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{{Redirect|Wangster|the subculture|Wigger}} {{Redirect|Wangster|the subculture|Wigger}}
{{Infobox single {{Infobox song
| Name = Wanksta | name = Wanksta
| Cover = Wanksta.jpg | cover = Wanksta.jpg
| Artist = ] | type = single
| artist = ]
| Album = ]'','' ] ''and'' ] | album = ]{{noitalic|,}} ] {{noitalic|and}} ]
| Released = November 6, 2002
| Format = ] | released = November 5, 2002
| Recorded = 2002 | recorded = 2001
| Genre = ] | genre = {{hlist|]|]}}
| Length = 3:44 | length = 3:44
| Label = ], ], ] | label = {{hlist|]|]}}
| writer = {{hlist|]|]|John Freeman}}
| Writer = Curtis Jackson & Peter Harrison
| Producer = John "J-Praize" Freeman<br />(mixed by ]) | producer = {{hlist|]|John "J-Praize" Freeman}}
| Last single = "]"<br />(1999) | prev_title = ]
| prev_year = 1999
| This single = "'''Wanksta'''"<br />(2002)
| Next single = "]"<br />(2003) | next_title = ]
| Misc = {{Extra track listing | next_year = 2003
| misc = {{External music video|{{YouTube|ShOQQOy5pf8|"Wanksta"}}}}
| Album = ]
| Type = single
| prev_track = "Gotta Make It To Heaven"
| prev_no = 16
| this_track = "'''Wanksta'''"
| track_no = 17
| next_track = "U Not Like Me"
| next_no = 18
⚫ }}
{{Extra track listing
| Album = ]
| Type = single
| prev_track = "U Wanna Be Me"
| prev_no = 10
| this_track = "'''Wanksta'''"
| track_no = 11
| next_track = "Wasting My Time"
| next_no = 12
}}
}} }}


"'''Wanksta'''" is a song by American ] recording artist ], released on November 6, 2002, as the second ] from the ] '']'' (2002). The single, ] by John "J-Praize" Freeman, reached number 13 on the US ]. The song originally appeared on 50 Cent's mixtape '']'', released in August 2002. "'''Wanksta'''" is a song by American rapper ], released on November 5, 2002, as the third ] from the ] '']'' (2002). The single, ] by ] and John "J-Praize" Freeman, reached number 13 on the US ]. The song originally appeared on 50 Cent's mixtape '']'', released in August 2002.


==Background== ==Background==
"Get Rich or die trying" was 50 Cent's first single to chart after signing up with ]'s & ]'s labels, ] & ], as well as his first single since 1999's Thug Love. Originally appearing on his 2002 mixtape '']'', it received a lot of airplay, and was eventually added to the 8 Mile soundtrack. It was a bonus track (track 17) on his 2003 commercial debut album '']''. "Wanksta" was 50 Cent's first single to chart after signing to ]'s and ]'s labels, ] and ], as well as his first single to be released since "]" in 1999. Originally appearing on his 2002 mixtape, '']'', it received a lot of airplay, and was eventually added to the '']'' later the same year. It was then added as a bonus track on his 2003 debut album, '']''.


Eminem also made a remix, in 2003, aimed at ] and tweaked the beat to sound high pitched. The song appeared on the CD single box set '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosampled.com/cover/view/30168/Eminem-Wanksta_50%20Cent-Wanksta/|title=Eminem cover of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled|work=WhoSampled}}</ref>
⚫ The song's lyrics are believed to be directed towards long time nemesis ], but ] disputed this himself in a ] interview, stating that the song was not directed against Ja Rule, "But Ja Rule is a wanksta".<ref>Unknown author. (February 11, 2003) . MuchMusic. Accessed August 1, 2007.</ref>


Eminem also made a remix, in 2003, aimed at ] and tweeked the beat to sound high pitched. The song appeared on the CD single box set '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosampled.com/cover/view/30168/Eminem-Wanksta_50%20Cent-Wanksta/|title=Eminem cover of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled|work=WhoSampled}}</ref> The instrumental for the song was used for "Crackin", a song by The ], in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisrap.com/index.php?t=song&song_id=7464|title=MemphisRap.com - New Music, Videos, Hip-Hop News, Events, Pop Culture}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/30147/Psychopathic%20Rydas-Crackin_50%20Cent-Wanksta/|title=Psychopathic Rydas's Crackin sample of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled|work=WhoSampled}}</ref> It was also used by Murder Inc. artist ] in his 50 Cent diss track "You Da Wanksta" in 2002.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.myspace.com/djbackchildfreestyle/music/songs/the-real-wanksta-12320928|title = The Real Wanksta}}</ref>

