Shakur was born in New York City to parents who were both political activists and Black Panther Party members. Raised by his mother, he relocated to Baltimore in 1984 and to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1988. With the release of his debut album 2Pacalypse Now in 1991, he became a central figure in West Coast hip-hop for his conscious rap lyrics. Shakur achieved further critical and commercial success with his follow-up albums Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z... (1993) and Me Against the World (1995). His Diamond certified album All Eyez on Me (1996), the first double-length album in hip-hop history, abandoned his introspective lyrics for volatile gangsta rap. In addition to his music career, Shakur also found considerable success as an actor, with his starring roles in Juice (1992), Poetic Justice (1993), Above the Rim (1994), Bullet (1996), Gridlock'd (1997), and Gang Related (1997).
During the later part of his career, Shakur was shot five times in the lobby of a New York recording studio and experienced legal troubles, including incarceration. In 1995, Shakur served eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges, but was released pending an appeal of his conviction. Following his release, he signed to Marion "Suge" Knight's label Death Row Records and became heavily involved in the growing East Coast–West Coast hip hop rivalry. On September 7, 1996, Shakur was shot four times by an unidentified assailant in a drive-by shooting in Las Vegas; he died six days later. Following his murder, Shakur's friend-turned-rival, the Notorious B.I.G., was at first considered a suspect due to their public feud, but was also murdered in another drive-by shooting six months later in March 1997 while visiting Los Angeles.
Five more albums have been released since Shakur's death, all of which have been certified Platinum in the United States. In 2002, Shakur was inducted into the Hip-Hop Hall of Fame. In 2017, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Rolling Stone magazine ranked Shakur among the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
Shakur was born on June 16, 1971, in the East Harlem section of Manhattan in New York City. While born Lesane Parish Crooks, at age one he was renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur. He was named after Túpac Amaru II, the descendant of the last Incan ruler, Túpac Amaru, who was executed in Peru in 1781 after his failed revolt against Spanish rule. Shakur's mother explained, "I wanted him to have the name of revolutionary, indigenous people in the world. I wanted him to know he was part of a world culture and not just from a neighborhood."
Shakur had an older stepbrother, Mopreme "Komani" Shakur, and a half-sister, Sekyiwa Shakur, two years his junior.
How Do U Want It )
2Pac Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
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
Wanna dig you and I can't even lie about it
Baby, just alleviate your clothes, time to fly up out it
Catch you at a club, oh, shit you got me fiendin'
Body talkin' shit to me but I can't comprehend the meaning
Now if you wanna roll with me, then here's your chance
Doin' eighty on the freeway, police, catch me if you can
Forgive me, I'm a rider, still, I'm just a simple man
All I want is money, fuck the fame, I'm a simple man
Mr. International, player with the passport
Just like Aladdin, bitch, get you anything you ask for
It's either him or me, champagne, Hennessy
A favorite of my homies when we floss on our enemies
Witness as we creep to a low speed, peep what a ho need
Puff some mo' weed, funk, ya don't need
Approachin' hoochies with a passion, been a long day
But I've been driven by attraction in a strong way
Your body is bangin', baby, I love it when you flaunt it
Time to give it to daddy, nigga, now tell me how you want it
(Tell me how you want it)
How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
I'm livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
Tell me is it cool to fuck?
Did you think I come to talk? Am I a fool or what?
Positions on the floor, it's like erotic
Ironic 'cause I'm somewhat psychotic
I'm hittin' switches on bitches like I been fixed with hydraulics
Up and down like a roller coaster
I'm up inside ya, I ain't quittin' 'til the show is over
'Cause I'ma rider in and out just like a robbery
I'll probably be a freak and let you get on top of me
Get her rockin' knees
Nights full of Alizé, a livin' legend
You ain't heard about, these niggas play these Cali days
C. Delores Tucker, you's a motherfucker
Instead of tryin' to help a nigga, you destroy a brother
Worse than the others, Bill Clinton, Mr. Bob Dole
You're too old to understand the way the game's told
You're lame, so I gotta hit you with the hot facts
Once I'm released, I'm makin' millions, niggas top that
They wanna censor me, they'd rather see me in a cell
Livin' in hell, only a few of us'll live to tell
Now everybody talkin 'bout us, I could give a fuck
Like we the first ones to bomb and cuss
Nigga, tell me how you want it
How do you want it? (tell me)
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
I'm livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
Raised as a youth, tell the truth, I got the scoop
On how to get a bulletproof, lickin' shots off on the roof
Before I was a teenager, mobile phone, SkyPager
Gang rules, I'm livin' major, my adversaries
Is lookin' worried, they paranoid of gettin' buried
One of us gon' see the cemetery
My only hope is survive, if I was to stay alive
Gettin' high, see the demons in my eyes before I die
I wanna live my life and ball, make a couple million
And then I'm chillin', fade 'em all
These taxes got me crossed up and people tryin' to sue me
Media is in my business and they actin' like they know me (hahaha)
But I'ma mash out and peel out
I'm with a clique that's quick to whip that fuckin' steel out
Yeah, nigga it's some new shit, so better get up on it
When you see me, tell a nigga how you want it
How do you want it?
