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.
Chase the Paper
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
I'm still a baller, I'm still balling
I'm super ghetto, I'm still with the shit
Still pass the steel to my nigga, hit a lick
We still mob, niggas steal stuff
We still deal after deal, shit is no problem
He still love her, she ain't shit
Get her a pair of Louboutins, she suck a dick
Still real niggas, still will kill
Tote the steel bitch don't squeal, get your cap peeled
The Mac filled, black talons, hollow tips
Copper-tops, get your ass popped, watch a body drop
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
I'm still a rider, I'm still rolling
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
I'm clean as a motherfucker, still getting my hands dirty
Bitches they wanna fuck, grab a glass, you looking thirsty
See I'm a gangsta, you soft as R&B singers
I'm at a war with the banger, in the club with the shanker
Mask on, lone ranger, scope on the K, long ranger
Rather be alive and rich than die and be famous
Live my life in the fast lane, I crash into anything
I ain't here to entertain when I let them bullets sing
Rims on, Rida Gang, slap the fuck out of you, nigga
Trying to pull out your pistol when you know that you're lame
You chasing these bitches instead of chasing your paper
Niggas taking your bitches while they taking your paper
I'm gone
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
I'm still a rider, I'm still rolling
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
She on my leg like a little kid
She hump my leg like a horny pit
Pitbull in a skirt, yeah, I'm a magnet
Now I ain't running after no broads, she stuck on my dick
I'm a different breed, blame it on my genes
Money in my jeans, pockets turn her eyes green
She's seeing dollar signs, I'm seeing reasons why
Never had to stress no pussy, I'm one of a kind
Pretty nigga with a gorgeous gun
You die a beautiful death, pull a stunt, look
There ain't a bitch more dime than me
The thirst is real, she knocking over drinks to get next to me
While you
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
I'm still a rider, I'm still rolling
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
Ghetto niggas still'll pick a penny up
You outside chasing them hoes throwing your Henny up
Little homie loading a semi up
Catch him all after the club, tell him to ante up
Anyway, each and every day, I'm looking for a better way
You owe me, you better pay
Ghost, let the beretta spray
Hood want uncut dope and some better yay
I ain't chasing pussy, never have
Hustle hard, take a break, run and get some head and ass
Still robbing, still rolling, still need a mask
Still popping, still slinging, still need the cash
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
I'm still a rider, I'm still rolling
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
The song “Chase the Paper” by 50 Cent is a powerful statement about prioritizing wealth over romantic love. The repeated phrase “you chase the hoes, I chase the paper” reflects his emphasis on financial gain rather than seeking affection or attention from women. He contrasts himself to those he sees as weaker or less successful in their pursuits, who he assumes prioritize money over romantic relationships.
He repeatedly highlights his status as a “rider” and “baller,” emphasizing his toughness and ability to succeed in tough environments. His repeated references to holding steel or passing it to others indicate that violence may be a necessary part of his pursuit of money. He even goes as far as to say he would rather be alive and rich than dead and famous.
Overall, the lyrics of “Chase the Paper” highlight 50 Cent's dedication to personal wealth and success above all else, even at the expense of others.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm still a rider, I'm still rolling
I'm still tough and resilient, and I'm still moving forward.
A nigga still hold the steel, that's how I'm owning
I still carry a gun, and I use it to remain in control.
You chase the hoes, I chase the paper
You prioritize chasing women, while I prioritize making money.
You a sucker for love, nigga, I'm money making
You're foolishly obsessed with love, while I'm focused on making money.
I'm still a baller, I'm still balling
I'm still successful and living lavishly.
That's five times I ain't picked up, your bitch still calling
I've ignored your girl's calls five times, but she still keeps calling me.
I'm super ghetto, I'm still with the shit
I'm extremely streetwise, and I still engage in illegal activities.
Still pass the steel to my nigga, hit a lick
I still give guns to my gang members and commit robberies.
We still mob, niggas steal stuff
We still move as a group, and we still steal things.
We still deal after deal, shit is no problem
We still successfully complete deal after deal without any difficulty.
He still love her, she ain't shit
He still has feelings for her, but she's not worth his time or effort.
Get her a pair of Louboutins, she suck a dick
If you buy her expensive shoes, she'll perform sexual favors for you.
Still real niggas, still will kill
We're still authentic gangsters, and we're still willing to commit murder.
Tote the steel bitch don't squeal, get your cap peeled
We carry guns, so don't be a snitch, or you'll get shot in the head.
The Mac filled, black talons, hollow tips
Our guns are fully loaded with dangerous bullets.
Copper-tops, get your ass popped, watch a body drop
If you cross us, we'll shoot you and watch your lifeless body fall.