The instrumental for the song was used for "Crackin", a song by The ], in 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.memphisrap.com/index.php?t=song&song_id=7464|title=MemphisRap.com - New Music, Videos, Hip-Hop News, Events, Pop Culture|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.whosampled.com/sample/view/30147/Psychopathic%20Rydas-Crackin_50%20Cent-Wanksta/|title=Psychopathic Rydas's Crackin sample of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled|work=WhoSampled}}</ref> It was also used for "The Real Wanksta" by ], in 2002, who is signed to ] and was beefing with 50 because he was affiliated with Ja Rule.<ref>https://www.myspace.com/djbackchildfreestyle/music/songs/the-real-wanksta-12320928</ref>


R&B girl group ] recorded an answer song entitled "No Ganksta" in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wn.com/Blaque__No_Ganksta|title=Blaque No Ganksta|work=World News}}</ref> R&B girl group ] recorded an answer song entitled "No Ganksta" in 2003.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wn.com/Blaque__No_Ganksta|title=Blaque No Ganksta|work=World News}}</ref>

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 ]'s 1968 recording of "]."<ref>Archived at {{cbignore}} and the {{cbignore}}: {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4xde537g1A/|title=Nina Simone - Do What You Gotta Do|work=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref>


==Etymology== ==Etymology==
The title is generally accepted as a ] word meaning "self-obsessed, show-off person". The precise origin is debated, although most theories suggest a blend of "gangsta" and "wannabe".{{cn|date=May 2015}} The title is generally accepted as a ] word meaning "self-obsessed, show-off person". The precise origin is debated, although most theories suggest a blend of "gangsta" and "wannabe".<ref>{{Cite book|title=African American slang : a linguistic description|last=Maciej|first=Widawski|isbn=9781107074170|location=Cambridge, United Kingdom|oclc=885547585|date = 2015-03-05}}</ref> The term had previously been used in the 1999 track Q.B.G. from ], a collaborative album by American DJs Funkmaster Flex and Big Kap.
⚫ ] has explicitly stated that the word is not related to "]":<ref>Jake Arnott. (October 19, 2003) . The Guardian Observer. Accessed July 11, 2008</ref>

⚫ ] has explicitly stated that the word is not related to ]:<ref>Jake Arnott. (October 19, 2003) . The Guardian Observer. Accessed July 11, 2008</ref>


<blockquote> <blockquote>
'''Jake Arnott:''' And another claim to fame: you introduced the word 'wanksta' into the language with your track 'Wanksta'. That word sort of means something in England&nbsp;— does it mean the same in America? Jake Arnott: And another claim to fame: you introduced the word 'wanksta' into the language with your track 'Wanksta'. That word sort of means something in England&nbsp;— does it mean the same in America?


'''50 Cent:''' Nah, nah! 'Wanksta's like... we use that terminology to mean a fake gangster. When people told me about the word 'wanker'... 50 Cent: Nah, nah! 'Wanksta's like... we use that terminology to mean a fake gangster. When people told me about the word 'wanker'...
</blockquote> </blockquote>


50 Cent may however have simply been unaware of the origin of this established slang term.
==In popular culture==

* ] from '']'' appeared in a short clip at the 20th annual ] insulting 50 Cent, which has become a viral video circulating on numerous online services. Stewie, with blocks spelling out "MTV", Rupert and a baby toy in the background, reads some words from this song in a comical voice, then commenting: "Well, good luck finding the subject and predicate of that run-on sentence! And what the bloody hell does it mean, "we don't go nowhere without toast"? Now, you listen to me, Mr. Cent. If you want to make it in this business, lay off the doobie!". He then pulls out a hitherto concealed sign reading "Stewie for Governor".
⚫ The song's lyrics were believed to be directed towards long time nemesis Ja Rule, but ] disputed this himself in a ] interview, stating that while the song itself was not directed at Ja, he was a good example of a wanksta.<ref>Unknown author. (February 11, 2003) . MuchMusic. Accessed August 1, 2007.</ref>


==Charts== ==Charts==
{{col-start}}
{{col-2}}

===Weekly charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable" {| class="wikitable sortable"
!Chart (2002–2003) !Chart (2002–2003)
!Peak<br/>position !Peak<br/>position
|- |-
{{singlechart|Billboardhot100|13|artist=50 Cent|access-date=May 23, 2020}}
|US ]
⚫ |align="center"|13
|- |-
{{singlechart|Billboardrandbhiphop|4|artist=50 Cent|access-date=May 23, 2020}}
|US ''Billboard'' ]
⚫ |align="center"|4
|- |-
{{singlechart|Billboardrapsongs|3|artist=50 Cent|access-date=May 23, 2020}}
|US ''Billboard'' ]
|align="center"|3
|- |-
{{singlechart|Billboardrhythmic|6|artist=50 Cent|access-date=November 28, 2023}}
|} |}
{{col-2}}

