“California Love” is a song by American rapper 2Pac featuring American rapper Dr. Dre. It was released on June 15, 1995, as the lead single from 2Pac’s fourth studio album, All Eyez on Me. The song was produced by Dr. Dre and features a sample of Joe Cocker’s 1972 song “Woman to Woman”.
“California Love” was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song also topped the charts in several other countries, including Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It was certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), denoting sales of over 4 million copies in the United States.
“California Love” is considered to be one of the most iconic hip hop songs of all time. The song’s music video, which was directed by Hype Williams, was also a huge success. The video features 2Pac and Dr. Dre performing the song in a variety of locations, including the desert, the beach, and a mansion. The video also features cameos from several celebrities, including Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt.
“California Love” is a celebration of California culture and lifestyle. The song’s lyrics are full of references to California landmarks, such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Hollywood, and Venice Beach. The song also features a number of catchy hooks and phrases, such as “California knows how to party” and “We got it goin’ on”.
“California Love” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of hip hop music. The song is a celebration of California culture and lifestyle, and it is a reminder that California is a state that is full of opportunity and excitement.
The Story:
2Pac was released from prison in October 1995 after serving nine months of a one-year sentence for sexual assault. He immediately began working on his fourth studio album, All Eyez on Me. One of the first songs that he recorded for the album was “California Love”.
Dr. Dre was also working on his second studio album, The Chronic, at the time. He and 2Pac had been friends since the early 1990s, and they had collaborated on several songs together. When 2Pac recorded “California Love”, he asked Dr. Dre to produce it.
Dr. Dre agreed to produce the song, and he added a sample of Joe Cocker’s 1972 song “Woman to Woman” to the beat. The song was a huge success, and it helped to make All Eyez on Me one of the best-selling rap albums of all time.
The Music Video:
The music video for “California Love” was directed by Hype Williams. The video features 2Pac and Dr. Dre performing the song in a variety of locations, including the desert, the beach, and a mansion. The video also features cameos from several celebrities, including Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg, and Kurupt.
The music video for “California Love” was a huge success. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Rap Video, and it won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Rap Video. The video is considered to be one of the most iconic hip hop music videos of all time.
The Legacy:
“California Love” is one of the most iconic hip hop songs of all time. The song’s music video, which was directed by Hype Williams, was also a huge success. The song is a celebration of California culture and lifestyle, and it is a reminder that California is a state that is full of opportunity and excitement.
“California Love” is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by fans of hip hop music. The song is a celebration of California culture and lifestyle, and it is a reminder that California is a state that is full of opportunity and excitement.
Fun Fact
The music video for the song was directed by Hype Williams, who used a futuristic theme with nods to Mad Max and other post-apocalyptic movies. It cost $1.5 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive music videos of its time. Additionally, the video features a cameo from comedian Chris Tucker and ends with a tribute to 2Pac, who died just a few months after the release of the song.
Did you know? The song’s hook, “California knows how to party,” is actually a sample of the song “So Ruff, So Tuff” by Roger Troutman and Zapp.
About the Artists
2Pac and Dr. Dre were two of the most influential and successful rappers of the 1990s. They were both from California, and they helped to define the sound of West Coast hip hop. 2Pac was known for his raw and emotional lyrics, while Dr. Dre was known for his innovative production skills.
They collaborated on several songs together, including the hit singles “California Love” and “Nuthin’ But a ‘G’ Thang.” 2Pac was tragically murdered in 1996, but his music continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world. Dr. Dre went on to have a successful solo career, and he is now one of the most respected figures in the music industry.
