Jackson was born and raised in South Jamaica, a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. His mother Sabrina, a drug dealer, died in a fire when he was 8. Since his father had already abandoned the family, young Curtis was sent to live with his grandparents. Growing up during the crack epidemic of the 80s and 90s, Jackson dealt drugs when he wasn't "killing time" at school or boxing at a local gym. His grandparents assumed he was at after-school programs when he was out selling crack. In tenth grade, Jackson was caught with guns and drug money passing through the metal detectors at Andrew Jackson High School in Queens. In 1994, Jackson was arrested again for selling vials of cocaine to an undercover officer, and three weeks later he was arrested yet-again after police found heroin, crack cocaine, and a starter pistol in his home. Jackson was sentenced to 3 to 9 years in prison, but opted to join a 6 month boot camp program and get his GED. Around this time, Jackson began going by "50 Cent," inspired by deceased Brooklyn stick-up man Kelvin "50 Cent" Martin.
After leaving drug dealing to pursue a rap career, he released his debut album Guess Who's Back Again in 2002. He was discovered by Eminem and Dr. Dre and then signed to Interscope Records. He has since released Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003), The Massacre (2006), Curtis (2007) and Before I Self Destruct (2009).
50 Cent has engaged in feuds with other rappers including Jay-Z, Ja Rule, The Game, Cam'ron, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross. He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin' in 2005, the Iraq War film Home of the Brave in 2006, and Righteous Kill in 2008. 50 Cent is one of the richest hip-hop performers, having a net worth estimated at US $440 million in 2008.
Before 50 Cent ever inked a major deal, he built up a substantial fan base in New York through underground mixtapes. 50 Cent met up with Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC and was signed to his label to write all of Jay’s music. After he’d left JMJ, he signed to Columbia Records in 1996. On this label, he released Power of the Dollar, and the singles How to Rob and Ghetto Qua Ran. Columbia Records released him from the label after being shot on May 24th, 2000.
Around this time, Eminem had heard one of 50 Cent’s demo tapes and expressed a huge interest in him on MTV, as did Dr. Dre. Shortly after this, 50 Cent officially signed to Interscope Records. He was the first rapper to sign to the joint label owned by Dr. Dre and Eminem. The first song he released on this record was entitled Wanksta and was featured on the 8 Mile soundtrack.
In its first week of release, his debut ”Get Rich Or Die Tryin’” sold 872,000 units - easily reaching Gold status. Within the second week it went Platinum (1 mil) and on April 12th, 2004 the RIAA certified it six times Platinum.
In 2005 he followed the success of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ with a new release - The Massacre (originally called St. Valentines Day Massacre until the release date was pushed back). The first single released off this, Disco Inferno, was a huge hit - he followed this hit up by the release of Candy Shop and then again with Just a Lil Bit.
In 2003 Interscope Records allowed 50 Cent to have his own label - G-Unit Records. He first signed Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Young Buck as the established members of G-Unit Records. In 2004, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent had signed The Game under a joint venture.
50 Shot Ya
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
What the fuck poppin' man
This the Drama King man
Yo who there, who dat, who there man?
(Yeah, yeah, it's 50 Cent nigga)
Muthafucka (What's up man)
Harlem, Harlem to Queens muthafuckas
(Heh, what's up nigga)
Y'all know what the fuck it is man (Yeah, yeah)
(And, and say somethin ya bitch-ass nigga)
Yeah, street justice muthafucka
(Yeah, go ahead, say something)
Yo, yo, check it out Fifty
You handle the bitch-ass rap niggas
I'ma handle the bitch-ass DJ niggas
(Alright, alright)
We gon' bring justice to the game
(That's how we gon' put it down)
Straight muthafuckas
That's the sound of the man, cockin' that thang, that thang
That's the sound of the man, clappin' that thang, thang
Yo, in my hood we was taught not to say who shot ya
See the flash, you heard the shot, you feel the burnin', I got ya
Say a prayer for me if you care for me 'cause I'm on the edge
I'm finna put a shell in a nigga head
I rock a lot of ice, I dare you to scheme on it
The fifth got a rubber grip and a beam on it
Homie that took the hit on me couldn't shoot
They say I'm skinny now, but I look big in a coupe
My cousin Uzi out in L.A. done tripped and do the sets again
Got shot the fuck up tryin' to rob the wrong Mexicans
I write my lifestyle, y'all niggas is cheaters
Your lines come from feds, felons and don diva
Oh you the black hand of death, then why your name ain't preacher
If you a pimp like Ken why them hoes don't treat ya?
