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 Jayβs music. After heβd 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 Centβs 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 βGet Rich Or Die Tryinββ 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 Tryinβ 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.
DAT AINT GANGSTA
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You gon' get it on nigga or you gon' snitch?
I represent niggas in the hood gettin' rich
Man, I stack chips and I unload clips
After 3 summers in the joint I thought life was hard
Some niggas started fightin', some niggas found god
You know me, started sellin' leek in the yard
Yo, I ran into niggas who used to have hummers
Damm dog, you been in here that long?
You could think that, but say that and yo' ass is dead wrong
A convo is only three words, "yo whattup"
You ain't gotta work out to leave this bitch cut up
Let a nigga find out you on some goin' home shit
And you tryin' to bounce without payin' a loan, shit
Some niggas beat cases on the strength of they cream
After the witnesses disappeared on the strength of they team
I'm hard as hell to get along wit' so it never fails
A nigga I got beef with end up in the same jail
He had a l rolled in bible paper blowin' the lye
I sent him a little kite just to be blowin' his high
And when I shot you in newyork why would I box you now?
If I catch you in the yard I'm'a ox you down
Niggas you think is real really can't hold they own
I'll have 'em on some e.t. shit tryin' to phone home
In here a gemstar is like a nine milly chrome
It's similar, infact they'll both split ya dome
Scars are souvenirs, niggas always take 'em home.
You got blown over the jack? (that ain't gangsta)
Your man ran when you got clapped? (that ain't gangsta)
Rockin' a vest with no gat? (that ain't gangsta)
You only a thug when you rap? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas jooked you for your track? (that ain't gangsta)
You ran to other thugs to get it back? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas ran off with your packs? (that ain't gangsta)
If you ain't bustin' ya gat (that ain't gangsta)
You'd call me an animal if you seen me livin' on lock
I stay in a box cats be shook when I'm visitin' pop-ulation
When I walk by, niggas like "fifty don't play son"
"yeah, somethin' really wrong with that nigga..."
Max out, I'm goin' straight for the glock
Bust a u-turn, I'm goin' straight to the block
The things that'll happen if niggas say I can't eat
Down goes the window....out goes the heat
I'll make the whole block look like a fuckin' trackmeet
Some get it in the leg, some get it in the back
Some get it in the foot, bleed all over their airmax
Nigga pump my packs or pay poor tax
It's extortion, it happens in the hood often
Claim more lives than choices, free abortions
Rich nice says I got a problem with the dice
'cause I put the title to the benz on the line twice
I rock shit 'cause I stay on that block shit
That 9mm ruger to your knot shit
See the difference is I'm real and you not, kid
I still stash crack money in my sock, shit
Ya'll niggas wanna pop shit? I pop clips
Leave with your blood on my mink in the drop six
Guiliani and pataki can't stop this
Since '86 my whole clique pop criss.
5-5-1 blllaaap blllaaap!!
1-3-4 blllaaap blllaaap!!
What the fuck you know about that?
In 50 Cent's song "Ain't Gangsta," the rapper questions the authenticity of those claiming to be gangsters. He presents a series of scenarios where individuals must decide if they are going to handle a situation like a man or a "bitch." He raps about representing hood individuals that are making it big and attaining wealth while acknowledging the challenges of life inside prison. He shares his experiences of meeting individuals who have been incarcerated for a long time and how differently they may be going about their lives. He offers his harsh realities as someone who is very hard to get along with, and his beef clings to people like a leech. He also discusses different scenarios, such as someone getting juked for their track, being too cowardly to defend themselves, and running to other thugs to solve their problems. He vividly describes his own criminal activity, from extorting people to risking his life and walking around with guns in the open for everyone to see. The chorus emphasizes that certain actions are not gangster, such as wearing a vest but not carrying a gun or running to other thugs for backup.
50 Cent's "Ain't Gangsta" tells the story of the rapper's criminal life and the harsh realities of his world. He claims authenticity, which he contrasts with the actions of those that he perceives as fake. The rapper depicts his life as ruled by principles that differentiate between right and wrong acts, with no room for ambiguity. In terms of song structure, the chorus and verse splits result in the delivery of the song's message in a clear and concise manner. The song provides a strong impression of everyday life in criminal activity, highlighting the different challenges that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
How you gonna take this? like a man or a bitch?
