How Do U Want It (ft. K-Ci & JoJo)

The song 'How Do U Want It' by 2Pac, featuring K-Ci & JoJo, is a multi-layered anthem that operates on both a carnal and a philosophical level. On the surface, it is an unabashedly explicit and confident track about sexual desire and the pursuit of pleasure. 2Pac's lyrics are direct and unfiltered, expressing a strong physical attraction to a woman and detailing his intentions for a sexual encounter. This is intertwined with vivid imagery of a lavish and hedonistic lifestyle, filled with luxury items and a carefree attitude. The song's chorus, crooned by K-Ci & JoJo, repeatedly asks, 'How do you want it? How does it feel?', which, in this context, is a direct and sensual inquiry.

However, beneath the surface of this party track lies a deeper commentary on fame, success, and the pressures that come with it. 2Pac uses the song as a platform to assert his dominance and confidence in the face of his critics and adversaries. There are direct call-outs to figures like C. Delores Tucker, who was a vocal critic of gangsta rap, as well as political figures like Bill Clinton and Bob Dole. By addressing them, 2Pac dismisses their criticism as out of touch with his reality. The line 'Comin up as a nigga in the cash game, livin in the fast lane; I'm for real' frames the song's narrative within the context of his journey and the authenticity of his experiences. Therefore, the question 'How do you want it?' can also be interpreted as a challenge to his listeners and critics, asking them how they perceive his success and the unapologetic way he lives his life. It's a declaration of his autonomy and a refusal to conform to societal expectations.

The narrative of the song unfolds as a direct and provocative proposition, a confident exploration of desire and the lavish lifestyle that accompanies fame. The protagonist, a figure of significant status and wealth, addresses a woman he is intensely attracted to. He is captivated by her physical presence, her movements, and the way she carries herself. The initial verses are a testament to this raw attraction, describing his almost overwhelming desire. He's not one for subtleties, making it clear that his intentions are physical. The setting is one of opulence and freedom, a world where fast cars, expensive drinks like champagne and Hennessy, and a general disregard for authority are the norm. He positions himself as a provider, an 'international player' who can grant any wish, likening himself to a modern-day Aladdin. This is a world of instant gratification, where material wealth and sensual pleasure are intertwined.

As the song progresses, the tone shifts slightly to a more confrontational and boastful stance, though still within the context of seduction. The protagonist's confidence borders on arrogance as he questions the woman's hesitation, asserting his own prowess and dismissing any notion that he's there for mere conversation. The imagery becomes more explicit and hedonistic, with references to 'erotic' and 'psychotic' tendencies, and the physical act of sex is compared to the mechanics of hydraulics and the thrill of a roller coaster. This section highlights a life lived on the edge, a constant party where inhibitions are shed. There's also a defiant undercurrent, a challenge to societal norms and critics. He directly calls out figures like C. Delores Tucker, Bill Clinton, and Bob Dole, positioning them as out of touch with his reality and the 'game' he navigates. This isn't just a seduction; it's a declaration of his unapologetic existence in the face of judgment.

The latter part of the song delves deeper into the realities of this high-stakes lifestyle. The protagonist reflects on his past, his upbringing, and the constant threats he faces. He speaks of being a 'rider,' a product of his environment who has learned to be 'bulletproof.' The paranoia and dangers of his world are evident, with mentions of adversaries, the cemetery, and the ever-present media scrutiny. Despite the glamour, there's an underlying sense of struggle and the need for survival. He desires a life of immense wealth, to make 'a couple million and then I'm chilling,' but acknowledges the pressures of taxes and lawsuits. This vulnerability adds a layer of complexity to his character. He's not just a hedonist; he's a survivor navigating a treacherous landscape. The recurring question, 'How do you want it?', therefore, takes on a dual meaning. It's a direct, sensual question to a woman, but it also becomes a broader philosophical inquiry into the nature of desire, ambition, and the choices one makes in the pursuit of success and pleasure in a world fraught with peril.

