The song was a massive hit, peaking at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making it his only single to reach the top spot. The song also earned Jordan a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” at the 38th Annual Grammy Awards.
This Is How We Do It
Montell Jordan Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This is how we do it
La, la, la, la la, lo lo
La, la, la, lo lo, oh
This is how we do it
La, la la, la oh
This is how we do it
The party's here on the West side
So I reach for my 40 and I turn it up
Designated driver take the keys to my truck
Hit the shore 'cause I'm faded
Honeys in the street say, "Monty, yo we made it"
It feels so good in my hood tonight
The summertime skirts and the guys in Kani
All the gang bangers forgot about the drive-by
You gotta get your groove on, before you go get paid
So tip up your cup and throw your hands up
And let me hear the party say
I'm kinda buzzed, it's all because
(This is how we do it)
South Central does it like nobody does
(This is how we do it)
To all my neighbors you got much flavor
(This is how we do it)
Let's flip the track, bring the old school back
(This is how we do it)
This is how we do it, all hands are in the air
And wave them from here to there
If you're an O.G. Mack or a wanna-be player
You see the hood's been good to me
Ever since I was a lower-case G
But now I'm a big G, the girls see I got the money
Hundred dollar bills y'all
If you were from where I'm from then you would know
That I gotta get mine in a big black truck
You can get yours in a '64
Whatever it is, the party's underway
So tip up your cup and throw your hands up
And let me hear the party say
I'm kinda buzzed, it's all because
(This is how we do it)
South Central does it like nobody does
(This is how we do it)
To all my neighbors you got much flavor
(This is how we do it)
Let's flip the track, bring the old school back
(This is how we do it)
I'm kinda buzzed, it's all because
(This is how we do it)
South Central does it like nobody does, nobody does
(This is how we do it)
Y?N-Vee, SCC, they're my homies
(This is how we do it)
I'll never come wack on an old school track
(This is how we do it)
Check it out
Once upon a time in '94
Montell made no money and life sure was slow
And all they said was 6'8" he stood
And people thought the music that he made was good
There lived a DJ and Paul was his name
He came up to Monty, this is what he said
"You and Oji are gonna make some cash
Sell a million records and we're makin' the dash"
Oh I'm buzzing because
(This is how we do it)
South Central does it like nobody does
(This is how we do it)
To all my neighbors you got much flavor
(This is how we do it)
I'll never come wack on an old school track
(This is how we do it)
I'm kinda buzzed it's all because
(This is how we do it)
South Central does it like nobody does, nobody does
(This is how we do it)
Oh it's party time
(This is how we do it)
Straight up comin' from the west side
(This is how we do it)
Oji's got the flavor, yeah
(This is how we do it)
And Monty does it like nobody does it
(This is how we do it)
C'mon now, Def Jam, you know that
(This is how we do it)
This is how we do it
Yo Montell, this Percy, man
The barber, your barber
Man I'm sitting up here listening to ya tape, dude
And this shit is on, man
You gon' make it, fool
Keep on doing what you doing, man
My phone number is area code
Nine oh nine, zero, eighty-
Gimme a call, man
We getting ready to step out to the Fox Hills Mall right now, but uh
It's Monday morning about a quarter to eleven, peace
Montell Jordan’s “This Is How We Do It” is a celebratory anthem that takes the audience on a journey through a Friday night in the West Side of America. The chorus, “This is how we do it” is repeated throughout the song, highlighting the unique way in which the West Coast party. The lyrics describe the joy of a successful party and the camaraderie between neighbors and friends. The song emphasizes the importance of having fun and enjoying life while also being responsible.
Montell Jordan explains his surroundings from his neighborhood to the alcohol he’s drinking. He maintains responsible by having a designated driver while also partying hard. When Montell says, “All the gang bangers forgot about the drive-by” it was meant as a comment on how everyone set their differences aside to party together, and not a commentary on the reality of street gangs.
The lyrics that accompany the catchy beat reinforce the importance of having a good time in life. Montell Jordan raps about successful parties, multiculturalism and how his neighborhood's ability to come together should be celebrated.
Line by Line Meaning
This is how we do it
The singer is describing the way they party and hang out where they come from.
It's Friday night and I feel alright
The night is prime for this kind of party, and the singer is ready for a good time.
The party's here on the West side
The party is happening at a specific location on the West coast.
So I reach for my 40 and I turn it up
The artist has an alcoholic drink with them and is ready to start the party.
Designated driver take the keys to my truck
There is someone responsible for taking care of transportation during the party and ensuring safety.
Hit the shore 'cause I'm faded
The singer may have had too much to drink, but they continue to party regardless.
