1. noun, colloquial African-American slang Someone who is an active member of a criminal gang or engages in a lifestyle characterized by criminal activities; a gangster. Mom's worried you're gonna become a gangsta and end up dead.

2. noun, slang By extension, one who is tough or aggressive or exhibits such a persona. That guy's a real gangsta—I'm a little intimidated by him, honestly.

3. adjective, slang Tough and aggressive and exhibiting bold action. The term usually implies approval of such action. A: "I can't believe I just demanded all that money from him!" B: "I know, that was so gangsta, dude!"

4. adjective Describing a style of rap music characterized by lyrics and themes concerning the struggle of urban life, gang membership, violence, and sexual exploits. Ice-T is considered a forefather of gangsta rap.