Are you going to accept this situation with dignity or cowardice?
You gon' get it on nigga or you gon' snitch?
Are you going to fight or tell on others to escape the situation?
I represent niggas in the hood gettin' rich
I am a symbol of success for people from the ghetto.
Man, I stack chips and I unload clips
I focus on accumulating wealth and carrying weapons for protection and offense.
After 3 summers in the joint I thought life was hard
The tough experiences in prison made me realize that life can be challenging.
Some niggas started fightin', some niggas found god
In prison, some people chose violence while others turned to religion.
You know me, started sellin' leek in the yard
I used my entrepreneurial skills to sell a green onion in the prison yard.
Yo, I ran into niggas who used to have hummers
I met people in prison who previously owned large vehicles.
Big as hell in the joint wearin' '86 numbers
They were very large in prison wearing uniform 86, which likely indicates they've been incarcerated since 1986.
Damm dog, you been in here that long?
Wow, have you really been in prison for such an extended period?
You could think that, but say that and yo' ass is dead wrong
While you might think that, saying that out loud would be a wrong move.
A convo is only three words, 'yo whattup'
In prison, conversations are usually just a quick exchange of greetings.
You ain't gotta work out to leave this bitch cut up
You don't have to be muscular to get injured or killed here.
Let a nigga find out you on some goin' home shit
If someone learns that you're trying to leave prison, they might have a problem with it.
And you tryin' to bounce without payin' a loan, shit
If you're leaving without repaying a debt, there could be consequences.
Some niggas beat cases on the strength of they cream
People win legal cases by hiring skilled lawyers.
After the witnesses disappeared on the strength of they team
The witnesses went missing because they were threatened by a strong group of people.
I'm hard as hell to get along wit' so it never fails
I'm not easy to get along with, so arguments are not a surprise.
A nigga I got beef with end up in the same jail
Anyone who has a problem with me get incarcerated in the same prison.
He had a l rolled in bible paper blowin' the lye
He was smoking marijuana wrapped in bible pages.
I sent him a little kite just to be blowin' his high
I sent him a letter to disturb his drug-induced mood.
And when I shot you in newyork why would I box you now?
If I already shot you in New York, why bother fighting you now?
If I catch you in the yard I'm'a ox you down
If I find you in the prison yard, I'm going to beat you up.
Niggas you think is real really can't hold they own
People you believe are tough are usually unable to stand up for themselves.
I'll have 'em on some e.t. shit tryin' to phone home
I'll scare them to the point that they would try to contact someone for help.
In here a gemstar is like a nine milly chrome
In prison, a Gemstar weapon is equivalent to a nine-millimeter handgun.
Scars are souvenirs, niggas always take 'em home.
In prison, injuries and scars are part of a person's narrative, they bear them as badges of honor.
You got blown over the jack? (that ain't gangsta)
If someone steals from you and you don't retaliate, that's being a coward.
Your man ran when you got clapped? (that ain't gangsta)
If your ally runs away after you get shot, they are not loyal.
Rockin' a vest with no gat? (that ain't gangsta)
Wearing a bulletproof vest without a gun is foolish behavior.
You only a thug when you rap? (that ain't gangsta)
If you only portray yourself as a thug when rapping, then that is a false image.
Niggas jooked you for your track? (that ain't gangsta)
If some steals your musical creation, and you don't respond, that shows cowardice.
You ran to other thugs to get it back? (that ain't gangsta)
If you need other people's help to retrieve it, then it isn't courageous behavior.
Niggas ran off with your packs? (that ain't gangsta)
If someone steals your drugs, and you don't avenge yourself, it indicates that you are not tough.
If you ain't bustin' ya gat (that ain't gangsta)
If you're not shooting your firearms, you're pretending to be a thug.
You'd call me an animal if you seen me livin' on lock
If you were locked up and saw me thriving in here, you would label me a monster.
I stay in a box cats be shook when I'm visitin' pop-ulation
Other prisoners get scared when they see me because they know I am dangerous.
When I walk by, niggas like 'fifty don't play son'
People in prison know that I am serious and should not be taken lightly.
'yeah, somethin' really wrong with that nigga...'
The fact that others are scared of me is amusing to me.
