<P> The song 's lyrics pertain to strangers spreading rumors to start an argument for no good reason . Musically , `` Wanna Be Startin ' Somethin ' '' evokes the disco sound of Jackson 's previous studio album , Off the Wall , released in 1979 . The song is characterized by a complex rhythm arrangement and a distinctive horn arrangement . `` Wanna Be Startin ' Somethin ' '' has been covered and sampled by multiple recording artists since its release . Aside from Thriller , the song appears on multiple compilation and greatest hits albums by Jackson . </P>
what is the meaning of wan na be starting something
strangers spreading rumors to start an argument for no good reason