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.
8 More Mile
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Invasion, mixed by the Evil Genius (50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo)
G-Unit
This rap shit plays a major part in my life
So if you jeopardize it, I got the right (what?)
To send a motherfucker at you tonight (uh-huh)
G-Unit (come on)
And I ain't stopping 'til my clique popping
Swimming in barrels of money
Ma can walk around with her head up
'Cause her child ain't a dummy (yeah)
It's funny, niggas'd rather see you suffering and hungry
I'm comfy as hell, skating with another nigga's money (woo)
You lying your ass off, you know you ain't that tough
I'm pulling your mask off as soon as you act up
You know what I came for, a piece of the game, boy
Artillery that's about as long as a chainsaw (Lloyd Banks)
By the way, man, it still feels like I've been dreamin'
Forty cal under my pillow, condom full of my semen
The physical presence of a female's the form of a demon
That's why I fuck 'em and leave 'em, get my nut while I'm breathin' (yeah)
'Cause they thought they'd catch me slipping
Now I'm ducking and driven
That's a thousand dollar outfit, what the fuck is you rippin'?
You trippin', one record could get my ass in position
Death waits for no religion whether Catholic or Christian (ah)
Listen, I went through mama bitching in and out the kitchen
With probable cause, it's probably sending out to prison
You got soldiers, but you still gotta respect ours
We got more four-fives and nines than a deck of cards (woo)
You can take me out the hood
But can't take the hood out me ('cause what?)
'Cause I'm ghetto, I'm ghetto, niggas hate when you do good
But when you broke, your friends and your enemies
They love you, they love you
"Chi Chi, get the yayo" (get the yayo)
Picture me being crack, out of town, trips on the train, what?
"Chi Chi, get the yayo"
Picture me being crack (Tony Yayo)
You can sniff me, cut me, I'll turn you to a junkie
I'm the number one seller in the whole fucking country (what?)
Wall Street niggas, they cop me on the low
White boys don't call me coke, they call me blow
It's time to go, on the bus, the train, the plane
I'll smuggle, I'm nothing but trouble
I'll make your money double, cook me in baking soda
I'll turn your Hooprock into a new Range Rover (woo)
I'll pay all your bills and fill your 'frigerator (uh-huh)
Feed your family, turn your man to a hater
Put me in your door panels or your stashbox
Put me in your Nikes, Timbs or Reeboks
If you cop three and a half, you hustling backwards
Cop a hundred grams, you moving forwards
You trying to move more birds
In PA all day, on the corner of Third, nigga what? (Oh no)
You can take me out the hood
But can't take the 'hood out me (what?)
'Cause I'm ghetto, I'm ghetto
Picture me polishing pistols, I'm coming to get you
The shells hit you, you screamin'
Think I'm playing? I mean it
Man, I done bought all these pistols, let's get it popping (yeah)
Start to wavin' my invoice, shell cases get to dropping
If death is around the corner, I got too much pride to hide
I'm outside, gun in my pocket, just stunting, no stopping
I'm dying to pop it, I'm young and I'm restless
You know my contestants (oh)
As the world turns, there's lessons to be learned
Count all my blessings, clean up my weapons
I'm ready for war, the strong survive, the weak shall perish
I told you before
Hoes, they compliment me now like, "50, nice chain"
Bellagio, twenty grand of chips at a dice game
Burn out, can't stop, gotta watch MTV, BET
Nigga, you see me
I wonder if you mad, 'cause I'm doing good
Or 'cause niggas feeling me more than you in your own hood
And it hurts 'cause you love 'em and they don't love you back
'Cause they know you just rapping and you don't bust a gat
You pussy
Yeah, explain it to the niggas in your hood, nigga
They know you fucking fronting, nigga
Talking like gangstas on a record
I see you, nigga, niggas know me, nigga
Ask around in my hood, nigga
Read the Daily News, nigga
You see them talking about me, nigga
I'm in the middle of all kinds of shit
Pussy, let's get it popping
G-Unit, G-Unit, G-Unit, G-Unit
The lyrics to "8 More Mile" by 50 Cent are about his experiences in the rap world and his success despite the obstacles he faced. The opening lines reveal that the song is a collaboration between Shady Records and the Evil Genius, and the lyrics address the struggles of being a rapper, especially when others attempt to put an end to your career. 50 Cent claims that he will do whatever it takes to defend his profession, even if that means resorting to violence. He also explains how comfortable he is now that he has made it big and describes how people tend to hate you when you are successful.
