What We Do (song)

"What We Do" is a song by American rapper Freeway. It was released on September 3, 2002 as the lead single from his debut studio album Philadelphia Freeway (2003). The song features American rappers Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel. It was produced by Just Blaze and contains a sample of "I Just Can't See Myself Without You" by Creative Source.

"What We Do"
Single by Freeway featuring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel
from the album Philadelphia Freeway
ReleasedSeptember 3, 2002
StudioBaseline Studios
GenreHip hop
Length3:49
LabelRoc-A-Fella, Def Jam
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Just Blaze
Freeway singles chronology
"Roc the Mic"
(2002)		 "What We Do"
(2002)		 "Alright"
(2003)
Jay-Z singles chronology
"Guess Who's Back"
(2002)		 "What We Do"
(2002)		 "'03 Bonnie & Clyde"
(2002)
Beanie Sigel singles chronology
"Guess Who's Back"
(2002)		 "What We Do"
(2002)		 "Gotta Have It"
(2004)
Music video
"What We Do" on YouTube

Background

In the song, the rappers rap about committing acts that they know are illegal, but still doing them in order to survive.[1] In an interview, Freeway stated the song is "talkin' about all the things that we do in the streets is wrong but, of course, there are reasons why we're doing the wrong things that we do".[2]

Freeway originally planned for the track to be a solo and for Jay-Z to only have an ad-lib on it. However, upon hearing what Freeway wrote for the song, Jay-Z decided to contribute a verse of his own. After he did, Beanie Sigel recorded a verse for the song as well.[3]

Music video

The music video was filmed in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. It is based on the television series The Wire and has a cameo from Damon Dash, co-founder of Roc-A-Fella Records.[1]

Charts
Chart (2002–2003) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100[4] 97
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard)[5] 47

References
  1. Reid, Shaheem (November 22, 2002). "Jay-Z, Beans, Dame Dash Withstand Fire, Rain On Freeway Video Set". MTV News.
  2. "Freeway - The Music Group Agency". The Music Group Agency. Archived from the original on April 10, 2021.
  3. Markman, Rob (September 22, 2011). "Jay-Z Wasn't Always On Freeway's 'What We Do'". MTV News.
  4. "Freeway Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard.
  5. "Freeway Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard.
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