"How's It Goin' Down" is the fourth single by American rapperDMX featuring R&B singer Faith Evans who is used in the introduction monologue, from his debut studio album It's Dark and Hell Is Hot.
Composition
Production
"How's It Goin' Down" is a slower, sample oriented love song, marking somewhat of a departure from DMX's susual high energy and violent lyrics. Produced by DMX's long-time Ruff Ryders affiliates Dame Grease and P.K., it contains a drum sample from The Headhunters' 1975 song "God Made Me Funky".[1] Sonically, the production is reminiscent of soul sample hip-hop; however, it contains no vocal samples. R&B singer Faith Evans instead provided original vocals, marking the first collaboration between both artists; they would later collaborate again on 2002's "[[I Miss You (DMX song)|I Miss You".
Lyrical content
Lyrically, the song describes an affair taking place between DMX and an unnamed woman, and the events that follow in their secretive relationship, including DMX introducing the woman to his drug dealing business, and the woman's boyfriend growing suspicious and later jealous of their affair. By the song's conclusion, DMX decides that carrying on with the relationship does not feel right to him, and encourages the woman to continue life with her boyfriend, while also reassuring her they will always remain "the best of friends". The song was written by DMX, Dame Grease, P.K. of the Ruff Ryders and Anthony Fields.[2]
Music video
Directed by Hype Williams, the music video provides a visual depiction of the song's story, detailing DMX's affair with the unnamed woman. It features cameos by then-unknown artists Eve, Ja Rule, Drag-On and Irv Gotti, all of whom would rise to prominence in the following year.
