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Song Stories

“California Love”

Dr. Dre and 2Pac | 1996

Based on a riff from a Joe Cocker song as interpreted by the Ultramagnetic MCs, Tupac Shakur's version went to Number One upon his release from prison in 1995. Seven months before he died of gun violence, Tupac told Rolling Stone he hoped the song would be remembered not for its glorification of thug life but for its celebration of high living: "I want it to be about money," he said.

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“Nuthin' but a 'G' Thang”
Dr. Dre | 1992
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“Over”
Drake | 2010

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Song Stories

“I Can See for Miles”

The Who | 1967

A foreboding accusation of lies and deception, "I Can See for Miles" was given a psychedelic hard-rock veneer by Pete Townshend's whiplash guitar riffs and Keith Moon's thundering drums. The song helped break the Who as stars in the United States, giving them a Top Ten hit in late 1967. "I swoon when I hear the sound," boasted Townshend in Rolling Stone. "The words, which aging senators have called 'drug oriented,' are about a jealous man with exceptionally good eyesight. Honest."

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