If you wanna ball like Kirk, now shorty let me teach ya
This flow's God sent, it's bound to reach ya
Problem child, I'm familiar with problems
I know how to solve 'em
Semi automatically or tre-eight, revolve 'em
Shoot 'em up, rob 'em
In the hood we starvin', you don't want problems
Problem child
And why can't you be man enough
To tell me where you're comin' from
They say you can never repay the price for takin' a man's life
I'm in debt with Christ, I done did that twice
I'm nice, y'all niggas can't hang wit Fifty
Brat, y'all niggas can't bang wit Fifty
For every bar in the rhyme, there's a shell and a nine
For every stone in the cross, there's a bitch I tossed
See the wounds in my skin they from a war of course
You can check C-N-N for the "War Report"
See the drama got me ridin' with a sawed-off shottie
Catch you at the light, I blow ya ass off the Ducati
Man, niggas ain't gon' do me like Sammy did Gotti
I'll do it myself, I don't need no help
Give me a knife, I'll get rid of your neighborhood bully
Give me a minute, I'll take a fuckin' car with a pully
See the hood is the thief that stole my innocence young
Niggas jumped me 'cause they couldn't beat me one-on-one
Problem child, I'm familiar with problems
I know how to solve 'em
Semi automatically or tre-eight, revolve 'em
Shoot 'em up, rob 'em
In the hood we starvin', you don't want problems
Problem child
And why can't you be man enough
To tell me where you're comin' from
I must've broke a mirror at three and had bad luck for seven
'Cause pops slid, mommy died before I turned eleven
This cities split 'posed to let black cats cross your path
The footprints in the sand is Satan carryin' your ass
I got "God Understand Me" tattooed in my skin
When I die, come back, I'ma tattoo it again
I'm the young buck that let the gun buck
Roll the window down and say, "wassup", niggas get ready to duck
My heart is a house, homie, fear don't live here
Nigga believe me when I say I don't care
Muslims mix a lot, God studied they lessons
Even when my luck's hard I still count my blessings
See that look in my eye, ya betta keep on steppin'
Spent time on my cell floor, to sharpen my weapon
If you pussy I'ma smell you when you come around here
Them boys in Pelican Bay couldn't live on my tier
Problem child, I'm familiar with problems
I know how to solve 'em
Semi automatically or tre-eight, revolve 'em
Shoot 'em up, rob 'em
In the hood we starvin', you don't want problems
Problem child
The lyrics to 50 Cent’s song “50 Shot Ya” are a combination of braggadocious rhymes and storytelling about the harsh realities of life in the streets. The song begins with a conference call between 50 Cent and his associates, where they discuss their plans to hold people accountable for their actions in the rap game. The first verse focuses on 50 Cent’s experiences growing up in the hood and the principles of street justice. He describes how he was taught not to snitch and to handle problems with force, and warns his enemies that he’s on the edge and ready to retaliate at any moment. He also boasts about his wealth and flashy lifestyle and how he’s always armed for protection.
The second verse delves deeper into 50 Cent’s personal history, including the tragic deaths of his father and mother before he turned eleven. He also references the notion of bad luck and superstition, alluding to the idea that his rough upbringing has contributed to his hardened persona. Despite the hardships he’s faced, 50 Cent asserts that he’s not afraid and can handle any problem that comes his way.
The chorus of the song features the repeated phrase “Problem child”, which serves as a mantra for 50 Cent and reflects his reputation as a troublemaker. Overall, the lyrics of “50 Shot Ya” paint a picture of a man who has navigated the dangerous world of the streets and emerged with a hardened, uncompromising attitude.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, yo, yo
Introduction to the song
What the fuck poppin' man
This the Drama King man
Asks what's happening and who's behind the music.
Yo who there, who dat, who there man?
(Yeah, yeah, it's 50 Cent nigga)
Asks who is there and confirms it's 50 Cent.
Muthafucka (What's up man)
Greetings...
Harlem, Harlem to Queens muthafuckas
(Heh, what's up nigga)
Shouting out to two neighborhoods.
And I'll smack the fuckin' shit out your favorite DJ man
Making a threat against anyone who opposes 50 Cent.
Y'all know what the fuck it is man (Yeah, yeah)
(And, and say somethin ya bitch-ass nigga)
Reminding everyone that 50 Cent is in charge.
Yeah, street justice muthafucka
(Yeah, go ahead, say something)
Asserting that street justice will be served.
Yo, yo, check it out Fifty
You handle the bitch-ass rap niggas
I'ma handle the bitch-ass DJ niggas
(Alright, alright)
We gon' bring justice to the game
(That's how we gon' put it down)
Straight muthafuckas
Stating that DJ's and rappers will both be dealt with fairly before returning to street justice talk...