How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (yeah)
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
(How you want it?) How do you want it?
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game (yeah, my nigga, Johnny J)
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real (yeah)
How do you want it?
How does it feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it? (tell me)
How do you feel? (girl, I-I-I-I)
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
How do you want it?
How do you feel?
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Livin' in the fast lane, ah, for real
In "How Do U Want It," Tupac reflects on his life as a black man in the music industry, primarily focusing on the themes of sex and money. He touches on his own desires and how they are shaped by society's expectations of black men. The chorus, "How do you want it? How do you feel?" is a question to both his audience and himself, asking how they would like to see him and how he wants to portray himself. Throughout the verses, he discusses the female body and his attraction to it, as well as the pressures of fame, wealth, and power.
The lyrics also touch on Tupac's persona as someone who is both a "rider" and a "simple man." He acknowledges his love of money and the life it affords him while also claiming that he is not driven by fame or a desire for attention. He references popular culture, including Bill Clinton and Bob Dole, and makes claims about his worth and fame. Despite it all, he's looking for connection, asking his audience to tell him how they want it.
Line by Line Meaning
How do you want it?
Asking the partner how they want to engage in sexual activity
How do you feel?
Checking in with the partner to see if they are comfortable and consenting
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game
Growing up as a Black person in the world of money and power, where opportunities are limited and obstacles abound
I'm livin' in the fast lane, I'm for real
Living life with intensity, speed, and purpose
Love the way you activate your hips and push your ass out
Appreciating the sexual prowess and confidence of the partner
Got a nigga wantin' it so bad I'm 'bout to pass out
Expressing intense desire for sexual activity
Wanna dig you, and I can't even lie about it
Being honest about wanting to engage in sexual activity with the partner
Baby just alleviate your clothes, time to fly up out it
Encouraging the partner to undress and engage in sexual activity
Catch you at a club, oh shit you got me fiendin'
Expressing a strong desire and attraction towards the partner
Body talkin' shit to me but I can't comprehend the meaning
Feeling overwhelmed and captivated by the partner's physical attraction, unable to understand their nonverbal signals
Now if you wanna roll with me, then here's your chance
Inviting the partner to engage in a sexual relationship
Doin eighty on the freeway, police catch me if you can
Enjoying a fast-paced, risky lifestyle
Forgive me I'm a rider, still I'm just a simple man
Acknowledging a rough, tumultuous lifestyle and a desire for simplicity
All I want is money, fuck the fame I'm a simple man
Prioritizing financial stability over fame and recognition
Mr. International, playa with the passport
Boasting about traveling internationally and having a passport
Just like Aladdin bitch, get you anything you ask for
Comparing oneself to the fictional character Aladdin, who had the power to grant wishes
It's either him or me, champagne, Hennessy
Offering the partner the choice between oneself and another man, and celebrating with expensive alcohol
A favorite of my homies when we floss, on our enemies
Enjoying luxury and showing off to enemies with friends
Witness as we creep to a low speed, peep what a hoe need
Engaging in slow, sneaky sexual activity, observing the partner's desires
Puff some mo' weed, funk, ya don't need
Offering the partner more marijuana to enhance the sexual experience
Approachin' hoochies with a passion, been a long day
Approaching women with enthusiasm and energy after a tiring day
But I've been driven by attraction in a strong way
Being motivated by sexual attraction and desire
Your body is bangin' baby I love it when you flaunt it
Appreciating the partner's body and the way they move it
Time to give it to daddy nigga now tell me how you want it (Tell me how you want it)
Inviting the partner to engage in sexual activity and asking them how they want to proceed
Tell me is it cool to fuck?
Asking the partner for permission to engage in sexual activity
Did you think I come to talk am I a fool or what?
