert|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]]|date=2003-01-03|page=64|access-date=2012-10-12|archive-date=2013-04-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130417034229/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,401865,00.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> | rev3 = ''[[HipHopDX]]'' | rev3Score = 4/5<ref name="hiphopdx">{{cite web |url=https://hiphopdx.com/reviews/id.243/title.2pac-better-dayz-2-cd# |title=2Pac - Better Dayz (2 CD) |publisher=HipHopDX |access-date=December 7, 2017 |last=Tindal |first=K.B.|date=16 December 2002 }}</ref> | rev4 = ''RapReviews'' | rev4Score = 7.5/10<ref name="rarpreviews">{{cite web |url=http://www.rapreviews.com/archive/2002_11F_better.html |title=2Pac :: Better Dayz |publisher=RapReviews |access-date=December 7, 2017 |last=Juon |first=Steve 'Flash'}}</ref> | rev5 = ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' | rev5Score = {{rating|1|5}}<ref name="rolling stone">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/tupac-shakur/albumguide |title=Tupac ShakurAlbum Guide |access-date=December 7, 2017 |magazine=Rolling Stone |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225220228/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/tupac-shakur/albumguide |archive-date=February 25, 2011 }}</ref> | rev6 = ''[[Tom Hull (critic)|Tom Hull – on the Web]]'' | rev6score = B−<ref>{{cite web|url=https://tomhull.com/ocston/nm/get_gl.php?n=2Pac|title=Grade List: 2Pac|website=[[Tom Hull (critic)|Tom Hull – on the Web]]|last=Hull|first=Tom|access-date=January 10, 2026}}</ref> }} John Bush from [[AllMusic]] wrote: "Better Dayz shouldn't be overlooked [...] A lengthy two-disc set, it benefits from a raft of still-compelling material by one of the two or three best rappers in history, as well as excellent compiling by executive producers [[Suge Knight]] and [[Afeni Shakur]], 2Pac's mother. Organizing the set roughly into one disc of hardcore rap and one of R&B jams makes for an easier listen, and the R&B disc especially has some strong tracks, opening with a remix of 1995's 'My Block' and including quintessentially 2Pac material—reflective, conflicted, occasionally anguished—like 'Never Call U Bitch Again,' 'Better Dayz,' 'Fame,' and 'This Life I Lead.' [...] It's 2Pac's best album since his death."<ref name="allmusic"/> ''[[Kludge (magazine)|Kludge]]'' magazine included it on their list of best albums of 2002.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Best of 2002|url=http://www.kludgemagazine.com/articles.php?id=186|website=[[Kludge (magazine)|Kludge]]|access-date=November 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080529152511/http://www.kludgemagazine.com/articles.php?id=186|archive-date=May 29, 2008|url-status=live}}</ref> The track "Ghetto Star" has appeared on the soundtrack to the video game ''[[25 to Life]]''.
==Commercial performance== ''Better Dayz'' debuted at number five on the US [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart, selling 366,000 copies in its first week.<ref name="BB200">{{Cite news|author=David Jenison|title="Up" over McGraw, 2Pac, J.Lo|publisher=[[E!]]|date=Dec 4, 2002}}</ref> This became 2Pac's eighth US top-ten album.<ref name="BB200"/> In its second week, the album dropped to number eight on the chart, selling an additional 163,000 copies.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/73170/mariahs-charms-unable-to-send-shanias-up-down|title=Mariah's Charms Unable to Send Shania's 'Up' Down|last=Martens|first=Todd|magazine=Billboard|date=December 11, 2002|access-date=August 17, 2011}}</ref> As of September 2011, the album has sold 1,765,597 copies in the United States.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/09/tupac-month-2pacs-discography/#2 |title=Tupac Month: 2Pac's Discography |access-date=May 27, 2013}}</ref> On July 23, 2014, the album was certified [[RIAA Certification|triple platinum]] by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) for sales of over three million copies.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=2+pac&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=RIAA Certifications - 2Pac|website=[[Recording Industry Association of America]] |access-date=March 1, 2020}}</ref>
