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.
Best Friend
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's my tape, man
Listen to my tape
(I've waited, I've waited
Time went by
All I could do is cry
Silly, silly)
Woo
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round me all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
First we get to talkin', then we get to touchin'
If we get past the phone games we'll be fuckin'
I kiss like the French do, put my tongue in your ear
Do it like the dogs do it, girl, and pull on your hair
For me, a different scenery just mean a different position
In the tub or on the sink, I improvise, now listen
In the chopper or on the jet, join the mile high club
I'm no fool, I know money can't buy me love
But I'ma different type of nigga that make sure that you know
Instead of a rose, there's a hundred dozen of those
See I see somethin' special when I look in your eyes
With your legs way back, I see this pussy is mine
If you ain't sure when I'm talkin', I don't tell you no lies
But there's things that you say that have me wonderin' why
When I don't say what I'm thinkin' it don't mean that I'm shy
Got on that shit you picked out for me, that's why I'm so fly
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round me all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
While you in your bubble bath, I'll come wash on your back
When you're puttin' on your lotion, I can help you with that
I sit and think of things to say that may make you smile
Or give you gifts from my heart to reflect my style
The slang I use when we build may change how you talk
And if I'm focused when I'm strokin', I could change how you walk
That's the swagger that you come with when you come from New York
I'm a hustler, I just hustle in the things that I bought
Separate me from the rest, I feel like I'm the best
If there's a price to pay for feelin' you, I'll pay that twice
I'm as ghetto as it gets, girl, you know that's right
I ain't got nothin' to hide, baby, I'll tell you my secrets
'Fore you end up being 'round long enough to peep shit
I get closer to you, I mean closer than close
I get into you, after I take off my clothes
Girl, I've been into you, mentally long before
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round me all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
If I was your best friend
The lyrics to 50 Cent's song "Best Friend" are about a man who is interested in a woman and wants to be her best friend, with the hope that it will ultimately lead to a romantic relationship. The first verse of the song talks about how the man has waited to be with this woman, but all he could do was cry. The chorus repeats the phrase "If I was your best friend" multiple times, emphasizing the man's desire to be close to the woman. The second verse talks about the man's sexual interest in the woman, making it clear that he wants to take their relationship to the next level.
Overall, the song is about the complexities of relationships, particularly those that begin as friendships. The man in the song is hopeful that he can be the one to make the woman happy, but he also recognizes that there may be other factors at play, such as her existing romantic relationship. The song is a testament to the power of desire and the human need for connection and companionship.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Expression of enthusiasm and eagerness.
It's my tape, man
Listen to my tape
(I've waited, I've waited
Time went by
All I could do is cry
Silly, silly)
Inviting the listener to experience the music, while also acknowledging the anticipation and emotional struggle that went into creating it.
If I was your best friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round me all the time)
Girl, I'll be your best friend
If you promise you'll be mine (girl, promise you'll be mine)
Please say he's just a friend (uh-huh)
Now, girl, let's not pretend (come on)
Either he is or he ain't your man (haha)
Please say he's just a friend
I want you 'round all the time (I want you 'round all the time)
Expressing desire to be more than just friends, with a hint of jealousy towards the girl's relationship with another man.
First we get to talkin', then we get to touchin'
If we get past the phone games we'll be fuckin'
Outlining the progression of a potential physical relationship, with a focus on overcoming any obstacles in communication.
I kiss like the French do, put my tongue in your ear
Do it like the dogs do it, girl, and pull on your hair
Describing his intimate approach and preferences.
For me, a different scenery just mean a different position
In the tub or on the sink, I improvise, now listen
In the chopper or on the jet, join the mile high club
Discussing his adaptability and versatility in different settings, including a desire for spontaneous and risky encounters.
I'm no fool, I know money can't buy me love
But I'ma different type of nigga that make sure that you know
Instead of a rose, there's a hundred dozen of those
See I see somethin' special when I look in your eyes
Acknowledging the limitations of wealth in love, but presenting himself as a thoughtful and generous partner who values his connection with the girl.
With your legs way back, I see this pussy is mine
If you ain't sure when I'm talkin', I don't tell you no lies
But there's things that you say that have me wonderin' why
Expressing his sexual dominance and confidence, while also noting his confusion over some of the girl's actions or words.
When I don't say what I'm thinkin' it don't mean that I'm shy
Got on that shit you picked out for me, that's why I'm so fly
Assuring the girl that his silence doesn't reflect shyness or lack of interest, while also complimenting her fashion sense.
While you in your bubble bath, I'll come wash on your back
When you're puttin' on your lotion, I can help you with that
I sit and think of things to say that may make you smile
Or give you gifts from my heart to reflect my style
Demonstrating his willingness to take care of the girl, not just in a sexual context, but also as a provider of emotional support and thoughtful gifts.
The slang I use when we build may change how you talk
And if I'm focused when I'm strokin', I could change how you walk
That's the swagger that you come with when you come from New York
I'm a hustler, I just hustle in the things that I bought
Recognizing his influence over the girl's language and behavior, possibly through exposure to his lifestyle and personality. Also, emphasizing his background as a hustler, but with a focus on acquiring material possessions.
Separate me from the rest, I feel like I'm the best
If there's a price to pay for feelin' you, I'll pay that twice
I'm as ghetto as it gets, girl, you know that's right
I ain't got nothin' to hide, baby, I'll tell you my secrets
Confidently asserting his superiority over other potential partners, while also expressing a willingness to invest in the relationship. Acknowledging his street background, but refusing to hide or be ashamed of it.
'Fore you end up being 'round long enough to peep shit
I get closer to you, I mean closer than close
I get into you, after I take off my clothes
Girl, I've been into you, mentally long before
Warning the girl not to spy or pry into his life, while also expressing a level of emotional investment and connection beyond just a physical attraction.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, O/B/O DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, Josephine Armstead, Nickolas Ashford, Valerie Simpson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@chicken
Its March 2024, let's see how many legends are listening to this incredible song💖
@hofwhscoshofwhscos2289
Yes sir!!
@DJKWIZZ
😮4😮
@DJKWIZZ
Yessir
@lebogangmotswagae8277
❤
@dazaedesigner6689
My fine ass 😂
@ladymoon3819
Who’s listening in 2024 February?
@user-jq8or8zw5b
Meeeeee❤
@ujankfajar1767
I AM
@big23steele
Yuhh