===Year-end charts===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
!Chart (2003)
!Position
|-
|]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://billboardtop100of.com/2003-2/|title=Billboard Top 100 – 2003|website=billboardtop100of.com|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref>
⚫ |align="center"|63
|-
|US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (''Billboard'')<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2003/hot-r-and-and-b-hip-hop-songs|title=Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2003|magazine=Billboard|date=2 January 2013|access-date=May 23, 2020}}</ref>
⚫ |align="center"|34
⚫ |}
{{col-end}}

== Certifications ==
{{Certification Table Top}}
{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|award=Platinum|certyear=2022|title=Wanksta|artist=50 Cent|type=single|access-date=October 26, 2022|relyear=2002}}
{{Certification Table Bottom|noshipments=true|nosales=true|streaming=true}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{YouTube|ShOQQOy5pf8|Music video for "Wanksta"}}
*
* {{MetroLyrics song|50-cent|wanksta}}<!-- Licensed lyrics provider -->


{{50 Cent singles}} {{50 Cent singles}}
{{Eminem singles}} {{Eminem singles}}
{{Authority control}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
]
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Latest revision as of 00:56, 4 January 2025

"Wangster" redirects here. For the subculture, see Wigger. 2002 single by 50 Cent
"Wanksta"
Single by 50 Cent
from the album No Mercy, No Fear, 8 Mile: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture and Get Rich or Die Tryin'
ReleasedNovember 5, 2002
Recorded2001
Genre
Length3:44
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
50 Cent singles chronology
"Your Life's on the Line"
(1999) 		"Wanksta"
(2002) 		"In da Club"
(2003)
Music video
"Wanksta" on YouTube

"Wanksta" is a song by American rapper 50 Cent, released on November 5, 2002, as the third single from the soundtrack to the film 8 Mile (2002). The single, produced by Sha Money XL and John "J-Praize" Freeman, reached number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song originally appeared on 50 Cent's mixtape No Mercy, No Fear, released in August 2002.

Background

"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 Fear, it received a lot of airplay, and was eventually added to the 8 Mile soundtrack later the same year. It was then added as a bonus track on his 2003 debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

Eminem also made a remix, in 2003, aimed at Ja Rule and tweaked the beat to sound high pitched. The song appeared on the CD single box set The Singles.

The instrumental for the song was used for "Crackin", a song by The Psychopathic Rydas, in 2004. It was also used by Murder Inc. artist Black Child in his 50 Cent diss track "You Da Wanksta" in 2002.

R&B girl group Blaque recorded an answer song entitled "No Ganksta" in 2003.

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."

Etymology

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". 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":

Jake Arnott: And another claim to fame: you introduced the word 'wanksta' into the language with your track 'Wanksta'. That word sort of means something in England — does it mean the same in America?

50 Cent: Nah, nah! 'Wanksta's like... we use that terminology to mean a fake gangster. When people told me about the word 'wanker'...

50 Cent may however have simply been unaware of the origin of this established slang term.

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.

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2002–2003) Peak
position
US Billboard Hot 100 13
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 4
US Hot Rap Songs (Billboard) 3
US Rhythmic (Billboard) 6

Year-end charts

Chart (2003) Position
US Billboard Hot 100 63
US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (Billboard) 34

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA) Platinum 1,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. "Eminem cover of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled". WhoSampled.
  2. "MemphisRap.com - New Music, Videos, Hip-Hop News, Events, Pop Culture".
  3. "Psychopathic Rydas's Crackin sample of 50 Cent's Wanksta - WhoSampled". WhoSampled.
  4. "The Real Wanksta".
  5. "Blaque No Ganksta". World News.
  6. Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Nina Simone - Do What You Gotta Do". YouTube.
  7. Maciej, Widawski (2015-03-05). African American slang : a linguistic description. Cambridge, United Kingdom. ISBN 9781107074170. OCLC 885547585.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  8. Jake Arnott. (October 19, 2003) "Jake Arnott and 50 Cent". The Guardian Observer. Accessed July 11, 2008
  9. Unknown author. (February 11, 2003) "Fifty Cent: Ja Rule is a Wanksta". MuchMusic. Accessed August 1, 2007.
  10. "50 Cent Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  11. "50 Cent Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  12. "50 Cent Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  13. "50 Cent Chart History (Rhythmic)". Billboard. Retrieved November 28, 2023.
  14. "Billboard Top 100 – 2003". billboardtop100of.com. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  15. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2003". Billboard. 2 January 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2020.
  16. "American single certifications – 50 Cent – Wanksta". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
50 Cent singles
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Get Rich or Die Tryin' OST
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Before I Self Destruct
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Animal Ambition
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