Who Do U Luv? (Original Version)

Overview

Who Do U Luv? is an unreleased collaboration between 2Pac and Stretch, recorded at Skyline Studios in Manhattan on 1 November 1993. The song captures the pair during one of the most productive periods of their working relationship, shortly before Tupac began recording material that would evolve into Thug Life: Volume 1.

Although the recording has circulated among collectors for many years, it has never received an official commercial release. Producer Adario Strange has publicly stated that he produced the track with Arzie as co-producer, while other collector research suggests additional versions and mixes may have existed, possibly involving later work by Stretch. As no official credits have ever been published, the complete production history remains uncertain.

Originally intended for one of Tupac's unreleased early projects, the song was ultimately shelved. Part of Tupac's opening verse was later reworked into Judgement Day, making Who Do U Luv? an important link in the evolution of his early catalogue.

For the Live Squad archive, the recording is significant as another example of the close collaboration between Tupac and Stretch during 1993. Despite never receiving an official release, it remains one of the better-known unreleased songs from this period.

Recording History

The earliest documented recording session took place on 1 November 1993 at Skyline Studios in Manhattan. According to Adario Strange, the song was originally intended to feature 2Pac, Stretch and The Notorious B.I.G., although the circulating version features only 2Pac and Stretch.

Collector research indicates that more than one version of the song may exist. Among the variations reported are alternate vocal takes, different hook arrangements and later mixes. However, only one version has circulated widely, and no official release has ever confirmed the existence of the others.

The melody is built around a sample of Jam The Motha by The Gap Band, which is believed to have contributed to the track remaining unreleased.

Release History

Year	Release	Format	Notes
1993	Studio Recording	Unreleased	Never officially released. Later circulated among collectors.

Samples

Samples Used

• The Gap Band - Jam The Motha

Lyrics

Tupac

I'm livin that, thug life baby
Stressin smokin indo, goin crazy
Baby come and hug me when you rub me, turn the lights down
We in the dark, do you love me?
Everybody's talkin 'bout they, know me
But they ain't down like my motherfuckin homies
Tell me what you need when you, see
And we can get it on biatch, take it easy
Don't try to hold me, control me
But you can take my number baby call me when you lonely
Cause it's a man's world, ain't no need to ask why
I'm high 'til I die, and strapped with my fo-five
Cause you can lose it in the gutter
I wonder if I'll die by the hands of another broke motherfucker
They call me the alcoholer, I'm all in
Thug for life nigga ballin
I'm gettin tired of these hoes tryin to play me
You can't fade me and my niggaz goin crazy
All day long I'm straight thuggin, and constantly mean muggin
Breakin the bitches that be buggin
Tell me who do you love?
Chorus x4:
Maybe it's the thug in me

Stretch

Check the lingo, the Mack
Straight packin the gangsta dick
And when they come to help these skins I'm quick to hit
While I hit it and quit it and let the next man get it
I'm pimpin ain't no time to be committed
Hoes go catch a fit,
Cuz I'm chocolate and loveable
Gangsta fuck 'em' with a dick that's huggable
Then I slide off without a trace
Unless she's worth, or let me nut on her face
What the fuck just make my dick jump
Wreck when i mack connect up in her rump
Hoes, they luv it when i bone em but hate when i disown em
They buggin off the skills that i show em,
With a nigga named Stretch,
It's all about lootin if ya frontin then ya get the boot,
Word up, so listen to the rhythm of a young gun flow
And tell them who u luv when the hoes stroke
Chorus x4:
Maybe it's the thug in me

Tupac

Ever since I was a young scrub
I was a thug on the corner with my niggaz slangin drugs
And runnin from the NARC's when they pass by, don't ask why
I'm a hustler, 'til my ass die
Even if I do come up, I'll be ready when they run up, huh
I'll be a nut to put my gun up, huh
I never trust these hoes at all
Fuckin with them tramp-ass sluts you supposed to fall
Said she played you for your money but the shit was cool
Yes it's true, niggaz be bitches too
You can't see how she hurt you, all up in the skirt
Now you lookin like a jerk cause she worked you
Now head's up, don't be a playa hater, just peep game
Keep your mind on your money watch the bitch change
See hoes love thugs, and thugs love loot
Hand it over motherfucker 'fore I shoot - who do you love?

Chorus x4
Maybe it's the thug in me
Maybe it's the thug in me (Repeated till the end)