That's the sound of the man, cockin' that thang, that thang
That's the sound of the man, clappin' that thang, thang
Describing two possible sounds: that of cocking a gun, and that of firing one.
Yo, in my hood we was taught not to say who shot ya
See the flash, you heard the shot, you feel the burnin', I got ya
Say a prayer for me if you care for me 'cause I'm on the edge
I'm finna put a shell in a nigga head
Explaining the hood code of silence, but also indicating that he is willing to use deadly force.
I rock a lot of ice, I dare you to scheme on it
The fifth got a rubber grip and a beam on it
Homie that took the hit on me couldn't shoot
They say I'm skinny now, but I look big in a coupe
Brags about his jewelry, shows his firearm, and criticizes someone who tried but failed to take him out.
My cousin Uzi out in L.A. done tripped and do the sets again
Got shot the fuck up trying to rob the wrong Mexicans
I write my lifestyle, y'all niggas is cheaters
Your lines come from feds, felons and don diva
Tells a story about his cousin's bad experience robbing the wrong people, and then criticizes other rappers for dishonesty.
Oh you the black hand of death, then why your name ain't preacher
If you a pimp like Ken why them hoes don't treat ya?
If you wanna ball like Kirk, now shorty let me teach ya
This flow's God sent, it's bound to reach ya
One rhetorical question and then some statements about his talent.
Problem child, I'm familiar with problems
I know how to solve 'em
Semi automatically or tre-eight, revolve 'em
Shoot 'em up, rob 'em
In the hood we starvin', you don't want problems
Problem child
Uses the term problem child to indicate his comfort with violent situations.
And why can't you be man enough
To tell me where you're comin' from
They say you can never repay the price for takin' a man's life
I'm in debt with Christ, I done did that twice
I'm nice, y'all niggas can't hang wit Fifty
Brat, y'all niggas can't bang wit Fifty
Some lines about violence and religion, followed by boasts of superiority.
For every bar in the rhyme, there's a shell and a nine
For every stone in the cross, there's a bitch I tossed
See the wounds in my skin they from a war of course
You can check C-N-N for the "War Report"
A metaphor about his criminal life.
See the drama got me ridin' with a sawed-off shotty
Catch you at the light, I blow ya ass off the Ducati
Man, niggas ain't gon' do me like Sammy did Gotti
I'll do it myself, I don't need no help
Describes his preparedness for revenge.
Give me a knife, I'll get rid of your neighborhood bully
Give me a minute, I'll take a fuckin' car with a pully
See the hood is the thief that stole my innocence young
Niggas jumped me 'cause they couldn't beat me one-on-one
More boasts about his aggression.
I must've broke a mirror at three and had bad luck for seven
'Cause pops slid, mommy died before I turned eleven
This cities split 'posed to let black cats cross your path
The footprints in the sand is Satan carryin' your ass
Miscellaneous thoughts about his bad luck and superstitions.
I got "God Understand Me" tattooed in my skin
When I die, come back, I'ma tattoo it again
I'm the young buck that let the gun buck
Roll the window down and say, "wassup", niggas get ready to duck
More ego and violence posturing.
My heart is a house, homie, fear don't live here
Nigga believe me when I say I don't care
Muslims mix a lot, God studied they lessons
Even when my luck's hard I still count my blessings
More fearless talk and an anti-cowardice statement.
See that look in my eye, ya betta keep on steppin'
Spent time on my cell floor, to sharpen my weapon
If you pussy I'ma smell you when you come around here
Them boys in Pelican Bay couldn't live on my tier
Final statements about aggression and dominance.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: LYN COLLINS, JAMES BROWN, CURTIS JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@RawDawg903
This dude was built like a machine, had a background in boxing before rapping, sold dope, ran his neighborhood, etc... one of the last rappers to really live the persona they rap about. These new age rapper be underweight looking all hungry and wearing women's jeans.
@tmikew90
These new Niggas are fucking Barbie dolls with guns 🤬
@hustlin19
Facts💯
@kingfester
And Jay-Z said after me there will be none, I am the one lol. He had to retire when 50 showed up
@investorbro21
i always say 50 is the last real gangsta rapper! He legit had the industry shook. Every word he said was felt and you know he meant it! What an era!!!! Like u said all these kids lookin malnourished and sweet! They cant fight and they’re weak! The fact they cant fight is even more of a reason for them to pull the hammer out they’re purse so u still gotta be careful with them! Gangstas in these days didn’t terrorize the community like that!
@screweduptx9695
😂😂😂
@BlackEffect
Yayo was a priceless asset to 50
@kieranesprit8896
Still is
@hellofriend4751
50 said "as long as I'm alive, yayo will be good. And if I die before him, he will be really really good" yayo probably in the man's will
@mgee1723
Great hype man