Gotta show the love for "California Love", one of the finest odes to the state, and in particular LA. But look at the lyrics, is this a dedication to the whole of California or only a part...?
Note the places namechecked, especially in the chorus. Areas like Watts, Inglewood and Compton. By concentrating on these 'hoods' the song is fundamentally a shout out to a specific demographic. Not Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara and the more famous white-centric upmarket places. The one mention of Hollywood informs us that famous area considers itself lacking in something desirable that can be found in South Central (a soul perhaps).
So while the beat and hooks are enjoyed by anyone no matter where they are from, Dre and Tupac are only showing respect for "their" California. This contrasts with what would be a more universally written lyric (perhaps by an outsider or non-rapper) that name checks all the places and themes the California tourist board would like to hear.
While this is nothing unusual for West Coast rap, I find it especially enjoyable in California Love because of the wide appeal of this track since its creation is independent on whether the listener has spent time in Watts and so on. Dr Dre and Tupac successfully stayed true to their roots whilst at the same time making a song for the masses.
Gotta show the love for "California Love", one of the finest odes to the state, and in particular LA. But look at the lyrics, is this a dedication to the whole of California or only a part...?
Note the places namechecked, especially in the chorus. Areas like Watts, Inglewood and Compton. By concentrating on these 'hoods' the song is fundamentally a shout out to a specific demographic. Not Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Santa Barbara and the more famous white-centric upmarket places. The one mention of Hollywood informs us that famous area considers itself lacking in something desirable that can be found in South Central (a soul perhaps).
So while the beat and hooks are enjoyed by anyone no matter where they are from, Dre and Tupac are only showing respect for "their" California. This contrasts with what would be a more universally written lyric (perhaps by an outsider or non-rapper) that name checks all the places and themes the California tourist board would like to hear.
While this is nothing unusual for West Coast rap, I find it especially enjoyable in California Love because of the wide appeal of this track since its creation is independent on whether the listener has spent time in Watts and so on. Dr Dre and Tupac successfully stayed true to their roots whilst at the same time making a song for the masses.
And yes, it is the best side :)