Special
Nate Dogg · Other Songs - Nate Dogg
I mean I like the bitch I don't love her
Next thing you know you gun be all
Boogo upped with her and shit, fuck that
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
L.A.X. to J.F.K. that's where it all happened
Caught you walkin' out that Gucci store in Manhattan
I was in chains and cuffs, you was withcha girls
I was in that aftermath chain, you was in pearls
It was me against the world, baby girl you had dreams of startdiling
The Prince of Compton meets the Queen of Harlem
First date at Mr. Choas it was Cushier? I would coach ya
La Pearl, Gucci's, Lou, Finde, Prada, Douche
Runnin' circles in my living room, tearing up sofas
McLaren or Rover, fuck it ma let's tear up the highway
Let the sprewells spin till the plates fell off
Then we could go 1 on 1 at Dre's house
Jeans painted with the waist cut out
You rockin' the fly way that lil' bit of Compton
Mixed with bed sty way and girl I'm not trying to excite you
I'm tryna wife you, bamboo earing, white air Nike you, ya
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
I like your style, like the way you move, the way you talk
The way you smile, the way you swingin' them hips when you walk
The way you look, the way you ride when you workin' them thighs
The way you licken your lips when you look in my eyes
You down for me, I'm down for you you go down on me
I'll go down on you I wanna do all the things that your man won't do
I'm from the hood, so I know how to handle you
Keep you in pink rocks and G-unit canvas shoes
Show you how to gangsta lean when the lambo move
I'll take you to New York city, Atlanta too
Show you how to fly them birds and them hammers through
And you know
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Let me tell you bout the birds and bees
How I stand on the block all day and flip birds and keys
Your boyfriend don't like me, 'cause he don't get a fourth
Of my cheese and you can take back the Porsche and his keys
Hop in the Range Rover, you ain't gotta force him to leave
I gotta chrome four four on my jeans you got Gucci frame
Covering the mark on your face, 'cause he don't want you
To leave and I don't want you to stay, sometimes I wanna
Snatch that nigga out the CLK, I know he treating you like
K-CIi did Mary J I wanna ease ya pain, kick off your Lou sandles
Let me, whip your tears with my G-unit bandanna
Make me wanna peal you out them jeans when you rockin' 'em
It's 'Me and my girlfriend' like Tupac and them
Jay-z and Beyonce or Bobby and Whitney
We the oh 5 bonnie and Clyde, you feel me
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Girl I'll do anything to make you feel special
Man it's easy to see you special to me
Weather we lovers or friends we'll always be
I want you to know, your special
Special by Nate Dogg
Released in the mid-1990s, "Special" stands as a definitive anthem within the West Coast G-Funk movement, serving as a cornerstone in Nate Dogg's discography that helped cement his status as the genre's premier vocalist. The track exemplifies the sonic landscape of the era, characterized by its laid-back tempo, synthesizer-heavy production, and the signature smooth, soulful delivery that Dogg brought to West Coast hip-hop. His vocal style on this recording is defined by a relaxed, almost conversational cadence that blends seamlessly with the melodic hooks typical of the genre, creating an atmosphere of cool detachment that contrasts with the underlying rhythmic drive of the beat.
The song's lyrical content focuses on themes of success, exclusivity, and the allure of high society, utilizing metaphors of luxury and power to convey a sense of unattainable status. Rather than engaging in aggressive boasting, the track adopts a more sophisticated tone, suggesting that true "specialness" is a rare quality possessed by those who have achieved significant standing. This thematic approach aligns with the broader cultural narrative of the time, where artists sought to articulate the complexities of wealth and fame without resorting to vulgarity, instead embracing a polished, aspirational aesthetic.
Critically and commercially, "Special" was received with widespread acclaim for its melodic structure and Dogg's vocal performance, which became a model for future G-Funk artists. The song's enduring popularity is evidenced by its frequent inclusion in compilations and its status as a staple in dance and club playlists well beyond its original release window. While some contemporary listeners may find the production formula familiar, the track remains a reference point for the genre's evolution, showcasing the transition from the raw energy of early hip-hop to the more melodic, R&B-infused sound that defined the late nineties.
In the context of Nate Dogg's career, "Special" represents a pivotal moment where his ability to harmonize with other vocalists and deliver intricate melodic lines reached new heights. It contributed to his reputation as a versatile artist capable of navigating both solo projects and collaborative efforts, often working with producers who crafted soundscapes that prioritized mood and atmosphere over traditional songwriting structures. The track's legacy is further solidified by its influence on subsequent generations of artists who sought to emulate the smooth, emotive quality of his vocal delivery and the atmospheric production techniques that made the song so memorable.
The recording context reflects the collaborative nature of West Coast hip-hop production, where the focus was often on creating a complete sonic environment rather than a traditional verse-chorus structure. "Special" fits into a catalog of works that prioritized the interplay between the bassline, synth textures, and Dogg's voice, creating a unified listening experience that defined the genre's appeal. Its placement in the broader musical landscape underscores the genre's ability to cross over into mainstream R&B and pop, influencing the direction of hip-hop production for years to come.