Background · How Do U Want It
In the summer of 1996, Tupac stood at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with a track that formed the musical counterpart to the hard-hitting cuts on All Eyez on Me. Released alongside California Love as a double A-side, How Do U Want It was a laid-back, overtly sexual R&B rap. The release ranked among his greatest successes and was the final single issued during Tupac's lifetime.
Sex, Fame and the Dispute with C. Delores Tucker
Johnny "J" built the beat around Quincy Jones' 1974 track Body Heat, with K-Ci & JoJo singing the chorus. The verses revolve around sex and fame, but also confront critics: Tupac explicitly attacks civil rights activist C. Delores Tucker by name, who had campaigned against gangsta rap. Tucker later sued Tupac's estate for emotional distress and defamation; the lawsuit was dismissed.
Three Video Versions and a Grammy Nomination
Three versions of the video were produced: Ron Hightower directed both a clean and an explicit cut, joined by a live concert video featuring K-Ci & JoJo and Shock G. In 1997, the song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
The British CD Single with “Hit ’Em Up” as a B-Side
This edition is the British CD single (DRWCD 4). This pressing is renowned above all for its final track: Hit 'Em Up featuring the Outlawz, Tupac's notorious settling of scores with The Notorious B.I.G. and Bad Boy Records, which was released only as a B-side in the United States.
Sources differ on the exact release date: June 4, 1996 is the date given on the English Wikipedia page for the album, whereas the article for the single lists May 28, 1996.