In May 2003, the album was also certified triple platinum in Canada for sales of over 300,000 copies in Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cria.ca/gold/0503_g.php |title=Gold & Platinum Certification – May 2003 |publisher=[[Canadian Recording Industry Association]] |access-date=2010-08-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090212002313/http://www.cria.ca/gold/0503_g.php |archive-date=2009-02-12 }}</ref>
==Track listing== {{track listing | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 45:23 | headline = Disc 1 | title1 = Intro | note1 = | extra1 = [[7 Aurelius]] | length1 = 0:56 | title2 = [[Still Ballin'|Still Ballin{{'-}}]] | note2 = featuring [[Trick Daddy]] | extra2 = Original by [[Johnny "J"]], Remix by Nitty | length2 = 2:50 | title3 = When We Ride on Our Enemies | note3 = | extra3 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by BRISS | length3 = 2:54 | title4 = Changed Man | note4 = featuring [[T.I.]] & [[Johntá Austin]] | extra4 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by [[Jazze Pha]] | length4 = 3:52 | title5 = Fuck Em All | note5 = featuring [[Outlawz]] | extra5 = Johnny "J" | length5 = 4:26 | title6 = Never B Peace | note6 = featuring [[E.D.I.]] & [[Kastro (Outlawz)|Kastro]] of the Outlawz | extra6 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by Nitty | length6 = 4:59 | title7 = Mama's Just a Little Girl | note7 = featuring Kimmy Hill | extra7 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by Kip "KP" Wilson | length7 = 4:58 | title8 = Street Fame | note8 = | extra8 = Original by [[Daz Dillinger]], Remix by BRISS | length8 = 4:30 | title9 = Whatcha Gonna Do | note9 = featuring Kastro & [[Young Noble]] of the Outlawz | extra9 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by E.D.I. | length9 = 3:39 | title10 = Fair Xchange | note10 = featuring [[Jazze Pha]] | extra10 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by [[Jazze Pha]] | length10 = 3:52 | title11 = Late Night | note11 = from '''''Chronic 2000 Still Smokin''''', featuring [[DJ Quik]] & Outlawz | extra11 = [[DJ Quik]] | length11 = 4:18 | title12 = Ghetto Star | note12 = featuring Nutt-So | extra12 = Go-Twice | length12 = 4:15 | title13 = [[Thugz Mansion]] (Acoustic Version) | note13 = featuring [[Nas]] & J. Phoenix | extra13 = Original by Johnny "J", Remix by A. "Pitboss" Johnson, Aulsondro "[[Emcee N.I.C.E.]]" Hamilton, and Claudio Cueni | length13 = 4:13 }} {{Track listing | headline = Disc 2 | extra_column = Producer(s) | total_length = 63:10 | all_writing = | all_lyrics = | all_music = | title1 = My Block (Remix) | note1 = | writer1 = | lyrics1 = | music1 = | extra1 = Original by [[Easy Mo Bee]], Remix by Nitty | length1 = 5:22 | title2 = Thugz Mansion | note2 = featuring [[Anthony Hamilton (musician)|Anthony Hamilton]] | writer2 = | lyrics2 = | music2 = | extra2 = Original by [[Johnny J]], Remix by 7 Aurelius | length2 = 4:07 | title3 = Never Call U Bitch Again | note3 = featuring [[Tyrese Gibson|Tyrese]] | writer3 = | lyrics3 = | music3 = | extra3 = [[Johnny J]] | length3 = 4:38 | title4 = Better Dayz | note4 = featuring [[Ron Isley|Mr. Biggs]] | writer4 = | lyrics4 = | music4 = | extra4 = [[Johnny J]] | length4 = 4:17 | title5 = U Can Call | note5 = featuring Jazze Pha | writer5 = | lyrics5 = | music5 = | extra5 = Original by [[Johnny J]], Remix by Jazze Pha | length5 = 3:49 | title6 = Military Minds | note6 = from '''''The One Nation album''''', featuring [[Cocoa Brovaz]] & [[Buckshot (rapper)|Buckshot]] | writer6 = | lyrics6 = | music6 = | extra6 = Original by Darryl “Big D” Harper, Remix by E.D.I. Mean | length6 = 5:29 | title7 = Fame | note7 = featuring [[Yaki Kadafi]], Kastro, [[Napoleon (rapper)|Napoleon]] & Young Noble from the Outlawz | writer7 = | lyrics7 = | music7 = | extra7 = [[Hurt M Badd]] | length7 = 4:50 | title8 = Fair Xchange (Remix) | note8 = featuring [[Mýa]] | writer8 = | lyrics8 = | music8 = | extra8 = Original by [[Johnny J]], Remix by Troy Johnson | length8 = 3:56 | title9 = Catchin Feelins | note9 = featuring Muszamil & E.D.I., Napoleon & Young Noble from the Outlawz | writer9 = | lyrics9 = | music9 = | extra9 = Original by [[Johnny J]], Remix by [[E.D.I. Mean]] | length9 = 4:54 | title10 = There U Go | note10 = featuring Yaki Kadafi, E.D.I. Mean, Kastro, Napoleon of the Outlawz, [[Big Syke]] & Jazze Pha | writer10 = | lyrics10 = | music10 = | extra10 = [[Johnny J]] | length10 = 5:30 | title11 = This Life I Lead | note11 = featuring Outlawz | writer11 = | lyrics11 = | music11 = | extra11 = [[Johnny J]] | length11 = 5:21 | title12 = [[Who Do U Believe In]] | note12 = from '''''Chronic 2000 Still Smokin''''', featuring Yaki Kadafi from the Outlawz | writer12 = | lyrics12 = | music12 = | extra12 = [[Johnny J]] | length12 = 5:30 | title13 = They Don't Give a Fuck About Us | note13 = featuring Outlawz | writer13 = | lyrics13 = | music13 = | extra13 = [[Johnny J]] | length13 = 5:08 | title14 = Outro | note14 = | writer14 = | lyrics14 = | music14 = | extra14 = | length14 = 0:13 }}
==Samples== * "Better Dayz" ** "Let's Fall in Love (Parts 1 & 2)" by [[The Isley Brothers]] * "Catchin' Feelins" ** "Peter Piper" by [[Run-DMC]] * "Late Night" ** "Have Your Ass Home by 11:00" by [[Richard Pryor]] ** "Wind Parade" by [[Donald Byrd]] ** "Last Night Changed It All (I Really Had a Ball)" by Esther Williams * "This Life I Lead" ** "Naturally Mine" by [[Al B. Sure!]] * "Who Do U Believe In" ** "Manifest Destiny" from ''[[The Return of the Space Cowboy]]'' by [[Jamiroquai]]
==Personnel== {{div col}} * 2Pac – vocals * Johnta Austin – featured artist * Rob "Fonksta" Bacon – guest artist, guitar * Bill Bennett – assistant engineer * Big Syke �� featured artist * Ian Blanch – assistant engineer, engineer * Warren Bletcher – assistant engineer * Ian Boxill – engineer, mixing * Leslie Brathwaite – engineer, mixing * Briss – instrumentation, producer * Buckshot – featured artist * Coco Brothers – featured artist * Courtney Copeland – background vocals * Kevin Crouse – engineer * Claudio Cueni – digital editing, engineer, mixing, producer * Chris DeLaPena – assistant engineer * DJ Quik – engineer, producer * E.D.I. – featured artist, mixing, music supervisor, remixing * Steve Fisher – assistant engineer * Nanci Fletcher – featured artist * G Mack – guitar * Brian "Big Bass" Gardner – mastering * A. Gobi – photography * Anthony Hamilton – featured artist * Darryl Harper – producer * Kimmy Hill – featured artist * Ronald Isley – guest artist * Jazze Pha – featured artist, producer * Johnny J – arranger, mixing, producer * Troy Johnson – instrumentation, producer * Kadafi – featured artist * Kastro – performer * Ronnie King – keyboards * Suge Knight – executive producer * Mr. Biggs – featured artist * Chicu Modu – photography * Molly Monjauze – project director * Mussamill – featured artist * James Musshorn – assistant engineer * Mya – featured artist * Napoleon – featured artist * Nas – featured artist * Duane Nettlesbey – composer * Nutso – featured artist * Outlawz – featured artist * J. Phoenix – featured artist * Frank Nitty Pimentel – drum programming, keyboards, producer * Will Pyon – digital editing * Chuck Reed – digital editing * R.J. – bass, guitar * 7 Aurelius – instrumentation, producer * Afeni Shakur – executive producer * Shorty B. – bass, guitar * Dexter Simmons – mixing * Alex Stiff – bass, guitar * T.I. – featured artist * Ellis Taylor – background vocals * Trick Daddy – featured artist * Tyrese – featured artist * Mark Vinten – assistant engineer * Corey Williams – assistant engineer * Dwight DeLemond Williams – featured artist * Jasmine Wilson – background vocals * Keston Wright – engineer * Young Noble – featured artist {{div col end}}
==Charts== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}}