"How Do U Want It" was recorded on October 15, 1995, at Can-Am Studios in Tarzana, Los Angeles. The song was produced by Johnny "J", a frequent and close collaborator of 2Pac's. It was one of the many tracks created for 2Pac's fourth studio album, the monumental double-disc 'All Eyez on Me', which was released in February 1996. The track features the R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo, who were at the peak of their fame as the lead singers of the group Jodeci. Their smooth, soulful chorus provides a melodic contrast to 2Pac's raw and energetic verses. The collaboration came about when 2Pac, who had initially recorded the chorus himself in a low baritone, was not satisfied with his own vocal performance. He then asked Dalvin DeGrate of Jodeci if the group would be on the record, which led to K-Ci and JoJo's involvement. The song famously samples Quincy Jones' 1974 track "Body Heat". "How Do U Want It" was released as a double A-sided single with the equally iconic "California Love" on June 4, 1996, and it was the final single to be released during 2Pac's lifetime.

The creation of the song was part of an incredibly prolific period for 2Pac following his release from prison. The lyrics reflect his experiences and his defiant attitude at the time. The recording process was described as intense, with 2Pac's passion and dedication driving the sessions. The song also contains a direct diss towards C. Delores Tucker, a civil rights activist who was a vocal critic of gangsta rap. This led to a lawsuit from Tucker against 2Pac's estate, which was later dismissed. Three music videos were filmed for the song, directed by Ron Hightower. Two of these were party-themed, with a clean and an explicit, X-rated version featuring several porn stars. The third was a concert version.

'How Do U Want It' features a relatively straightforward and effective rhyme scheme that serves to emphasize 2Pac's lyrical prowess and storytelling. The verses predominantly use couplets (AABB), creating a sense of forward momentum and making the lyrics memorable and impactful. For instance, 'Love the way you activate your hips and push your ass out / Got a nigga wantin it so bad I'm bout to pass out'. This simple structure allows the narrative to unfold clearly and powerfully.

The rhythm of the song is deeply rooted in the G-funk style of West Coast hip-hop. The tempo is mid-range, creating a laid-back yet danceable groove that is perfect for a party atmosphere. The instrumental, built around the 'Body Heat' sample, provides a funky and soulful rhythmic bed for 2Pac's vocals. 2Pac's lyrical rhythm is dynamic and conversational. He often varies his flow, sometimes rapping slightly ahead of or behind the beat, which adds a sense of spontaneity and energy to his delivery. This interplay between his vocal rhythm and the steady groove of the track is a key element of the song's appeal. The smooth, melodic rhythm of K-Ci & JoJo's chorus provides a perfect contrast, creating a sense of balance and release after the intensity of the verses.

Literary Techniques:

• Direct Address: 2Pac directly addresses the woman he is pursuing, creating an intimate and confrontational tone. This is evident from the opening lines and the recurring questions in the chorus.
• Hyperbole: He uses exaggeration to emphasize his desire and wealth, such as 'Got a nigga wantin it so bad I'm bout to pass out'.
• Rhetorical Questions: The song is peppered with rhetorical questions like 'Did you think I come to talk am I a fool or what?', which serve to assert his dominance and dismiss any ambiguity about his intentions.
• Allusion: 2Pac makes allusions to contemporary political figures like Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, as well as his critic C. Delores Tucker, grounding the song in the socio-political context of the mid-90s.
• Internal Rhyme: He employs internal rhymes to create a more fluid and rhythmic flow, for example, 'Mr. International, playa with the passport'.

Musical Techniques:

• Sampling: The song is built around a prominent sample of Quincy Jones' 'Body Heat', which provides the main melodic and harmonic foundation, giving the track a soulful and funky groove.
• G-Funk Elements: The production, handled by Johnny 'J', incorporates classic G-funk elements, such as a prominent bassline, synthesizer melodies, and a relaxed yet driving tempo.
• Call and Response: There is a call and response dynamic between 2Pac's verses and K-Ci & JoJo's sung chorus, creating a dynamic interplay between the raw rap delivery and the smooth R&B vocals.
• Vocal Delivery: 2Pac's vocal performance is characterized by his energetic and passionate delivery. He varies his flow and intensity to match the lyrical content, moving from seductive to aggressive.

