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.
Build You Up Version )
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh I'd lie for you baby
Oh I'd die for you baby
I build you up
But if ever I fall down
And I need you to pick me up
Promise me you'll be around
I'll build you up
Listen if you let me, I'll be the reason you shine
Its a secret I want the world to know that you're mine
But on some real shit, communications could be better
So I'm writin' a song, instead of a love letter
They can play it on the radio, a hundred times a day
I figure when you hear it, you would stop and think of me
I want to get to know ya and be the reason you smile
Girl, you know where I'm from, you know how I get down
When times are tough, tell me that I'm special
Not rap, I mean me, that I'm special
You know they say diamonds are a girl's best friend
Precious stones, could you put me before them
If so, I'll see to it that they always around
Nothin' but the best now, how does that sound
If I talk with you, when we talk you can keep it
Girl, you on my mind all the time, its a secret
Baby I'll build you up
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
I build you up
Girl I need to know for sure you're mine
I need to know for sure
Baby I'll build you up
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
I build you up
Girl I need to know for sure you're mine
I need to know for sure
I think about you thinkin' that you feel the same way
Was it just my imagination again runnin' away
If you ready to ride girl come on let's roll
G-55 fly ma let's go
Its hard to measure the pleasure of havin' you in my present
Your smile makes me smile, I'll show you my style
We can shop a lil' bit, I pick out my shit
One pair at a time, till your shoe games sick
Now who knows what the future holds, we'll be together probably
For better or worst, like Whitney and Bobby
If you want to play house, we can play house then
But wait why pretend if you can move in
Before I be your buddy in bed, let me be your best friend
Girl, its more than lust, I want your trust
You keep it real with me, I'll keep it real with you
'Cause I know with you by my side, there's nothin' I can't do
Baby I'll build you up
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
I build you up
Girl I need to know for sure you're mine
I need to know for sure
Baby I'll build you up
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
I build you up
Girl I need to know for sure you're mine
I need to know for sure
In "Build You Up," 50 Cent is expressing his deep devotion and love for his significant other. He is willing to lie and die for her, emphasizing the extent of his commitment. He declares that he is there to uplift her and promises to always be there when she falls. Even though she is special to him and he wants the world to know it, he acknowledges that their communication could be improved. In lieu of a love letter, he expresses his feelings through music, hoping that she will think of him every time she hears it. He wants to make her smile and be the reason for her happiness. The rapper speaks of the future with her as a possibility, whether that means playing house or being in it for the long haul. He emphasizes that their relationship should be built on trust, and he promises to always keep it real with her.
Line by Line Meaning
La la la la la la
Introductory vocal sounds with no specific meaning.
Oh I'd lie for you baby
I am willing to deceive or conceal information for you.
Oh I'd die for you baby
I am willing to put my life at risk for you.
I build you up
I support and encourage you to reach your full potential.
But if ever I fall down
If I face a failure or setback in my life.
And I need you to pick me up
If I require your help to recover from a difficult situation.
Promise me you'll be around
Commit to being present and available for me in times of need.
Hold me down
Provide me with support and stability.
I'll build you up
I will reciprocate the same level of support and encouragement for you.
Listen if you let me, I'll be the reason you shine
If you allow me, I will be the driving force behind your success and happiness.
Its a secret I want the world to know that you're mine
I want to publicly express my affection and commitment to you.
But on some real shit, communications could be better
To be honest, our communication could use improvement.
So I'm writin' a song, instead of a love letter
I am expressing my feelings for you through music instead of a traditional love letter.
They can play it on the radio, a hundred times a day
I want my love for you to be broadcasted and heard by everyone.
I figure when you hear it, you would stop and think of me
I hope that hearing this song will remind you of me and our relationship.
I want to get to know ya and be the reason you smile
I desire to deepen our relationship and bring you happiness.
Girl, you know where I'm from, you know how I get down
You are aware of my background and personality.
When times are tough, tell me that I'm special
In difficult moments, reassure me that I am valued and appreciated.
Not rap, I mean me, that I'm special
I want you to recognize my personal worth and importance, not just my musical success.
You know they say diamonds are a girl's best friend
Diamonds are commonly considered an important symbol of love and commitment for women.
Precious stones, could you put me before them
Would you prioritize me over material possessions?
If so, I'll see to it that they always around
If you prioritize me, I will make sure that you have the best of everything.
Nothin' but the best now, how does that sound
I want to provide you with only the highest quality things and experiences.
If I talk with you, when we talk you can keep it
I trust you to keep our conversations private and confidential.
Girl, you on my mind all the time, its a secret
You are constantly on my mind and I don't want anyone to know the extent of my feelings for you.
