“California Love” is a hip hop song by 2Pac featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman. Released in December 1995 as a double A-side single with “How Do U Want It”, it was 2Pac’s comeback single after his release from prison and his first release as an artist of Death Row Records. The song became one of his most successful and iconic tracks, significantly boosting his career and solidifying his status as a major figure in hip hop.
“California Love” was produced by Dr. Dre, who also co-wrote the song. The track samples Joe Cocker’s “Woman to Woman” and incorporates elements of Roger Troutman’s “So Ruff, So Tuff.” Roger Troutman contributed to the song with his signature talk box vocals, adding a distinctive, funky layer to the production.
2Pac had recently signed with Death Row Records, and “California Love” was a statement of his return to the music scene. The song was included on his double album “All Eyez on Me,” released in 1996.
The lyrics of “California Love” celebrate the culture and lifestyle of California, particularly Los Angeles. The song pays homage to the state’s sunny weather, beautiful women, and vibrant party scene. 2Pac and Dr. Dre’s verses highlight the West Coast’s influence in hip hop and their pride in representing California. 2Pac’s verse is notable for its vivid imagery and charismatic delivery, while Dr. Dre’s contribution underscores the production’s high quality. The song captures the essence of West Coast hip hop during the 1990s, with its laid-back yet confident vibe.
The music video for “California Love” was directed by Hype Williams and is set in a post-apocalyptic, Mad Max-inspired world. The video features 2Pac, Dr. Dre, and Roger Troutman in a desert wasteland, engaging in high-energy performances and dramatic scenes reminiscent of the “Mad Max” films. The video was highly influential and visually striking, enhancing the song’s popularity.
A second version of the video, directed by Paul Hunter, is a continuation of the video’s story. The premise is that the desert scenes of the previous videos were merely a nightmare 2Pac was having.
“California Love” was a commercial success, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for two weeks. It also topped the charts in several other countries and became one of the defining songs of the 1990s. The song’s infectious beat, memorable chorus, and star power of 2Pac and Dr. Dre made it a staple on radio and in clubs.