Asserting that the purpose of the interaction is sexual, not just conversation
Positions on the floor it's like erotic
Describing the sexual positions on the floor as arousing and sensual
Ironic 'cause I'm somewhat psychotic
Acknowledging that engaging in rough, sexual behavior is somewhat crazy or irrational
I'm hittin' switches on bitches like I been fixed with hydraulics
Using a car metaphor to describe the rough, physical nature of the sexual encounter
Up and down like a roller coaster
Describing the sexual activity as dynamic and exciting
I'm up inside ya, I ain't quittin' 'til the show is over
Expressing a desire to continue the sexual activity until both parties are satisfied
'Cause I'ma rider in and out just like a robbery
Boasting about being skilled at sexual activity, like someone who is skilled at committing robberies
I'll probably be a freak and let you get on top of me
Hinting at willingness to engage in unconventional or submissive sexual activity
Get her rockin' these
Indicating sexual arousal in the partner
Nights full of Alize, a livin' legend
Celebrating a life full of luxury and indulgence, making a reference to a popular type of alcohol
You ain't heard about these niggas play these Cali days
Boasting about a luxurious and exciting lifestyle, unique to California
You'se a motherfucker
Using derogatory language to address a person
Instead of tryin' to help a nigga you destroy a brother
Accusing someone of tearing down or sabotaging the progress of Black people
Worse than the others, Bill Clinton, Mr. Bob Dole
Comparing someone's actions to those of two prominent politicians
You're too old to understand the way the game is told
Claiming the person is out of touch with the current way of doing things
You're lame so I gotta hit you with the hot facts
Asserting that the other person is dull or unimpressive, and presenting them with the truth
Want some on lease? I'm makin' millions, niggas top that
Boasting about financial success and asking if the other person wants to try and match it
They wanna censor me, they'd rather see me in a cell
Complaining about censorship and the desire to suppress free speech
Livin' in Hell, only a few of us'll live to tell
Acknowledging the harsh reality of living in a dangerous and violent environment
Now everybody talkin 'bout us I could give a fuck
Expressing a disregard for the opinions of others
Like we the first one to bomb and cuss
Suggesting that the artists' behavior is being unfairly singled out, and that others have done worse things before them
Raised as a youth, tell the truth I got the scoop
Referring to a troubled upbringing and being informed about dangerous situations
On how to get a bulletproof, because I jumped from the roof
Claiming to have acquired skills for survival in a dangerous environment
Before I was a teenager, mobile phone, SkyPager
Describing the luxuries and influences of modern technology during the artist's formative years
Gang rules, I'm livin' major, my adversaries
Acknowledging the influence of gang affiliations and claiming to live a successful lifestyle in the face of opposition
Is lookin' worried, they paranoid of gettin' buried
Suggesting that antagonists are fearful of the artist and their power
One of us gon' see the cemetary
Asserting that the conflict could result in violence and death
My only hope to survive if I wish to stay alive
Acknowledging the dangers of the environment and the need for survival
Gettin' high, see the demons in my eyes, before I die
Admitting to drug use and the struggles of mental health, and uncertain about their future
I wanna live my life and ball, make a couple million
Expressing a desire for luxury and success
And then I'm chillin' fade 'em all
Declaring that they will retire and leave behind their enemies
These taxes got me crossed up and people tryin' to sue me
Complaining about financial challenges and legal trouble
Media is in my business and they actin' like they know me
Accusing the media of invading privacy and making incorrect assumptions
But I'mma mash out, and peel out
Claiming to leave and not worry about the issues affecting them
I'm with it quick that's quick to whip that fuckin' steel out
Indicating a readiness for violence
Yeah nigga it's some new shit so better get up on it
Asserting that there is a new trend or lifestyle that others should adopt
When ya see me tell a nigga how ya want it
Claiming that the artist is in control and will dictate the terms of engagement
(How you want it?) How do you want it?
Reiterating the desire to know how the partner wants to proceed with a sexual encounter
Comin' up as a nigga in the cash game (Yeah my nigga Johnny J just here)
Reiterating the economic and social struggles of being Black, and acknowledging the presence of a collaborator in the studio
I'm livin' in the fast lane, I'm for real (Yeah)
Acknowledging the dangers and excitement of the lifestyle, and expressing a desire to be authentic
(Tell me)
Asking again how the partner wants to proceed with sexual activity
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Johnny Lee Jackson, Tupac Amaru Shakur, Bruce Fisher, Quincy D. Jones, Leon Ware, Stanley J. Richardson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@understandingthescripture2907
I'm a 70-year-old Og female. I think I was 45 when I first heard this. I still love it. 2Pac was a poet.
@liltrapbi1402
How are you doing? In these times hope you stay safe
@dawnslayer
See, even boomers can have good taste. (No offense mam)
@gailhardy2565
Amen to that..I was the same age when I heard it. At 68 I still love Pac's music. He was brilliant!!!
@memphisown5503
U are a blessing
@marcanthonyferman5725
LIVING STRONG 💯🙏
@nac990
Tupac had a insane flow and he was ahead of his time
@estilosureno2053
shut up
@sugarray6250
I think Biggies flow was better but 2pac rapped about real life shit.
@nac990
@@sugarray6250 yeah yeah