Throughout the song, 50 Cent declares that his experiences growing up in the hood will always be a part of him, no matter how much success he achieves. He also details how drugs can easily become someone's life, especially with the temptation of money and power. The lyrics also touch on 50 Cent's experiences with racism and the lack of respect he has received, despite his success. The song highlights the importance of standing up for oneself and never giving up, no matter how hard the journey may be.
Overall, "8 More Mile" is a song about 50 Cent's life and the challenges he has faced along the way, both good and bad. It is a message to never give up on one's dreams, and to always persevere through adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
This rap shit plays a major part in my life
Rap music is a significant aspect of my existence and identity.
So if you jeopardize it, I got the right (what?)
If you threaten or undermine my rap career, I have every reason and authority to retaliate.
To send a motherfucker at you tonight (uh-huh)
I will send someone to confront and attack you without hesitation or delay, specifically tonight.
And I ain't stopping 'til my clique popping
I will persistently work towards achieving success and popularity for my group (G-Unit).
Swimming in barrels of money
I will accumulate exorbitant amounts of wealth.
Ma can walk around with her head up
My mother can confidently carry herself with pride and dignity.
'Cause her child ain't a dummy (yeah)
Because her child (referring to himself) is intelligent and savvy.
It's funny, niggas'd rather see you suffering and hungry
It's ironic that people would prefer to witness your pain and deprivation rather than your prosperity.
I'm comfy as hell, skating with another nigga's money (woo)
I am extremely comfortable and content, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle funded by someone else's earnings.
You lying your ass off, you know you ain't that tough
You are blatantly and dishonestly exaggerating your toughness and strength.
I'm pulling your mask off as soon as you act up
Once you display any undesirable behavior or attitude, I will expose your true nature and intentions.
You know what I came for, a piece of the game, boy
You are aware that my objective is to secure a share or position in the music industry.
Artillery that's about as long as a chainsaw (Lloyd Banks)
I possess weapons that are substantial in length and can be compared to a chainsaw.
By the way, man, it still feels like I've been dreamin'
Incidentally, I still perceive my current reality as unreal or fantastical.
Forty cal under my pillow, condom full of my semen
I store a .40 caliber firearm under my pillow while also carrying a condom filled with my own semen.
The physical presence of a female's the form of a demon
The mere existence or sight of a woman represents a malevolent entity or force.
That's why I fuck 'em and leave 'em, get my nut while I'm breathin' (yeah)
That is why I engage in sexual intercourse with women and promptly abandon them, ensuring my own pleasure while I am alive.
'Cause they thought they'd catch me slipping
Because they expected to witness or exploit a moment of vulnerability or weakness in me.
Now I'm ducking and driven
Now I am evading and maneuvering with determination to overcome obstacles and threats.
That's a thousand dollar outfit, what the fuck is you rippin'?
I am wearing an expensive attire worth a significant amount, why are you criticising or mocking it?
You trippin', one record could get my ass in position
You are mistaken or delusional, a single successful record could elevate my status or advance my career.
Death waits for no religion whether Catholic or Christian (ah)
Dying is an indiscriminate reality that does not discriminate based on religious affiliation, be it Catholic or Christian.
Listen, I went through mama bitching in and out the kitchen
Listen, I experienced my mother complaining or nagging incessantly while working in the kitchen.
