"Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" was one of the four songs that Jackson received writing credits on for his sixth studio album Thriller in 1982. The song was originally recorded in 1978 for the inclusion on the Off the Wall album, but was later re-recorded in fall 1982, in Los Angeles, California. It was originally written for his sister La Toya Jackson about her troubled relationship with her sisters-in-law, but Michael ended up recording the song, and La Toya sometimes performs the song at her concerts. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" was written, composed and co-produced by Michael Jackson, and produced by Quincy Jones.
Following Jackson's death in June 2009, the song re-entered music charts worldwide. Unlike previous singles from Thriller, "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" did not have a music video to accompany it but was performed by Jackson on world concert tours as both a member of The Jacksons and as a solo artist. It was more successful internationally than in the United States, having peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81, which was the song's lowest charting position. The remix was commercially successful, mainly charting within the top 10 in six countries, as well as the top 20 in several territories worldwide and top 40 in Canada. As part of the release of Thriller 25, a remix of "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '", entitled "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' 2008 with Akon", was recorded with Akon, and released as the second single from the album. It was generally well received by contemporary music critics. The song also topped the charts in Canada as well as the Netherlands and charted within the top 20 and top 30 in several countries. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" became Jackson's fourth consecutive top 10 single from Thriller on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number five. The song is characterized by a complex rhythm arrangement and a distinctive horn arrangement. "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" evokes the disco sound of Jackson's previous studio album, Off the Wall, released in 1979. The lyrics pertain to strangers spreading rumors to start an argument for no good reason.
It was written by Jackson and produced by Jackson and Quincy Jones. It is the opening track of the album and was released as its fourth single on May 8, 1983, by Epic Records. " Wanna Be Startin' Somethin '" is a song by American singer Michael Jackson recorded for his sixth studio album Thriller (1982).