Released: 2001 • Features: Ja Rule, Ashanti
“What’s Luv? (feat. Ja-Rule & Ashanti)” by “Fat Joe” is a query into modern romance wrapped in slick beats and groovy melodies. It’s essentially a discussion of love, trust and relationships, viewed through the lens of a charismatic player navigating the nightlife scene.
Let’s kick it off with that familiar chorus, where Ashanti asks, “What’s Love?” hinting at the complexities of romantic connections – a vibe that resonates throughout the track. Is love about trust, mutual respect, or just a casual fling? Fat Joe plays with this idea, highlighting he’s in the game for the thrill and the fun, as much as he is for any deeper meaning.
The first verse has Joey Crack (Fat Joe’s nickname, a nod to his past) captures his smooth-talking character. He talks about his preferences, “I wanna chick with thick hips that licks her lips”, and his lifestyle, “You should see the jewelery on my women”. He challenges the conventional idea of a love-based relationship, provocatively asking, “What’s love gotta do with a little menage?” Here, the Don gives a nod to casual relationships and suggestive scenarios without any emotional attachments.
In the second verse, Fat Joe’s words play on a woman’s desire for attention and validation. He’s not trying to break up a relationship but, like the player he’s portraying, he’s ready to offer an enticing alternative. The line “We be freakin’ all night like we was on E” is a reference to the drug ecstasy, commonly associated with heightened sensory experiences – basically, he is promising a hell of a good time.
In the third verse, Fat Joe cruises into the nightclub like Michael Jackson himself. He’s living the glitz and glamour of hip-hop fame – chains, fast cars, fast women – and he ain’t apologizing for it. He’s not just in the club for the partying though. He’s there for the connection as well, even if it’s as fleeting as one night.
The song draws to a close reintroducing Ashanti, her yearning voice insisting on love based on trust – a sentiment which is perhaps more idealistic than realistic in their portrayed lifestyle. Uplifting, energetic and yet introspectively deep, “What’s Luv?” is a classic anthem encapsulating the highs, lows, and contradictions of love in the fast-paced world of hip-hop.
