"Wanksta" was 50 Cent's first single to chart after signing to Eminem's and Dr. Dre's labels, Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment, as well as his first single to be released since "Thug Love" in 1999. Originally appearing on his 2002 mixtape, No Mercy, No Fear50 cent opens the song with the lyrics "I got a lot of livin' to do before I die and I ain't got no time to waste...let's make it" which he took from the intro to Nina Simone's 1968 recording of "Do What You Gotta Do."[6]
, it received a lot of airplay, and was eventually added to theGet Rich or Die Tryin'.
The title is generally accepted as a portmanteau word meaning "self-obsessed, show-off person". The precise origin is debated, although most theories suggest a blend of "gangsta" and "wannabe".[7] The term had previously been used in the 1999 track Q.B.G. from The Tunnel, a collaborative album by American DJs Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap.50 Cent has explicitly stated that the word is not related to "wanker":[8]The instrumental for the song was used for "Crackin", a song by The Psychopathic Rydas, in 2004.[2][3] It was also used by Murder Inc. artist Black Child in his 50 Cent diss track "You Da Wanksta" in 2002.[4]
50 cent opens the song with the lyrics "I got a lot of livin' to do before I die and I ain't got no time to waste...let's make it" which he took from the intro to Nina Simone's 1968 recording of "Do What You Gotta Do."[6]
The song's lyrics were believed to be directed towards long time nemesis Ja Rule, but 50 Cent disputed this himself in a MuchMusic interview, stating that while the song itself was not directed at Ja, he was a good example of a wanksta.[9]The title is generally accepted as a portmanteau word meaning "self-obsessed, show-off person". The precise origin is debated, although most theories suggest a blend of "gangsta" and "wannabe".[7] The term had previously been used in the 1999 track Q.B.G. from The Tunnel, a collaborative album by American DJs Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap.50 Cent has explicitly stated that the word is not related to "wanker":[8]
The song's lyrics were believed to be directed towards long time nemesis Ja Rule, but 50 Cent disputed this himself in a MuchMusic interview, stating that while the song itself was not directed at Ja, he was a good example of a wanksta.[9]50 Cent's 'Wanksta' is a song that delves into the theme of authenticity versus pretense in the street culture and rap community. The term 'wanksta' is a portmanteau of 'wannabe' and 'gangsta,' used to describe someone who pretends to be a gangster but lacks the credibility or experience. In the song, 50 Cent calls out individuals who claim to live a life of crime and toughness but in reality, do not engage in the activities they boast about. He emphasizes the difference between real gangsters and those who merely adopt the image for clout or intimidation without any substance behind their claims.
The lyrics of 'Wanksta' are a direct confrontation to posers, with 50 Cent asserting his own street credibility by referencing his past, including his time on parole and his encounters with law enforcement. He mocks those who pretend to be something they're not, especially those who talk about violence and crime but have never actually 'popped' anything. The song also touches on themes of materialism and success, as 50 Cent points out the futility of pretending to be wealthy or influential when one has nothing to show for it, such as going to a car dealership without ever making a purchase.
50 Cent's 'Wanksta' is a song that delves into the theme of authenticity versus pretense in the street culture and rap community. The term 'wanksta' is a portmanteau of 'wannabe' and 'gangsta,' used to describe someone who pretends to be a gangster but lacks the credibility or experience. In the song, 50 Cent calls out individuals who claim to live a life of crime and toughness but in reality, do not engage in the activities they boast about. He emphasizes the difference between real gangsters and those who merely adopt the image for clout or intimidation without any substance behind their claims.'Wanksta' is not just a diss track; it's a commentary on the importance of being genuine and earning respect through real actions rather than empty boasts. 50 Cent, known for his gritty storytelling and authentic representation of his life experiences, uses this song to draw a line between those who have lived the life they rap about and those who fabricate their personas. The song resonated with many listeners, becoming an anthem for calling out fakes in any context, not just within the hip-hop community.
c80f0f1006'Wanksta' is not just a diss track; it's a commentary on the importance of being genuine and earning respect through real actions rather than empty boasts. 50 Cent, known for his gritty storytelling and authentic representation of his life experiences, uses this song to draw a line between those who have lived the life they rap about and those who fabricate their personas. The song resonated with many listeners, becoming an anthem for calling out fakes in any context, not just within the hip-hop community.