Throwback Video of the Day: 50 Cent – “Wanksta”

“Wanksta” – The Song That Put 50 Cent on the Map

Before Get Rich or Die Tryin’ turned 50 Cent into a global superstar, Wanksta was the track that introduced him to mainstream audiences. Originally released on G-Unit’s mixtape No Mercy, No Fear in 2002, the song gained momentum in New York’s underground scene before making its way onto the 8 Mile soundtrack. The track quickly became a street anthem, peaking at #13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and securing 50’s spot as one of the most talked-about rappers of the early 2000s.

The Meaning Behind Wanksta

The word “wanksta” is a combination of wannabe and gangsta, used to call out those who pretend to live a gangster lifestyle without actually walking the walk. The track’s chorus sets the tone:

“You say you a gangsta, but you never pop nothin’ / We say you a wanksta, and you need to stop frontin’.”

This hook, repeated throughout the song, became a defining phrase for the hip-hop community, solidifying 50 Cent’s reputation as someone who would call out the industry’s fakes. While 50 Cent initially denied that Wanksta was aimed at Ja Rule, he later admitted that the song was inspired by his long-standing beef with the Murder Inc. rapper. The track’s braggadocious energy and direct insults resonated with fans who were already taking sides in the growing feud between G-Unit and Murder Inc.

The Lyrical Breakdown: A Ruthless Attack on Industry Pretenders

Each verse of Wanksta adds another layer to 50 Cent’s disdain for fake street personas. He starts the song with a confident declaration:

“I got a lot of livin’ to do ‘fore I die / And I ain’t got time to waste / Let’s make it.”

This opening line, borrowed from Nina Simone’s 1968 song Do What You Gotta Do, sets the stage for 50’s unapologetic approach. He immediately goes in on fake hustlers, making it clear that he’s not impressed by those who act tough without backing it up.

First Verse: Calling Out the Fakes

“You ain’t a friend of mine, you ain’t no kin of mine / What makes you think that I won’t run up on you with a .9?”

In the first verse, 50 Cent asserts his dominance, warning so-called gangsters that they don’t belong in his world. He highlights their lack of authenticity and mocks their failed attempts at appearing tough. His wordplay and delivery make it clear that he’s speaking from experience, further separating himself from the “wankstas” he’s exposing.

Second Verse: From High School Star to Industry Fraud

“Damn, homie, in high school you was the man, homie / The f** happened to you?”*

These lines became one of the most iconic moments in the song. With just a few words, 50 Cent discredits his adversaries, painting them as washed-up figures who peaked too early. The verse further emphasizes the theme of failed potential and false bravado.

Third Verse: The Reality of the Streets

“Niggas sayin’ they gon’ murk 50, how? / We ridin’ ‘round with guns the size of Lil’ Bow Wow.”

In his final verse, 50 Cent reinforces the reality of street life, contrasting it with the image of rappers who claim to be about that life but fail to prove it. He warns his enemies that G-Unit doesn’t move without protection, making it clear that threats against him won’t go unanswered.

The Wanksta Music Video: A Visual Representation of G-Unit’s Rise

The music video for Wanksta mirrors the track’s themes, depicting 50 Cent and G-Unit as they navigate the streets of New York City. The visuals emphasize his connection to the streets, showcasing expensive cars, jewelry, and a no-nonsense demeanor. Every shot reinforces the idea that while others are pretending to be gangsters, 50 is the real deal.

Key Moments in the Video:

• 50 Cent and Tony Yayo cruising through NYC: A representation of G-Unit’s dominance in their home city.
• Stacks of money and jewelry on display: A nod to the real rewards of street hustle.
• Cameos from Lloyd Banks and the G-Unit crew: Solidifying the unity and strength of 50’s team.

The raw energy of the video further cemented Wanksta as a New York anthem, setting the stage for what would become one of the most dominant movements in hip-hop.

Cultural Impact: A Defining Moment for 50 Cent

Upon its release, Wanksta became more than just a song—it became a cultural statement. The term “wanksta” entered everyday vocabulary, used by fans and critics alike to describe inauthentic individuals in the rap game and beyond. Even Stewie Griffin from Family Guy famously mocked 50 Cent’s lyrics at the MTV Video Music Awards, adding to the song’s mainstream appeal.

The track also played a significant role in 50 Cent’s high-profile feud with Ja Rule. While 50 claimed Wanksta wasn’t directly aimed at anyone, the hip-hop community widely accepted it as an attack on Murder Inc., leading to one of the most heated beefs in rap history.

Chart Performance & Legacy

Wanksta made a strong impact on the charts, reaching:

• #13 on the Billboard Hot 100
• #4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks
• #3 on the Hot Rap Tracks

Despite being a mixtape song that transitioned into a soundtrack single, it performed exceptionally well, proving that 50 Cent had a formula for success long before Get Rich or Die Tryin’ dropped.

The Enduring Appeal of Wanksta

More than a decade later, Wanksta remains a defining track in 50 Cent’s career. It marked the beginning of his Shady/Aftermath era, setting the stage for one of the greatest hip-hop runs of all time. The song’s message still resonates, as hip-hop continues to grapple with the authenticity of its artists.

For fans who remember the early 2000s hip-hop landscape, Wanksta is a time capsule that captures the energy of a young 50 Cent ready to take over the game. The track continues to be played in clubs, referenced in battles, and quoted in conversations about real vs. fake in hip-hop.

Final Thoughts

Wanksta isn’t just a song—it’s a statement. It represents 50 Cent’s fearless approach to the industry, his ability to craft catchy hooks while delivering hard-hitting bars, and his unwavering authenticity. As we revisit this classic, it’s clear why Wanksta was the perfect introduction to the juggernaut that 50 Cent would become.

For anyone looking to understand the essence of early 2000s hip-hop, this track is essential listening. Whether you were there when it first dropped or you’re discovering it for the first time, Wanksta remains a timeless anthem that embodies the raw energy of 50 Cent’s rise to superstardom.