Gangsta Wannabe
Kanye West · Other Songs - Kanye West
This song's for all the posers tryin' ta make out that
they all bad an' shit
Man, y'all spread it so thick you could mulch my lawn
I don't claim to be a bad gangsta like y'all wannabes
Ya see, I'm just a regula nigga an I'm keepin' it real (Hey, Hey)
Mario:
I ain't no gangsta an' I ain't no thug
The F.B.I. ain't tryin'a lock me up
But if you keepin' it real, girl, I could be yo man
Got a heart fulla lovin' an a natural tan
Kanye: T's like dese cat's dat I see all be tryin ta front
If ya see me on the block, I'm just out havin' fun
When I see a cop crusin' I don't take off on a run
Feel that bulge in my pocket, that's me, girl, tain't no shotgun
Mario:
I ain't no gangsta an' I ain't no thug
The F.B.I. ain't tryin'a lock me up
But if you keepin' it real, girl, I could be yo man
Got a heart fulla lovin' an a natural tan
Kanye:
My teeth ain't gold, dey a natural white
An' I'll defend myself, but I aint lookin' ta fight
Some dudes say dey ballin', but that aint me
I'm just a regular nigga, what you get's what you see
An I ain't droppin' me money like it's made outa piss
I don't bathe in champagne, man, that's ludacriz!
If ya come to da club, in the center you'll find me
Gettin' down with girls, not bodyguards, around me
Kulcha Don:
Dese foos wanna play dat dey sumptin dey not
Dey tink dey rep'd be bettah if dey sinned n' got caught
But I tink dey brains fried 'cause a life on de run
Can't compare wid bein crazy krunk n' out havin fun
If you hear your door-a knockin do you think it's de cops
Do you hide in your basement till dat bangin stops?
Well my door's always open and de party is on
So forget all dem posers, bring your girls an come on
Kanye:
So if ya see me on de street, girl, just come up an' say 'hi'
'cause I'm a whole lot crazy an' a lil' bit'shy
Can you love a real boy? I ain't got no disguise
All I got is de love that ya see in dese eyes
Mario:
I ain't no gangsta an' I ain't no thug
The F.B.I. ain't tryin'a lock me up
But if you keepin' it real, girl, I could be yo man
Got a heart fulla lovin' an a natural tan
Gangsta Wannabe
Released in 2007, Kanye West's 'Gangsta Wannabe' stands as a pivotal track from his *Graduation* era, blending hip-hop with orchestral elements to explore themes of ambition and identity. The song features a distinctive production style that became a hallmark of his work during this period, characterized by layered vocals and a rhythmic flow that challenged traditional rap structures. It reflects the artist's evolving sound, moving away from his earlier soul-influenced tracks toward a more complex, genre-defying approach. The recording captures the tension between commercial success and artistic integrity, a recurring motif in West's discography. As a standalone single, it remains a significant example of mid-2000s hip-hop innovation, showcasing his ability to craft memorable melodies and lyrics that resonate with listeners seeking both entertainment and social commentary.