I think about you thinkin' that you feel the same way
I wonder if you have similar feelings for me.
Was it just my imagination again runnin' away
Maybe I am just fantasizing and overthinking things.
If you ready to ride girl come on let's roll
If you are ready to be in a relationship with me, let's start this journey together.
G-55 fly ma let's go
Let's fly together in my luxury jet.
Its hard to measure the pleasure of havin' you in my present
It is difficult to quantify how happy I am to have you in my life currently.
Your smile makes me smile, I'll show you my style
Your happiness brings me happiness, and I want to show you my unique personality and way of living.
We can shop a lil' bit, I pick out my shit
Let's do some shopping together, and I will help you choose the best things for me.
One pair at a time, till your shoe games sick
We can focus on building up your shoe collection, one pair at a time, until it is impressive and enviable.
Now who knows what the future holds, we'll be together probably
The future is uncertain, but it is likely that we will remain together.
For better or worst, like Whitney and Bobby
We will face any challenges that come our way, just like Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown did.
If you want to play house, we can play house then
If you are interested in a more committed relationship, let's do it.
But wait why pretend if you can move in
Why pretend to be in a committed relationship when we can live together as a couple?
Before I be your buddy in bed, let me be your best friend
I want to establish a strong foundation of friendship before we become physically intimate.
Girl, its more than lust, I want your trust
My feelings for you are not just sexual desire, but also a desire for trust and emotional intimacy.
'Cause I know with you by my side, there's nothin' I can't do
I believe that with you as my partner, I am capable of achieving anything.
Baby I'll build you up
I will support and encourage your growth and success.
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
If I do not publicly display our relationship.
I need to know for sure you're mine
I need confirmation that you are committed to me and our relationship.
Baby I'll build you up
I will support and encourage your growth and success.
Girl if I, never show I have you by my side
If I do not publicly display our relationship.
I need to know for sure you're mine
I need confirmation that you are committed to me and our relationship.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: SCOTT STORCH, CURTIS JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Alex_Beast_
I'll build you, but if ever I fall down
And I need you to pick me up
Promise me, you'll be around
Hold me down, I'll build you up
Listen, if you let me, I'll be the reason you shine
It's the secret, I want the world to know that you're mine
But on some real shit, communications could be better
So I'm writing this song instead of a love letter
They gon' play it on the radio a hundred times a day
I figure when you hear it you gon' stop and think of me
I wanna get to know you, and be the reason you smile
Girl you know where I'm from, you know how I get down
When times get tough, tell me that I'm special
Not rap, I mean me, that I'm special
You know they say diamonds are a girl's best friend
Precious stones, could you put me before them?
If so, I'll see to it they always around
Nothing but the best, now how does that sound?
If I drop a jewel when we talk you can keep it
Girl you on my mind all the time, that's a secret
Baby, I'll build you up
Kiara Penn
One of my favorites from 50. Love this song!
John Timothy
I still can’t believe they never used this as a promotional single for the album. Yes, The Massacre sold over 1 million in 4 days, but this song never got the recognition it deserves. It always felt like it was a sequel to 21 questions. Truly one of the most underrated songs in 50s discography.
T.J. Taylor
Man this is one of the best underrated 50 Cent tracks ever....man he needs to come back with the How to Rob sequel
Alex_Beast_
I'll build you, but if ever I fall down
And I need you to pick me up
Promise me, you'll be around
Hold me down, I'll build you up
Listen, if you let me, I'll be the reason you shine
It's the secret, I want the world to know that you're mine
But on some real shit, communications could be better
So I'm writing this song instead of a love letter
They gon' play it on the radio a hundred times a day
I figure when you hear it you gon' stop and think of me
I wanna get to know you, and be the reason you smile
Girl you know where I'm from, you know how I get down
When times get tough, tell me that I'm special
Not rap, I mean me, that I'm special
You know they say diamonds are a girl's best friend
Precious stones, could you put me before them?
If so, I'll see to it they always around
Nothing but the best, now how does that sound?
If I drop a jewel when we talk you can keep it
Girl you on my mind all the time, that's a secret
Baby, I'll build you up
Saffron may seamie Stewart
50 knows how to treat a lady, making her feel like she the only girl in his world
TBTNR
Little does she know she’s one of many
KingRichard Da LionHeart
This still my shit had this back in 05 same year I graduated high school I used to always bump this one now it’s 2022 and still playing it
Jesse
I absolutely love this song , still rocking in 2016
Wouldn’t You Like to Know
Jay Saucee 2017
Jesse
Trust me , I'm stilling listening to it