I'm clean as a motherfucker, still getting my hands dirty
I may appear clean-cut, but I'm still willing to engage in illegal activities.
Bitches they wanna fuck, grab a glass, you looking thirsty
Women are attracted to me and are eagerly willing to sleep with me.
See I'm a gangsta, you soft as R&B singers
I'm a true thug, while you're weak and feminine like R&B singers.
I'm at a war with the banger, in the club with the shanker
I'm constantly fighting with my gun, even when I'm at the club.
Mask on, lone ranger, scope on the K, long ranger
I wear a mask, as if I'm the Lone Ranger, while using a long-range scope on my gun.
Rather be alive and rich than die and be famous
I prefer to live comfortably and make money, rather than die young and be famous.
Live my life in the fast lane, I crash into anything
I live impulsively, taking risks and not caring about the consequences.
I ain't here to entertain when I let them bullets sing
I'm not playing games, when I shoot my gun, it's deadly serious.
Rims on, Rida Gang, slap the fuck out of you, nigga
I have expensive wheels on my car, and my gang will violently slap you.
Trying to pull out your pistol when you know that you're lame
You're trying to act tough and pull out your gun, but you know you're not really a threat.
You chasing these bitches instead of chasing your paper
You're focusing on women instead of making money.
Niggas taking your bitches while they taking your paper
Others are stealing your women and money, because you're too distracted and careless.
She on my leg like a little kid
She's clinging to me like a child.
She hump my leg like a horny pit
She's aggressively and eagerly trying to have sex with me.
Pitbull in a skirt, yeah, I'm a magnet
I attract women like a magnet, and they become like savage pit bulls around me.
Now I ain't running after no broads, she stuck on my dick
I'm not even chasing women, but they're still obsessed with me.
I'm a different breed, blame it on my genes
I'm unique and special, due to my genetics and upbringing.
Money in my jeans, pockets turn her eyes green
I have so much money in my pockets, that it makes women envious.
She's seeing dollar signs, I'm seeing reasons why
She's only interested in money, while I'm looking for deeper connections.
Never had to stress no pussy, I'm one of a kind
I don't have to worry about getting women, because I'm special and unique.
Pretty nigga with a gorgeous gun
I'm handsome and attractive, while also carrying an impressive weapon.
You die a beautiful death, pull a stunt, look
If you provoke me, you'll know what it feels like to die in a memorable way.
There ain't a bitch more dime than me
I'm the best-looking and most valuable man around.
The thirst is real, she knocking over drinks to get next to me
Women are desperately thirsty for me, and they'll do anything to get close to me.
Ghetto niggas still'll pick a penny up
Poor and desperate people will still pick up any amount of money.
You outside chasing them hoes throwing your Henny up
You're wasting time and money chasing women and getting drunk.
Little homie loading a semi up
A young gang member is arming himself with a semi-automatic weapon.
Catch him all after the club, tell him to ante up
We'll rob him as soon as he leaves the club, and force him to pay us.
Anyway, each and every day, I'm looking for a better way
Despite my violent lifestyle, I'm always trying to improve it and find a different path.
You owe me, you better pay
You owe me something, and you'd better give it to me.
Ghost, let the beretta spray
I'm calling out my alter-ego, Ghost, to shoot his gun.
Hood want uncut dope and some better yay
The neighborhood wants high-quality, uncut drugs, and better quality cocaine.
I ain't chasing pussy, never have
I'm not interested in chasing women, and I never have been.
Hustle hard, take a break, run and get some head and ass
Work hard, take a break, and go have sex.
Still robbing, still rolling, still need a mask
I'm still committing robberies, driving around, and still need to wear a mask for anonymity.
Still popping, still slinging, still need the cash
I'm still shooting my gun, selling drugs, and I still need money.
Lyrics © Ultra Tunes, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: TYRONE GREGORY FYFFE, CURTIS JAMES JACKSON, ALBERT JOHNSON, CURTIS STEWART, DAVID STYLES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
David S
50 did the right thing and invited two legends just to solidify the moment in history. Great artistic move. 50 a true entrepreneur in life. This song is legendary!
Jamal Williams
I said the same thing when heard this I died inside a little bit love rap music 🎶 keep it G 💯
K M
One time for Prodigy...RIP 🌹
Your legacy still lives on
Adam Gordon
K M : R.I.P. Bandana P 🙌🏾
Jeremy Bear
Miss you Dunny!
Jeremy Bear
@damon mitchell Well Stated! P will always live through his music and the impact he had this earth through his music! Mobb Deep created the soundtrack to my Adolescence through my adult years!
flyfruit_
🌹
The Iron Smith
As Always, 50 Never Disappoints. R.I.P Prodigy
RADSeven7
Kidd kidd never disappoints
Aden Komail
Yo sun get busy