Honeys in the street say, "Monty, yo we made it"
People on the street recognize the singer and are congratulating them for a successful party or event.
It feels so good in my hood tonight
The artist's neighborhood seems to be the perfect place for a party like this and everyone is enjoying themselves.
The summertime skirts and the guys in Kani
People are dressed for the summer weather and are wearing fun, fashionable clothing.
All the gang bangers forgot about the drive-by
Gang violence is something that is typically associated with the artist's area, but on this night, people are forgetting their problems and enjoying themselves.
You gotta get your groove on, before you go get paid
There is a focus on having a good time, even before making money or focusing on other responsibilities.
So tip up your cup and throw your hands up
Raise your cups and your hands in celebration and enjoy the party.
And let me hear the party say
The singer wants everyone to join in and participate in the party.
I'm kinda buzzed, it's all because
The singer is starting to feel the effects of the alcohol they've been drinking all night.
(This is how we do it)
The singer is repeating the main refrain of the song to emphasize how unique and different their party is.
South Central does it like nobody does
The artist's specific region is known for having a certain style and way of partying that sets them apart from others.
To all my neighbors you got much flavor
The artist is shouting out to the people who live near them and celebrating their unique and flavorful way of life.
Let's flip the track, bring the old school back
The singer is referencing older styles or genres of music and suggesting that they should bring them back and incorporate them into their party.
All hands are in the air
Everyone is having a great time, with their arms lifted high in excitement.
And wave them from here to there
The party-goers are intensely celebrating and making the most of the opportunity to have fun and live in the moment.
If you're an O.G. Mack or a wanna-be player
The artist is referring to two specific types of people who might be at the party and everyone is welcome to enjoy themselves.
You see the hood's been good to me
The artist is grateful for where they come from, and how it has supported them throughout their life.
Ever since I was a lower-case G
The singer is referencing their past, and how far they've come since then.
But now I'm a big G, the girls see I got the money
The artist has become more successful since their past, and now others are noticing them because of their wealth and status.
Hundred dollar bills y'all
The singer is flaunting their wealth and success, which seems to add to the excitement of the party-goers.
Whatever it is, the party's underway
No matter what goes on during the party, everyone is committed to having a great time and enjoying themselves.
So tip up your cup and throw your hands up
Everyone is encouraged to push their energy into celebrating and having fun.
Once upon a time in '94
The artist is reflecting on the past, sharing an old memory with the audience.
Montell made no money and life sure was slow
The artist was once in financial hardships, and is recalling this difficult time in life.
And all they said was 6'8" he stood
The singer is reflecting on how others saw him during this difficult time of his life.
And people thought the music that he made was good
Even though the singer wasn't making money, people were recognizing his talent and potential for success.
There lived a DJ and Paul was his name
The artist is introducing a specific character in his story.
He came up to Monty, this is what he said
The artist is detailing an interaction he had with one of his friends/colleagues.
"You and Oji are gonna make some cash
This friend is offering the artist a chance to make money and succeed.
Sell a million records and we're makin' the dash"
This friend is suggesting that they could potentially make a lot of money and reach success together.
C'mon now, Def Jam, you know that
The artist is shouting out to his label, expressing his support and gratitude.
Yo Montell, this Percy, man
The singer is receiving a phone call from his barber named Percy.
You gon' make it, fool
Percy is giving the singer encouragement and support that he will be successful in his music career.
Keep on doing what you doing, man
Percy is telling the singer to keep working hard and to stay dedicated to his music.
My phone number is area code
Nine oh nine, zero, eighty-
Percy is giving his phone number to the artist, emphasizing the importance of staying connected with those who support you.
Gimme a call, man
Percy is asking the artist to reach out if he ever needs anything.
We getting ready to step out to the Fox Hills Mall right now, but uh
Percy is letting the singer know where he plans to go, but is still expressing support for his music career.
It's Monday morning about a quarter to eleven, peace
Percy is giving a specific time and day, and bidding farewell to the singer for now.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Royalty Network, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Montell Du'Sean Jordan, Oji Pierce, Ricky M L Walters
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jordanbravo5094
Fun fact: this wasn’t in your recommendation you remembered and searched this up
@GallosPole57
Truuuu
@original_dame
your absolutely right
@Luis_Facil
I got recommended
@Luis_Facil
@@Lauren-cu6ht I feel like i saw you on another music video
@fritzhu6193
Grammar searched for it. and saints row 4
@ImReetlad
I absolutely love how Montell added the words "hand the designated driver the keys to my truck", he really promoted safety whilst also providing a fuckin' banger.
@emilyhutson3571
Best part!
@danielgodinez8263
😎
@billsimpson4720
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