=== Weekly charts === {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Weekly chart performance for ''Better Dayz'' ! Chart (2002–2003) ! Peak<br>position |- ! scope="row"| Australian Albums ([[ARIA Charts|ARIA]])<ref>{{cite Ryan|page=287}}</ref> | align="center"| 51 |- {{Album chart|BillboardCanada|7|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- ! scope="row"|Canadian R&B Albums ([[Nielsen SoundScan]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicCharts/RANDB.html|title=R&B : Top 50|website=[[Jam!]]|date=December 19, 2002|access-date=January 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021226085222/http://www.canoe.com/JamMusicCharts/RANDB.html|archive-date=December 26, 2002|url-status=dead}}</ref> |style="text-align:center;"|3 |- {{Album chart|Netherlands|36|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|France|52|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|Germany|45|id=4346|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=August 10, 2019}} |- {{Album chart|Ireland2|40|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|New Zealand|20|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|Switzerland|60|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|UK|68|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|UKR&B|7|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|Billboard200|5|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|BillboardRandBHipHop|1|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |- {{Album chart|BillboardRap|1|artist=2Pac|album=Better Dayz|rowheader=true|access-date=11 December 2015}} |} {{col-2}}
=== Year-end charts === {|class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |+Year-end chart performance for ''Better Dayz'' !Chart (2002) !Position |- ! scope="row"|Canadian Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040812030723/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2002.html|archivedate=August 12, 2004|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/200-1_2002.html|title=Top 200 Albums of 2002 (based on sales)|website=[[Jam!]]|accessdate=March 24, 2022}}</ref> | 91 |- ! scope="row"|Canadian R&B Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031012032620/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_r%26b.html|archivedate=October 12, 2003|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_r%26b.html|title=Canada's Top 200 R&B; albums of 2002|website=[[Jam!]]|accessdate=March 27, 2022|url-status=dead}}</ref> |17 |- ! scope="row"|Canadian Rap Albums (Nielsen SoundScan)<ref>{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20031012032336/http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_rap.html|archivedate=October 12, 2003|url=http://www.jamshowbiz.com/JamMusicCharts/2002_rap.html|title=Top 100 rap albums of 2002 in Canada|website=[[Jam!]]|accessdate=March 27, 2022}}</ref> |8 |} {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center" |- ! scope="col"| Chart (2003) ! scope="col"| Position |- ! scope="row"| US ''Billboard'' 200<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/top-billboard-200-albums|title=Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2003|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 5, 2018}}</ref> | 41 |- ! scope="row"| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/top-r-and-b-hip-hop-albums|title=YEAR-END CHARTS RAP ALBUMS 2003|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 30, 2019}}</ref> | 3 |} {{col-end}}
==Certifications== {{Certification Table Top}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|type=album|title=Better Dayz|artist=2Pac|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2002|certyear=2003}} {{Certification Table Entry | region=United Kingdom | artist=2Pac | type=album | title=Better Dayz | award=Gold | certyear=2013 | access-date=December 8, 2011 | relyear=2002|id=11997-1284-2}} {{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|type=album|title=Better Dayz|artist=2 Pac|award=Platinum|number=3|relyear=2002|certyear=2014}} {{Certification Table Bottom | nosales=true}}
==See also== * [[List of number-one R&B albums of 2002 (U.S.)]]
==References== {{Reflist}}
{{2Pac}}
{{Authority control}}
[[Category:2002 albums]] [[Category:Tupac Shakur albums]] [[Category:Albums published posthumously]] [[Category:Albums produced by E.D.I.]] [[Category:Albums produced by Daz Dillinger]] [[Category:Albums produced by DJ Quik]] [[Category:Albums produced by Johnny "J"]] [[Category:Death Row Records albums]] [[Category:Albums produced by Hurt-M-Badd]]