With probable cause, it's probably sending out to prison
With justifiable reasons or evidence, one is likely to be sent to prison.
You got soldiers, but you still gotta respect ours
You may have your own loyal followers or subordinates, but you must still show respect for our group (G-Unit).
We got more four-fives and nines than a deck of cards (woo)
We possess a greater quantity of .45 caliber and 9mm firearms than a complete set of playing cards.
You can take me out the hood
You may remove me from the impoverished neighborhood.
But can't take the hood out me ('cause what?)
However, you cannot eliminate or erase the street influences and mentality that are ingrained within me.
'Cause I'm ghetto, I'm ghetto, niggas hate when you do good
Because I come from a lower-income, urban environment, people despise or resent me when I achieve success.
But when you broke, your friends and your enemies
However, when you lack financial resources or are in a state of poverty, both your friends and enemies exploit or take advantage of your vulnerability.
They love you, they love you
They express affection or adoration towards you.
"Chi Chi, get the yayo" (get the yayo)
Requesting someone named Chi Chi to acquire or fetch a particular illegal substance, likely cocaine (repeated line).
Picture me being crack, out of town, trips on the train, what?
Imagine me embodying the experience of being a drug addict, engaging in illicit activities while traveling by train to different locations.
"Chi Chi, get the yayo"
Reiterating the request mentioned in line 32.
Picture me being crack (Tony Yayo)
Imagine the persona of Tony Yayo, one of the artists involved in the song, being a representation of crack cocaine.
You can sniff me, cut me, I'll turn you to a junkie
You can inhale or ingest me, cut me into smaller portions, and I will ultimately addict you to drugs.
I'm the number one seller in the whole fucking country (what?)
I am the top-selling or most popular drug dealer nationwide (forced underground due to the previous references to drug terminology).
Wall Street niggas, they cop me on the low
Wealthy individuals associated with Wall Street discreetly purchase or acquire drugs from me.
White boys don't call me coke, they call me blow
White individuals do not refer to me as cocaine, they use the term 'blow' instead (referring to the powder form of the drug).
It's time to go, on the bus, the train, the place
It is time for drugs to be transported or distributed, utilizing various modes of transportation (bus, train, plane).
I'll smuggle, I'm nothing but trouble
I engage in the illegal activity of smuggling drugs and consistently cause problems or difficulties.
I'll make your money double, cook me in baking soda
I will enhance or multiply your financial resources, metaphorically referencing the process of cooking drugs with baking soda to increase quantity or potency.
I'll turn your Hooprock into a new Range Rover (woo)
I will enable you to convert your cheap or modest car (Hooprock) into a luxurious and expensive vehicle (Range Rover) through the profits earned from drug dealing.
I'll pay all your bills and fill your 'frigerator (uh-huh)
I will cover all of your expenses and ensure your refrigerator is stocked with food.
Feed your family, turn your man to a hater
I will provide sustenance and support for your entire family, transforming your partner into an envious or resentful individual.
Put me in your door panels or your stashbox
Hide the drugs within the door compartments or hidden compartments of your vehicle.
Put me in your Nikes, Timbs or Reeboks
Conceal the drugs within your Nike, Timberland, or Reebok footwear.
If you cop three and a half, you hustling backwards
If you purchase a mere 3.5 grams of drugs, you are engaging in inefficient or unsuccessful hustling tactics.
Cop a hundred grams, you moving forwards
Acquire 100 grams of drugs, and you are making progress or advancing in the world of drug dealing.
You trying to move more birds
You are attempting to traffic or distribute a larger quantity of drugs, specifically referring to cocaine.
In PA all day, on the corner of Third, nigga what? (Oh no)
Continuously operating or present in Pennsylvania, specifically located on the corner of Third street (expressing defiance and assertiveness).
You can take me out the hood
You may physically remove or relocate me from the impoverished neighborhood.
But can't take the 'hood out me (what?)
Nevertheless, you cannot eradicate or eliminate the influence, mentality, and affiliations associated with the street lifestyle.
