Nigga What, Nigga Who (Originator 99)

About this song

The track was produced by Timbaland and samples Earth, Wind & Fire's "Sunshine" and Playa's "Cheers 2 U." It was released on March 1, 1999 as the fourth official single from Jay-Z's third studio album, peaking at #23 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart and #84 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2004 it was mashed up with Linkin Park's "Faint" on the EP Collision Course, which renewed its popularity.

What it's about

The song is a sequel to one of Jay-Z and Jaz-O's early collaborations, with Jaz-O, Jay-Z's early rap mentor, joining him on the track. The hook is delivered by Amil, a newer Roc-A-Fella Records signee.

Fun facts

• Samples “Cheers 2 U by Playa”.
• Sampled in 8 other songs, like “Sphinx by Ateyaba (Ft. Rim'K & Seth Gueko)”.
• Written by Timbaland, Jaz-O and JAŸ-Z.
• Produced by Timbaland.
• Recorded at Manhattan Center Studios (New York City).