“California Love” by Tupac Shakur depicts a picture of life in California, especially in cities like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco. Shakur describes the mix of glamour, struggle, and hustle in the Golden State.
Dr. Dre produced the track, using a sample from Joe Cocker’s 1972 song “Woman To Woman.” This isn’t the first time that Cocker’s music has been sampled, as the Ultramagnetic MCs used it in their 1988 track “Funky.”
The song celebrates the hip-hop lifestyle in California. Tupac and Dre rap about the vibrant culture and creativity they experience, but also caution about gang violence, crime, and social problems, which they mention with a sense of pride.
Tupac originally came from New York but moved to California with his family. Sadly, the lifestyle he rapped about in this song caught up with him, as he was tragically shot the following year.
In this article, we’ll delve into the meaning of this song.
“California Love” Lyrics Meaning
[Chorus: Roger Troutman]
California knows how to party
California knows how to party
In the city of L.A
In the city of good ol’ Watts
In the city, the city of Compton
We keep it rockin’, we keep it rockin’
The chorus of “California Love” repeats the idea that California is known for its lively parties and good times. It mentions different cities within California, like Los Angeles (L.A.), Watts, and Compton, all known for their vibrant cultures.
The repetition emphasizes the idea of California as a place where people know how to have a good time and enjoy life.
[Verse 1: Dr. Dre]
Now let me welcome everybody to the Wild Wild West
A state that’s untouchable like Eliot Ness
The track hits your eardrum like a slug to your chest
Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex
We in that sunshine state where the bomb-ass hemp be
The state where you never find a dance floor empty
And pimps be on a mission for them greens
Lean mean money-making-machines servin’ fiends
I been in the game for ten years makin’ rap tunes
Ever since honeys was wearin’ Sassoon
Now it’s ’95 and they clock me and watch me
Diamonds shinin’, lookin’ like I robbed Liberace
It’s all good, from Diego to the Bay
Your city is the bomb if your city makin’ pay
Throw up a finger if you feel the same way
Dre puttin’ it down for Californ-i-a
Verse 1 of “California Love” is rapped by Dr. Dre, and it talks about California as the “Wild Wild West,” a place that’s untouchable and full of excitement.
He describes the music hitting like a powerful force, and he advises wearing protection (a vest) because of the promiscuous nightlife in California, as expressed in the line “Pack a vest for your Jimmy in the city of sex, We in that sunshine state where the bomb-ass hemp be.”
The line “We in that sunshine state where the bomb-ass hemp be” highlights that California, often called the “Sunshine State” (though Florida is also known by this name), is known for having high-quality cannabis (referred to as “hemp” here) due to its climate and culture of marijuana cultivation and use.
The singer suggests that in California, particularly in places like Los Angeles, there is always a vibrant and active nightlife, as he sings, “The state where you never find a dance floor empty.”
The line “And pimps be on a mission for them greens” refers to the presence of pimps, people who exploit or manage prostitutes, actively seeking to make money in California. “Greens” is a slang term for money, so it means that pimps are driven by the pursuit of profit.
In the line “Lean mean money-making-machines servin’ fiends,” the singer describes pimps as highly efficient and ruthless when it comes to making money. They are depicted as serving “fiends,” which typically refers to drug addicts or customers who are willing to pay for the services provided by prostitutes.
The line “Ever since honeys was wearin’ Sassoon” is a reference to a specific time period in the past. “Honeys” here likely refers to fashionable women, and “Sassoon” is a brand of designer jeans that were popular in the 1980s and early 1990s. Dr. Dre is suggesting that he’s been in the rap game for a long time, dating back to the era when these particular jeans were in style.
Dre also recalls the year in which the song was written, the attention he was receiving at the time, and his flamboyant display of wealth, as evident in the lines “Now it’s ’95 and they clock me and watch me, Diamonds shinin’, lookin’ like I robbed Liberace” from the song “California Love.”
The line “It’s all good, from Diego to the Bay” expresses a positive and relaxed sentiment in California. “Diego” is a slang reference to San Diego and “the Bay” referring to the San Francisco Bay Area.
The following line “Your city is the bomb if your city makin’ pay” emphasizes that a city is considered great or impressive if it is economically prosperous or successful.
In the line “Throw up a finger if you feel the same way,” the singer invites his audience to show their agreement or enthusiasm. In hip-hop culture, “throwing up a finger” typically means raising a middle finger as a sign of support or solidarity.
The final line “Dre puttin’ it down for Californ-i-a” means that Dr. Dre is representing and showcasing his support and pride for California through his music and contributions to the hip-hop scene.
[Post-Chorus: Roger Troutman]
Shake, shake it, baby
Shake, shake it, mama
Shake it, Cali
Shake it, shake it, baby
Shake it, shake it, shake it, shake it
The post-chorus includes Roger Troutman saying “Shake it, Cali” and encouraging dancing by saying “Shake, shake it, baby” and “Shake, shake it, mama.”
It’s a simple and catchy part of the song that emphasizes the lively and energetic atmosphere of California, suggesting that people should dance and enjoy themselves.
