Format CD5, 12" Genre R&B, hip hop | Recorded 1999 | |
Released February 27, 2001 (2001-02-27) Length 3:32 (Life)2:54 (City High) Label InterscopeRockland (1999 Life album) | ||
"What Would You Do?" is a song recorded by American R&B/hip hop trio City High. It was released in February 2001 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album. The track was originally included on the 1999 soundtrack of the film Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. It is the group's most successful single to date, peaking at number 8 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, number one on Billboard Hot Rap Singles, number 13 on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks and number three in the United Kingdom. The version of the song on their debut album differs from that included on the Life soundtrack as it features a sample of Dr. Dre's hit song, "The Next Episode". The Life soundtrack version of the song does not contain the Dr. Dre sample.
The British band Bastille released a cover of this song on their 2013 album All This Bad Blood. Moxie Raia also released a cover with Vic Mensa called "WWYD" in 2016.
Content
The song, along with the accompanying music video, is a motivational anthem for single parents dealing with poverty and especially for single mothers who feel forced into prostitution due to the need to support their children.