"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.

"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)

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

edit

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

edit

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

edit

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]

edit

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

edit
  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

edit

Certifications

edit
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

edit
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
July 1, 2003 (2003-07-01) 12-inch vinyl
July 15, 2003 (2003-07-15) Digital download
August 5, 2003 (2003-08-05) Contemporary hit radio
Australia September 29, 2003 (2003-09-29) Maxi CD Universal Music
Germany
United Kingdom October 13, 2003 (2003-10-13)
Polydor
France December 16, 2003 (2003-12-16) CD

References

edit
  1. ^ us copyright office website Registration # PA0001105184 P.I.M.P date :2003-03-31 date of publication February 6, 2003
  2. ^ TRL Archive – Debuts Archived January 2, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. PopFusion. Accessed August 25, 2007.
  3. ^ MTV Video Music Awards History: Best Rap Video. Rock on the Net. Accessed August 25, 2007.
  4. ^ 50 Cent - P.I.M.P. (Snoop Dogg Remix) ft. Snoop Dogg, G-Unit.YouTube
  5. ^ "P.I.M.P. / Laventille Road March". Jazzman Records UK. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  6. ^ "'Anatomy of a Fall' Review: Sandra Hüller Shines in Justine Triet's Ferociously Intelligent Murder-Mystery – Cannes Film Festival". May 21, 2023.
  7. ^ "P.I.M.P. by 50 Cent". WhoSampled.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  8. ^ Chris Cooke (November 18, 2016). "50 Cent sample case dismissed by US court". CompleteMusicUpdate.com. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  9. ^ Ashley Cullins (November 16, 2016). "Judge Dismisses Fraud Lawsuit Over 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P."". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 16, 2017.
  10. ^ Pimp: Amazon.co.uk: Music. Shady Records. January 2003. Retrieved December 10, 2017. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)
  11. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". ARIA Top 50 Singles.
  12. ^ "Issue 724" ARIA Top 40 Urban Singles. National Library of Australia. Retrieved May 25, 2022.
  13. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40.
  14. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in Dutch). Ultratop 50.
  15. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in French). Ultratop 50.
  16. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Canadian Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved August 31, 2023.
  17. ^ "Canadian Top 20 in 2003" (PDF). Cross Canada Countdown. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2005. Retrieved June 4, 2024.
  18. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". Tracklisten.
  19. ^ "50 Cent: P.I.M.P." (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat.
  20. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in French). Les classement single.
  21. ^ a b "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  22. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Rádiós Top 40 játszási lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  23. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Dance Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége.
  24. ^ "The Irish Charts – Search Results – 50 Cent". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  25. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". Top Digital Download.
  26. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – 50 Cent" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40.
  27. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in Dutch). Single Top 100.
  28. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". Top 40 Singles.
  29. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". VG-lista.
  30. ^ "Romanian Top 100" Select the year 2004 and the issue 5.
  31. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  32. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". Singles Top 100.
  33. ^ "50 Cent – P.I.M.P.". Swiss Singles Chart.
  34. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
  35. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company.
  36. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  37. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  38. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Hot Rap Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved September 1, 2023.
  39. ^ "Mūzikas Patēriņa Tops/ 41. nedēļa" (in English and Latvian). LAIPA. October 16, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  40. ^ "ARIA Top 100 Singles for 2003". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  41. ^ "Jaaroverzichten 2003" (in Dutch). Ultratop. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  42. ^ "Top 100 Single–Jahrescharts 2003" (in German). GfK Entertainment. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  43. ^ "Top 100 Songs of 2003". Raidió Teilifís Éireann. 2003. Archived from the original on June 2, 2004. Retrieved March 16, 2022.
  44. ^ "Top 100–Jaaroverzicht van 2003". Dutch Top 40. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  45. ^ "Jaaroverzichten – Single 2003" (in Dutch). MegaCharts. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  46. ^ "Årslista Singlar, 2003" (in Swedish). Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  47. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2003". hitparade.ch. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  48. ^ "The Official UK Singles Chart 2003" (PDF). UKChartsPlus. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  49. ^ "2003 Urban top 30" (PDF). Music Week. January 17, 2004. p. 18. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  50. ^ "Billboard Top 100 – 2003". Retrieved August 16, 2019.
  51. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Year-End 2003". Billboard. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  52. ^ "Schweizer Jahreshitparade 2004". hitparade.ch. Retrieved February 12, 2020.
  53. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2003 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  54. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  55. ^ "Danish single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." IFPI Danmark. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  56. ^ "Gold-/Platin-Datenbank (50 Cent; 'P.I.M.P.')" (in German). Bundesverband Musikindustrie. Retrieved May 16, 2023.
  57. ^ "IFPI Charts – Digital Singles Chart (International) – Εβδομάδα: 44/2022" (in Greek). IFPI Greece. Retrieved August 12, 2023.
  58. ^ "Italian single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  59. ^ "Latest Gold / Platinum Singles". Radioscope. August 21, 2011. Archived from the original on August 31, 2011. Retrieved July 6, 2022.
  60. ^ "IFPI Norsk platebransje Trofeer 1993–2011" (in Norwegian). IFPI Norway. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  61. ^ "Spanish single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved July 10, 2024.
  62. ^ "British single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved September 11, 2020.
  63. ^ a b "American single certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  64. ^ "American ringtone certifications – 50 Cent – P.I.M.P." Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  65. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. June 20, 2003. p. 32. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via World Radio History.
  66. ^ "P.I.M.P. – 50 Cent". Interscope Records. July 1, 2003. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via AllMusic.
  67. ^ "Going for Adds" (PDF). Radio & Records. August 1, 2003. p. 27. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via World Radio History.
  68. ^ "New Releases Singles – Week Commencing 29th September 2003" (PDF). The ARIA Report (710). Australian Recording Industry Association: 25. September 29, 2003. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2008. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via Pandora archive.
  69. ^ "New Releases: Singles" (PDF). Music Week. October 11, 2003. p. 31. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via World Radio History.
  70. ^ "P.I.M.P. – 50 Cent – CD single" (in French). France: Polydor Records. December 16, 2003. Retrieved September 1, 2023 – via Fnac.
edit