Released while 2Pac was imprisoned, "Me Against the World" made an immediate impact on the charts, debuting at number one on the "Billboard" 200, holding the top spot for four consecutive weeks, and Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. "Dear Mama" was released as the album's first single in February 1995 and would be the album's most successful single, topping the Hot Rap Singles chart, and peaking at number nine on the "Billboard" Hot 100. While 2Pac was in prison, the album over-took Bruce Springsteen's "Greatest Hits" as the current best-selling album of the year in the United States.