9/13/02, 1 p.m. ET) -- Queens-based rapper
50 Cent, who signed a recording contract with
Dr. Dre and
Eminem for a cool $1 million earlier this summer, has a new song on urban radio called "Wanksta." The song calls out all of the studio gangsters, who have become increasing prevalent in rap music in recent years. "Wanksta" is currently Number Four on the
Billboard Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles chart.
"Wanksta" was released on 50 Cent's Full Clip label, which issued a full-length underground collection by the artist, Guess Who's Back, in April. The label also released a mix-tape compilation featuring 50 Cent and his crew, G-Unit, titled 50 Cent Is The Future.
50 Cent is scheduled to release his debut album for Shady Records/Aftermath Entertainment later this year, which will be distributed by Interscope. The collection will feature the production of Dr. Dre, Sha Money XL, and Eminem. 50 Cent was formerly signed to the Trackmasters' Columbia Records imprint, which was distributed by Sony Records.
In 1999, 50 Cent released his debut single, "How To Rob," which made light of many of the biggest stars in rap music. The song was produced by prankster Deric "D-Dot" Angelettie, who created the Madd Rapper character.
The debut album by 50 Cent, titled Power Of The Dollar, was shelved by Columbia Records, and he was eventually dropped from the label after a falling out with the Trackmasters.
-- Yves Erwin Salomon, New York
