[4] The song's vocals are primarily handled by Dr. Dre though an extended version features interludes from Ice Cube and MC Ren.

The song samples Charles Wright & the Watts 103 Street Rhythm Band's hit, also titled "Express Yourself" (1971).

One of King's quotes, the famous "I Have a Dream", also appears on a large sign that the band members walk through as the song properly begins.

[6] The music video features cameos by Sir Jinx, TK Kirkland, and a then-unknown Warren G. German metal band Rammstein sampled the intro in their song "Klavier" for the 1997 album Sehnsucht.

[8] In May 1990, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's music radio station Triple J played the song on a loop while its employees went on strike over the suspension of its news director, Nick Franklin.

Triple J paid tribute to the event in April 2014, when the launch of its new digital radio station Double J was preceded by a stunt loop of "Express Yourself", including the original recording and covers performed by Australian musicians such as The Audreys and Darren Hanlon.

[9][10][5] "Express Yourself" is featured in the video games Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 4, EA's Skate, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas on the in-game station Radio Los Santos.