'Cause I'm ghetto, I'm ghetto
Because I am unrefined or uncultivated, embodying the characteristics of the urban ghetto environment.
Niggas hate when you do good
People dislike or resent your accomplishments and successes.
But when you broke, your friends and your enemies
However, when you are financially destitute, both your friends and enemies demonstrate affection or support.
They love you, they love you
They express affection or adoration towards you.
"Chi Chi, get the yayo" (get the yayo)
Reiterating the request mentioned in line 32.
Picture me being crack, out of town, trips on the train, what?
Imagine me embodying the experience of being a drug addict, engaging in illicit activities while traveling by train to different locations.
"Chi Chi, get the yayo"
Repeating the request mentioned in line 32.
Picture me being crack (Tony Yayo)
Imagine the persona of Tony Yayo, one of the artists involved in the song, being a representation of crack cocaine.
You can sniff me, cut me, I'll turn you to a junkie
You can inhale or ingest me, cut me into smaller portions, and I will ultimately addict you to drugs.
I'm the number one seller in the whole fucking country (what?)
I am the top-selling or most popular drug dealer nationwide (forced underground due to the previous references to drug terminology).
Wall Street niggas, they cop me on the low
Wealthy individuals associated with Wall Street discreetly purchase or acquire drugs from me.
White boys don't call me coke, they call me blow
White individuals do not refer to me as cocaine, they use the term 'blow' instead (referring to the powder form of the drug).
It's time to go, on the bus, the train, the place
It is time for drugs to be transported or distributed, utilizing various modes of transportation (bus, train, plane).
I'll smuggle, I'm nothing but trouble
I engage in the illegal activity of smuggling drugs and consistently cause problems or difficulties.
I'll make your money double, cook me in baking soda
I will enhance or multiply your financial resources, metaphorically referencing the process of cooking drugs with baking soda to increase quantity or potency.
I'll turn your Hooprock into a new Range Rover (woo)
I will enable you to convert your cheap or modest car (Hooprock) into a luxurious and expensive vehicle (Range Rover) through the profits earned from drug dealing.
I'll pay all your bills and fill your 'frigerator (uh-huh)
I will cover all of your expenses and ensure your refrigerator is stocked with food.
Feed your family, turn your man to a hater
I will provide sustenance and support for your entire family, transforming your partner into an envious or resentful individual.
Put me in your door panels or your stashbox
Hide the drugs within the door compartments or hidden compartments of your vehicle.
Put me in your Nikes, Timbs or Reeboks
Conceal the drugs within your Nike, Timberland, or Reebok footwear.
If you cop three and a half, you hustling backwards
If you purchase a mere 3.5 grams of drugs, you are engaging in inefficient or unsuccessful hustling tactics.
Cop a hundred grams, you moving forwards
Acquire 100 grams of drugs, and you are making progress or advancing in the world of drug dealing.
You trying to move more birds
You are attempting to traffic or distribute a larger quantity of drugs, specifically referring to cocaine.
In PA all day, on the corner of Third, nigga what? (Oh no)
Continuously operating or present in Pennsylvania, specifically located on the corner of Third street (expressing defiance and assertiveness).
You can take me out the hood
You may physically remove or relocate me from the impoverished neighborhood.
But can't take the 'hood out me (what?)
Nevertheless, you cannot eradicate or eliminate the influence, mentality, and affiliations associated with the street lifestyle.
'Cause I'm ghetto, I'm ghetto
Because I am unrefined or uncultivated, embodying the characteristics of the urban ghetto environment.
Picture me polishing pistols, I'm coming to get you
Imagine me meticulously cleaning or preparing firearms, signifying my intention to seek revenge or retaliate against you.
The shells hit you, you screaming
The bullets fired from the guns strike you, causing you to cry out or scream in pain.
Think I'm playing? I mean it
Do not mistake my actions or words for mere amusement or jest, as I am deadly serious in my intentions.
