P.I.M.P.

For other, see Pimp (disambiguation).

"P.I.M.P."
Single by 50 Cent
from the album Get Rich or Die Tryin'
B-side"8 More Miles"
ReleasedJune 24, 2003 (2003-06-24)
Recorded2003
GenreGangsta rap
Length
  • 4:09 (album version)
  • 4:17 (radio edit)
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
50 Cent singles chronology
"21 Questions"
(2003) 		"P.I.M.P."
(2003) 		"If I Can't"
(2003)

"P.I.M.P." is a song recorded by American rapper 50 Cent for his debut studio album Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003). It features production from Mr. Porter of D12 and was mixed by Dr. Dre. The song was released as the third single from Get Rich or Die Tryin' alongside its remix, featuring American rappers Snoop Dogg, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, on June 24, 2003, by Interscope Records, Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment.

Upon its release, "P.I.M.P." was a significant commercial success, especially in the United States, where it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, while reaching the top ten of numerous national charts worldwide. The song was later certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Although the remix was not originally part of the track listing for Get Rich or Die Tryin', it was later added as a bonus track on some digital editions of the album.

Content

Musically, the song is based on a highly steelpan prominent production from Mr. Porter from D12, and although it is predominantly a rap song, features elements of other genres, especially reggae, or music similar to that of the Caribbean. Lyrically, the song glorifies 50 Cent's supposed involvement in the 'pimp' lifestyle.[1]

Music video

The music video features the four rappers rapping with topless women.[citation needed] The video comes in two slightly different versions: one with the topless women and a "clean" version without. On July 15, 2003, the video debuted on MTV's Total Request Live at number nine and stayed on the chart for fifty days.[2] At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, it was nominated for Best Rap Video, but lost to Jay-Z's "99 Problems".[3]

The video had 50 Cent trying to audition to become a member of the P.I.M.P. Legion of Doom that is led by Snoop Dogg's character. When asked why they should let him join the P.I.M.P. Legion of Doom as he doesn't have a Cadillac and/or a perm, 50 Cent ends up winning their favor by showing off his Magic Stick.

The music video on YouTube has received over 665 million views as of June 2024.[4]

Samples and covers

In 2008, the Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band released a single "PIMP" from their album 55 (2016). It was such a faithful cover that many people incorrectly believed that it was the source of the steel drum melody used in the 50 Cent single, though the Bacao single was released five years after 50 Cent had released "P.I.M.P.".[5] This cover features heavily in the French legal thriller Anatomy of a Fall.[6]

Additional covers of the song include those on Hip Hop Baby (a 2004 compilation album of kid-friendly tunes from the group Tunes for Baby That Won't Drive You Crazy), and "P.I.N.T.", a parody version by British rapper 50 Pence (from his 2004 album 50 Pence Presents).[7]

In June 2016, producer Brandon Parrott and business manager Erica Tucker sued almost everyone involved with the 50 Cent record Get Rich or Die Tryin', claiming that he was tricked into licensing the use of a beat from his track "BAMBA". Aftermath Records and Universal requested that the case be dismissed on the grounds that Parrott had already been compensated in an earlier settlement. Judge S. James Otero dismissed the complaint without leave to amend in November 2016.[8][9]

Track listing

  1. "P.I.M.P." – 4:09
  2. "P.I.M.P. (Remix)" (featuring Snoop Dogg, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck) – 4:47
  3. "8 More Miles" (featuring G-Unit) – 3:08
  4. "P.I.M.P." – The Video (Director's cut) – 4:10

Charts

Certifications

Certifications and sales for "P.I.M.P."
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[53] Platinum 70,000^
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[54] Platinum 60,000‡
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[55] Platinum 90,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[56] 3× Gold 450,000‡
Greece (IFPI Greece)[57] Gold 1,000,000†
Italy (FIMI)[58] Gold 25,000‡
New Zealand (RMNZ)[59] Gold 7,500*
Norway (IFPI Norway)[60] Gold 5,000*
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[61] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[62] Platinum 600,000‡
United States (RIAA)[63] 3× Platinum 3,000,000‡
United States (RIAA)[64]
Mastertone 		Gold 500,000*

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "P.I.M.P."
Region Date Format(s) Label(s) Ref.
United States June 24, 2003 (2003-06-24) Urban contemporary radio
[65]
July 1, 2003 (2003-07-01) 12-inch vinyl
[66]
July 15, 2003 (2003-07-15) Digital download
[63]
August 5, 2003 (2003-08-05) Contemporary hit radio
[67]
Australia September 29, 2003 (2003-09-29) Maxi CD Universal Music
[68]
Germany
[21]
United Kingdom October 13, 2003 (2003-10-13)
Polydor
[69]
France December 16, 2003 (2003-12-16) CD
[70]

References

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