The Uncensored Legacy: 7 Shocking Facts About 2Pac's "How Do U Want It" That Define Hip-Hop History

Few songs in hip-hop history carry the cultural weight and raw, unapologetic energy of 2Pac’s "How Do U Want It." Released in 1996, this track transcended a mere party anthem, becoming a definitive statement on the lavish, high-stakes lifestyle of the world's most controversial rapper at the peak of his career.

As of late 2025, the song’s themes of desire, excess, and defiance continue to resonate, offering a crucial lens through which to view the final, explosive chapter of Tupac’s life and the enduring impact of his magnum opus, the *All Eyez on Me* album. This deep dive uncovers the scandalous details, the creative forces, and the legal battles that cemented "How Do U Want It" as a timeless, yet deeply controversial, classic.

The Essential Profile: Tupac Amaru Shakur (2Pac / Makaveli)

The man behind the music was a complex figure—a poet, actor, activist, and revolutionary whose life was cut tragically short, leaving behind a legacy that remains unparalleled in music.

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• Birth Name: Lesane Parish Crooks (later renamed Tupac Amaru Shakur)
• Born: June 16, 1971, in Harlem, New York City, U.S.
• Died: September 13, 1996, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. (Aged 25)
• Stage Names: 2Pac, Makaveli
• Mother: Afeni Shakur (a prominent member of the Black Panther Party)
• Key Albums: *2Pacalypse Now* (1991), *Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z.* (1993), *Me Against the World* (1995), *All Eyez on Me* (1996), *The Don Killuminati: The 7 Day Theory* (1996)
• Notable Films: *Juice* (1992), *Poetic Justice* (1993), *Above the Rim* (1994)
• Defining Characteristics: Known for his passionate, often contradictory themes of social injustice, gang violence, love, and hedonism.

The Anatomy of a Hit: Production, Features, and Release

Released on June 4, 1996, as a double A-side single with "2 of Amerikaz Most Wanted," "How Do U Want It" was a pivotal track from 2Pac’s fourth studio album, *All Eyez on Me*. It was his first album on Death Row Records and marked a distinct shift toward more lavish, West Coast-influenced production.

1. The Smooth, Sample-Driven Production by Johnny "J"

The song's infectious, laid-back groove was crafted by producer Johnny "J" (Jonathan Jackson), a frequent collaborator with 2Pac. The beat is built around a sample from the 1974 soul-jazz track "Body Heat" by legendary musician Quincy Jones. This choice gave the song a sophisticated, R&B-infused feel that was both commercially accessible and sonically rich, perfectly setting the stage for 2Pac's boastful lyrics.

2. The Iconic R&B Collaboration: K-Ci & JoJo

The track features the dynamic R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo (Cedric "K-Ci" Hailey and Joel "JoJo" Hailey), who provided the smooth, soulful hook. At the time, they were best known as members of the group Jodeci. Their presence was a deliberate move to bridge the gap between hardcore rap and R&B, ensuring the song's massive crossover appeal and helping it secure a number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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3. A Celebration of the "Baller" Lifestyle

Lyrically, "How Do U Want It" is a quintessential "good-life" anthem. The verses are a raw, explicit exploration of sexual fantasies and the unapologetic enjoyment of a life filled with wealth, fame, and endless opportunities. It’s a direct contrast to the more socially conscious and politically charged music that defined his earlier career, showcasing the duality of 2Pac’s persona.

The song’s chorus—"Tell me how do you want it? / You want it, you got it"—is a powerful statement of control and confidence, reflecting 2Pac’s mindset after his release from prison and signing with Death Row Records.

The Controversial Aftermath: Lawsuits and Cultural War

Despite its commercial success, "How Do U Want It" became a flashpoint in the cultural debate surrounding gangsta rap, largely due to a specific, inflammatory lyric in the third verse.

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4. The Infamous Diss to C. Delores Tucker

The third verse of the song contains a direct, derogatory reference to Dr. C. Delores Tucker, a prominent civil rights activist and fierce anti-rap crusader. Tucker was a vocal critic of gangsta rap, arguing that it promoted violence and misogyny, and she actively campaigned to abolish its production.

2Pac’s lyric was a direct retaliatory strike, calling her a "motherfucker" and accusing her of trying to "destroy a brotha" instead of helping the Black community.

5. The Multi-Million Dollar Lawsuit

The diss track was not just a passing insult; it led to a major legal battle. Following 2Pac's death, C. Delores Tucker filed a massive lawsuit against his estate, alleging defamation, emotional distress, and pain and suffering caused by the lyrics in "How Do U Want It" and another song, "Wonda Why They Call U B*tch." She sought a substantial sum, reportedly $10 million, though the case was eventually dismissed by a federal judge, who ruled that the lyrics were protected as privileged opinion.

This lawsuit highlighted the intense cultural war being waged over the content of hip-hop music in the mid-90s, with 2Pac often positioned at the center of the storm.

6. The Two Music Videos and the Adult Film Stars

To promote the single, two music videos were filmed, both directed by Paul Hunter: the "Poolside" version and the "Stadium" version. The "Poolside" version is particularly notable for its explicit content and the inclusion of several adult film stars of the era, including Heather Hunter, who later spoke about her experience on set. The lavish, party-centric visuals were a perfect match for the song’s hedonistic theme, further cementing its reputation as a celebration of excess and desire.

The decision to feature adult film stars was a bold, provocative move that was characteristic of 2Pac's willingness to push boundaries and court controversy, directly challenging mainstream sensibilities.

"How Do U Want It" in the Modern Era (2025)

7. The Enduring Legacy and Topical Authority

Nearly three decades later, "How Do U Want It" remains one of 2Pac's most streamed and recognizable hits. Its legacy is complex: it is a testament to his versatility as an artist, capable of moving from deep social commentary to pure, unadulterated party music.

In 2025, the song is often revisited in critical analyses of 90s hip-hop, not just for its sound but for its place in the narrative of the East Coast–West Coast rivalry and the intense scrutiny faced by artists of color. The track is seen as a prophetic glimpse into 2Pac’s final, tumultuous year, where his desire for success and pleasure was constantly shadowed by conflict and controversy.

The song’s ability to generate intense debate—from its explicit themes to the C. Delores Tucker lawsuit—ensures its continued topical authority. It serves as a historical document of a pivotal moment when hip-hop music was fighting for creative freedom against moral outrage, a battle that continues to influence the music industry today.