The lyrics of the song's chorus are based in part on the title refrain of the 1984 Tina Turner hit "What's Love Got to Do with It".

Fat Joe, Ja Rule, and the song's two producers are credited as the writers of "What's Luv", as are Big Pun and the lyricist of "What's Love Got to Do with It", Terry Britten.

", released in the United States on February 4, 2002, peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart that April, becoming Fat Joe's highest-charting single as a lead artist.

The single was also a success internationally, reaching the top five in Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

The music video features cameo appearances from DJ Kay Slay, Capone, Young Noble, Kastro, Treach, Fat Joe's son Ryan, Maia Campbell as Joe's love interest, and Terror Squad members Tony Sunshine and Remy Martin.