California Love

About this song

It was the first track 2Pac released after his time in prison and his decision to join Death Row. The song was originally intended as the first single for Dr. Dre's 1996 Aftermath compilation and included three verses from Dre. It was later remixed and released on the double album All Eyez On Me, and the music video was inspired by the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome, directed by Hype Williams.

What it's about

2Pac and Dr. Dre rap about the many facets that come with living the California lifestyle.

Fun facts

• Samples “Woman to Woman by Joe Cocker” and “Dance Floor by Zapp”.
• Sampled in 48 other songs, like “Juicy Booty by Chris Brown (Ft. Jhené Aiko & R. Kelly)”.
• Covered 10 times, including “California Love by Phish”.
• Written by 2Pac, Roger Troutman, J-Flexx, Chris Stainton, Ronnie Hudson and Mikel Hooks.
• Produced by Dr. Dre.