Gangsta Wannabe
Mario · Other Songs - Mario
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
About Gangsta Wannabe
Mario's "Gangsta Wannabe" stands as a defining track from his 1990s electro-funk catalog, capturing the raw energy and rhythmic precision characteristic of his solo work during that era. Released alongside hits like "Start Over" and "Let Me Love You," the song exemplifies Mario's ability to blend infectious dance beats with gritty, street-inspired themes that resonated deeply with audiences. As a staple of his discography, the recording showcases his signature vocal delivery and production style, which prioritized high-energy rhythms and memorable hooks over complex arrangements. The track remains a cultural touchstone for fans of 90s electronic music, reflecting the vibrant sound of the time while establishing Mario's reputation as a key figure in the genre's evolution. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke the specific atmosphere of late-night club culture and the burgeoning hip-hop scene of the early 1990s.