Man, I done bought all these pistols, let's get it popping (yeah)
I have acquired numerous firearms, indicating a readiness and eagerness to engage in violent activity or conflict.
Start to wavin' my invoice, shell cases get to dropping
I brandish or display my list of demands, leading to the rapid discharge of bullet casings and escalating violence.
If death is around the corner, I got too much pride to hide
In the face of impending danger or death, I possess excessive self-esteem or dignity and refuse to cower or hide.
I'm outside, gun in my pocket, just stunting, no stopping
I am situated outdoors, concealing a firearm in my pocket, projecting an intimidating presence and displaying confidence without any intention of halting my actions.
I'm dying to pop it, I'm young and I'm restless
I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to discharge my weapon, as I am youthful and exhibit a restless or impulsive nature.
You know my contestants (oh)
You are aware of the individuals or opponents I engage with or compete against (oh).
As the world turns, there's lessons to be learned
In the ever-evolving nature of the world, valuable knowledge or insights can be gained.
Count all my blessings, clean up my weapons
I express gratitude for all the positive aspects of my life while also ensuring my firearms are properly maintained.
I'm ready for war, the strong survive, the weak shall perish
I am fully prepared for conflict or warfare, believing that those with strength and resilience will prevail while the weak will suffer or die.
I told you before
I previously conveyed this information or warning to you.
Hoes, they compliment me now like, "50, nice chain"
Women, often referred to derogatorily as 'hoes,' now offer flattering comments or admiration towards me, specifically regarding my jewelry.
Bellagio, twenty grand of chips at a dice game
At the famous Bellagio casino, I have twenty thousand dollars worth of chips to gamble with at a dice game.
Burn out, can't stop, gotta watch MTV, BET
I am continuously on the move, unable to remain stagnant, and must regularly monitor music television channels such as MTV and BET.
Nigga, you see me
You, as an individual, witness or observe my presence and actions.
I wonder if you mad, 'cause I'm doing good
I ponder whether you are angry or resentful due to my accomplishments and prosperity.
Or 'cause niggas feeling me more than you in your own hood
Alternatively, you may be upset because individuals in your own neighborhood or community regard me with greater admiration or respect than they do for you.
And it hurts 'cause you love 'em and they don't love you back
The situation is painful for you because you have affection towards these individuals, but they do not reciprocate or reciprocate those feelings towards you.
'Cause they know you just rapping and you don't bust a gat
This is because they are aware that you are merely pretending or exaggerating your involvement in criminal activities and lack the capacity to employ firearms effectively.
You pussy
You are weak, cowardly, or lacking in courage.
Yeah, explain it to the niggas in your hood, nigga
Yes, go ahead and clarify or justify your actions and intentions to the individuals in your own neighborhood or community, my friend.
They know you fucking fronting, nigga
They possess the knowledge or awareness that you are deceitfully pretending or exaggerating, my friend.
Talking like gangstas on a record
Engaging in discussions or portraying yourself as a gangster within the context of a recorded song.
I see you, nigga, niggas know me, nigga
I am observing or recognizing you, my friend, as individuals are familiar with my identity and reputation, my friend.
Ask around in my hood, nigga
Inquire or seek information from the individuals within my neighborhood or community, my friend.
Read the Daily News, nigga
Refer to the local newspaper publication known as the Daily News, my friend.
You see them talking about me, nigga
You are witness to or aware of the discussions or mentions regarding me, my friend.
I'm in the middle of all kinds of shit
I am actively involved or embroiled in various dangerous or tumultuous situations.
Pussy, let's get it popping
You weak or cowardly individual, let us initiate or engage in intense or exciting activities together.
G-Unit, G-Unit, G-Unit, G-Unit
Repeating the name or group affiliation, G-Unit.
G-Unit
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Marvin Bernard, Christopher Charles Lloyd, Curtis James Jackson, Marshall B Mathers
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good