[Verse 2: 2Pac & Dr. Dre]
Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin’
Soon as I step on the scene, I’m hearin’ hoochies screamin’
Fiendin’ for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player
Where cowards die and the strong ball
Only in Cali where we riot, not rally, to live and die
In L.A. we wearin’ Chucks, not Ballys (Yeah, that’s right)
Dressed in Locs and Khaki suits, and ride is what we do
Flossin’ but have caution: we collide with other crews
Famous because we throw grams
Worldwide, let them recognize from Long Beach to Rosecrans
Bumpin’ and grindin’ like a slow jam
It’s Westside, so you know the Row won’t bow down to no man
Say what you say, but give me that bomb beat from Dre
Let me serenade the streets of L.A
From Oakland to Sac-town, the Bay Area and back down
Cali is where they put their mack down; give me love!
Verse 2 of “California Love” is a collaboration between 2Pac and Dr. Dre. 2Pac describes his experience in California, mentioning that he’s out on bail and dreaming of a better life. He talks about the excitement he brings to the scene, with people excited to see him, as he raps: “Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin’.”
He mentions the desire for money and alcohol and describes the life of a Westside player, where the weak perish and the strong thrive. He adds: “Fiendin’ for money and alcohol, the life of a Westside player.”
2Pac points out that in California, they don’t just protest (rally), they take to the streets in riots. He talks about the unique West Coast fashion, with people wearing Locs and khaki suits and riding cars.
He mentions the city’s reputation for gang conflicts and how they gain fame for their drug dealing activities. Despite the challenges, he expresses love for California and the Westside lifestyle.
[Ad-Libs: Dr. Dre & 2Pac]
South Central
Uh, that’s right
Now make it shake
The ad-libs are brief vocal expressions and comments made by Dr. Dre and 2Pac throughout the song. These ad-libs serve to add emphasis, energy, and camaraderie to the track.
They include phrases like “South Central,” “Now make it shake,” and “Shake it, Cali,” which contribute to the overall dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere of the song.
[Ad-Libs: Dr. Dre]
Shake it, Cali
Uh, uh, West Coast
Uh, yeah, uh, uh, Long Beach in the house
Uh, yeah, Oaktown
Oakland definitely in the house
Frisco, Frisco
In this ad-lib, Dr. Dre is encouraging people to shake and dance, particularly those in California, as he sings, “Shake it, Cali, Uh, uh, West Coast.”
It’s a simple phrase that adds to the energetic and party-like atmosphere of the song, reinforcing the idea that California is a place where people know how to have a good time and enjoy themselves by dancing and celebrating.
The lines “Uh, yeah, Oaktown, Oakland definitely in the house” are a shout-out to the city of Oakland, California. In hip-hop culture, referring to a city as “in the house” means that it is being represented or acknowledged in the current context or event.
[Outro: 2Pac & Dr. Dre]
And you know L.A. up in here
Pasadena, where you at?
Yeah, Inglewood
Inglewood always up to no good
Even Hollywood tryin’ to get a piece, baby
Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?
Throw it up, y’all! Throw it up, throw it up!
I can’t see ya
Let’s show these fools how we do it over on this Westside
‘Cause you and I know it’s the best side
Yeah, that’s right
West Coast, West Coast
The outro features 2Pac and Dr. Dre giving shout-outs to various cities and regions in California, such as Pasadena, Inglewood, Hollywood, Sacramento, and more, as they rap: “And you know L.A. up in here, Pasadena, where you at? Yeah, Inglewood, Inglewood always up to no good.”
In the line “Inglewood always up to no good,” the singer suggests that Inglewood, a city in California, has a reputation for being associated with mischief, trouble, or perhaps a rebellious or tough lifestyle. It’s a common phrase in hip-hop culture to describe a neighborhood’s edgier or more challenging aspects.
The line “Even Hollywood tryin’ to get a piece, baby” means that even the glamorous and famous area of Hollywood is eager to be part of the action and excitement that the song celebrates.
The following line “Sacramento, Sacramento where you at?” is an invitation for people from Sacramento, the capital city of California, to represent and show their presence in the song.
They express pride in the West Coast and encourage people to show their love for it, as they sing, “Let’s show these fools how we do it over on this Westside, ‘Cause you and I know it’s the best side.”
The part is a concluding section where they acknowledge different parts of California and highlight the unity and cultural diversity within the state.
Deeper Meaning Behind “California Love”
“California Love” is a hit song where Tupac Shakur expresses his love for California and celebrates his freedom after being in jail. This iconic track features not only Tupac but also the legendary rapper and producer Dr. Dre and singer Roger Troutman, who adds his unique talk box vocals to the song.
In the song, Dr. Dre proudly raps about California, likening it to the Wild Wild West and portraying it as a place that’s untouchable, just like the famous crime fighter Eliot Ness.
He describes the state as having a strong impact on your senses, like a powerful punch to the chest, and as a place where you can find excellent hemp, singing, “In the city of sex, We in that sunshine state where the bomb-ass hemp be.”
However, “California Love” is more than just a tribute to the West Coast; it’s also a celebration of Tupac’s newfound freedom. After spending eight months in prison on sexual abuse charges that he vehemently claimed were false, Tupac was released pending an appeal.
He raps about the dreams of a Westside player, acknowledging the allure of money and alcohol while emphasizing the state’s reputation for riots and confrontations instead of peaceful rallies with the lines: “Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin’, Soon as I step on the scene, I’m hearin’ hoochies screamin’.”
Ultimately, “California Love” pays homage to the West Coast hip-hop scene, which had a significant impact on the music industry during the 1990s. It celebrates the artists, culture, and lifestyle that emerged from this region.
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