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 655 million views as of April 2024.[4]
Samples and covers
In 2008, the
Bacao Rhythm & Steel Band released a cover version of "P.I.M.P." from their album Look-A Py Py. It was such a faithful cover that many people incorrectly believed that it was the source of the steel drum tune 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 included 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]
Legal controversy
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]
* 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.