Going Back to Cali (The Notorious B.I.G. song)

For the LL Cool J song, see Going Back to Cali (LL Cool J song).
"Going Back To Cali"
Single by The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Roger Troutman and Puff Daddy
from the album Life After Death and Notorious (soundtrack)
Released 1998
Format CD/Vinyl
Recorded 1995 - 1996
Genre Hip hop, G-funk
Length 5:07 (CD single)
5:07 (album)
Label Bad Boy
Writer(s) C. Wallace, O. Harvey, Roger Troutman
Producer(s) Easy Mo Bee

"Going Back To Cali" is a song recorded by rapper The Notorious B.I.G. and Puff Daddy (uncredited) from the album Life After Death. The song is noted as one of Biggie's popular songs from the album, well known for its catchy hook and beat. The song contains a sample of Zapp hit "More Bounce to the Ounce".

Background

The song is about Biggie going back to Los Angeles and the West Coast. It starts off with Puff Daddy and Biggie in a phone conversation in which Puff is telling Biggie that he needs to get ready for a flight to LA. The second verse opens up with Biggie's thoughts on the inter-coastal war and his relationship with the West Coast:

If I got to choose a coast I got to choose the East
I live out there, so don't go there
But that don't mean a nigga can't rest in the West
See some nice breasts in the West
Smoke some nice sess in the West, y'all niggas is a mess
Thinkin' I'm gon' stop, givin' L.A. props
All I got is beef with those that violate me
I shall annihilate thee

Cover versions

Harlem rapper Mase (who was associated with Biggie) recorded a cover version of the song named "Going Back To Harlem".

The song is heavily sampled in E-40's song "Bust Moves" featuring labelmates Big Omeezy and Droop-E, the latter of whom is E-40's son, from his 2012 album The Block Brochure: Welcome to the Soil 1.

Chart positions

Peak positions

Chart (1998) Peak
position
U.S. Billboard Hot 100 26
U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks 31

References