'How Do U Want It' was a massive commercial success and had a significant cultural impact. Released as a double A-sided single with 'California Love', it reached number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, becoming a defining anthem of the summer of 1996. It was Death Row Records' first and only single to top the chart. The song was certified double-platinum by the RIAA and received a Grammy nomination in 1997 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Its success further solidified 2Pac's status as a global superstar.

The song's explicit nature and its unapologetic celebration of a hedonistic lifestyle made it a landmark track in mainstream hip-hop. It pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable on commercial radio and music television. The accompanying music videos, particularly the uncensored version featuring porn stars, were controversial and widely discussed, further cementing the song's rebellious image. 'How Do U Want It' has been featured in various films and television shows, including the 2002 film 'Friday After Next' and the 2005 movie 'Havoc'. The song has also experienced a resurgence in popularity decades after its release, going viral on platforms like TikTok and re-entering the Billboard charts, a testament to its enduring appeal. The song remains a staple of 90s hip-hop and is considered one of 2Pac's most iconic tracks.

While 'How Do U Want It' is largely a straightforward and explicit track, it does employ some symbolism and metaphors to enhance its themes of power, desire, and the fast-paced lifestyle of a successful rapper.

• Aladdin Metaphor: 2Pac compares himself to Aladdin, telling a woman, 'Just like Aladdin bitch, get you anything you ask for'. This is a metaphor for his wealth and power, suggesting he can provide a lavish and magical lifestyle, fulfilling any material desire. It paints him as a figure who can make fantasies a reality.
• Rider as a Symbol of Authenticity: 2Pac repeatedly refers to himself as a 'rider'. In the context of his music and persona, a 'rider' is someone who is loyal, tough, and authentic to their roots and experiences. It symbolizes his resilience and his commitment to his identity, even amidst fame and fortune. It's a declaration that he remains grounded in his reality despite his success.
• The Fast Lane as a Metaphor for Life: The phrase 'livin in the fast lane' is a common metaphor, but in this song, it encapsulates the entirety of 2Pac's existence at the time. It represents not just the speed and excitement but also the inherent dangers and the constant motion of his life. It's a life of high stakes, high rewards, and constant peril.
• Hydraulics and Roller Coasters as Sexual Metaphors: To describe sexual acts, 2Pac uses the metaphors of 'hittin switches on bitches like I been fixed with hydraulics' and 'Up and down like a roller coaster'. These are vivid and mechanical metaphors that emphasize the physical and dynamic nature of the encounter, framing it as a thrilling and powerful experience.

The most prominent recurring phrase in the song is the chorus itself: 'How do you want it? How does it feel? Comin up as a nigga in the cash game, livin in the fast lane; I'm for real'. This refrain serves as the central theme of the song, and its repetition reinforces the dual nature of its meaning. On one hand, it's a direct, sensual question. On the other, it's a broader statement about 2Pac's life and success. Each time it's repeated, it brings the listener back to this core idea of desire and the reality of his high-stakes lifestyle.

Another recurring motif is the idea of being a 'rider'. 2Pac mentions this in the line 'Forgive me I'm a rider, still I'm just a simple man'. This concept of being a 'rider' is a common thread in much of 2Pac's music, symbolizing authenticity, loyalty, and a connection to the streets, no matter how much fame and fortune he achieves. Its recurrence here reinforces his identity and his refusal to compromise who he is.

The theme of wealth and the ability to provide a lavish lifestyle is also a recurring motif. Phrases like 'All I want is money, fuck the fame' and 'Just like Aladdin bitch, get you anything you ask for' appear in the first verse, and the idea of a life filled with 'champagne, Hennessey' is a constant backdrop. This motif highlights the materialistic aspects of the world he inhabits and his role as a provider within it.