"What Would You Do?" is a song by American hip hop trio City High. It was released in March 2001 as the lead single from their self-titled debut album (2001). The track was originally included on the 1999 soundtrack of the film Life, starring Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence. 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". "What Would You Do?" peaked at number eight on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two in Australia and Ireland, and number three in the United Kingdom. In 2002, the song was nominated for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards, losing to Destiny's Child's "Survivor".

Content

The song, along with the accompanying music video, was likely intended as a motivational anthem for single parents dealing with poverty and especially acknowledging all the single mothers who feel forced into prostitution due to the need to support their children. It encourages them to keep strong and keep going on for the sake of their loved ones. However, it has also come under accusations of a victim-blaming approach, for example the verse where the woman is accused of making "tired excuses."

Track listings

US CD single UK CD single UK 12-inch single UK cassette single European CD single Australian CD single

Credits and personnel

Credits are taken from the City High liner notes. Studios Personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Certifications

Release history