Max out, I'm goin' straight for the glock
I'm going to retrieve my gun and use it right away.
Bust a u-turn, I'm goin' straight to the block
I'm quickly returning to the same place where I was before.
The things that'll happen if niggas say I can't eat
I'm going to react violently if someone tries to prevent me from getting food.
Down goes the window....out goes the heat
I'll shoot from my car window if someone provokes me.
I'll make the whole block look like a fuckin' trackmeet
When I'm angry, I run around rapidly, causing confusion and chaos.
Some get it in the leg, some get it in the back
Depending on the situation, I can shoot an offender in different parts of the body.
Some get it in the foot, bleed all over their airmax
I might shoot someone non-fatally, and they will still experience bleeding and pain.
Nigga pump my packs or pay poor tax
If someone is not buying drugs from me, they will have to pay the poor tax.
It's extortion, it happens in the hood often
Demanding money from people is a common practice in communities.
Claim more lives than choices, free abortions
Extortion and violence in some regions claim more lives than the availability of safe abortion procedures.
Rich nice says I got a problem with the dice
A wealthy inmate accuses me of having an issue with gambling.
'cause I put the title to the benz on the line twice
I bet the car's title twice during a game of dice.
I rock shit 'cause I stay on that block shit
I choose to live a life of an active drug dealer in my neighborhood.
That 9mm ruger to your knot shit
I will threaten my enemies with my 9mm Ruger firearm.
See the difference is I'm real and you not, kid
Unlike you, I'm authentic and truly gangsta.
I still stash crack money in my sock, shit
I continue to carry my drug profits on my person, hiding it in my sock.
Ya'll niggas wanna pop shit? I pop clips
If you're going to disrespect me with words, I'm going to use bullets.
Leave with your blood on my mink in the drop six
After killing you, I'll leave in my fancy convertible with your blood on my expensive coat.
Guiliani and pataki can't stop this
Even politicians cannot control my violent tendencies.
Since '86 my whole clique pop criss.
My group of friends have been doing cocaine since 1986.
5-5-1 blllaaap blllaaap!!
Sound effects meant to mimic gunfire.
1-3-4 blllaaap blllaaap!!
More sound effects meant to mimic gunfire.
What the fuck you know about that?
I'm challenging others who question my gangsta credentials.
Lyrics Β© O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Brian Brian
[Verse 1]
How you gonna take this? like a man or a bitch?
You gon' get it on nigga or you gon' snitch?
I represent niggas in the hood gettin' rich
Man, I stack chips and I unload clips
After 3 summers in the jail I thought life was hard
Some niggas started fightin', some niggas found God
You know me, started sellin' leak in the yard
Yo, I ran into niggas who used to have Hummers
Big as hell in the joint wearin' '86 numbers
Damm dog, you been in here that long?
You could think that, but say that and yo' ass is dead wrong
A convo is only three words, "yo what up"
You ain't gotta work out to leave this bitch cut up
Let a nigga find out you on some goin' home shit
And you tryin' to bounce without payin' a loan, shit
Some niggas beat cases on the strength of they cream
After witnesses disappear on the strength of they team
I'm hard as hell to get along wit' so it never fails
A nigga I got beef with end up in the same jail
He had a L rolled in bible paper - blowin' the lah
I sent him a little kite just to be blowin' his high
And when I shot you in New York why would I box you now?
If I catch you going to sick call I'm'a ox you down
Niggas you think is real really can't hold they own
I'll have 'em on some E.T. shit tryin' to phone home
In here a gemstar is like a nine milli chrome
It's similar, in fact they'll both split ya dome
Scars are souvenirs, niggas always take 'em home
You got blown over the jack? (that ain't gangsta)
Your man ran when you got clapped? (that ain't gangsta)
Rockin' a vest with no gat? (that ain't gangsta)
You only a thug when you rap? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas juxed you for your track? (that ain't gangsta)
You ran to other thugs to get it back? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas ran off with your packs? (that ain't gangsta)
If you ain't bustin' ya gat (that ain't gangsta)
[Verse 2]
You'd call me Animal if you seen me livin' on lock
I stay in a box so much it seems like I'm visitin' pop-ulation
When I walk by, niggas like "Fifty don't play son"
"yeah, somethin' really wrong with that nigga..."
Max out, I'm goin' straight for the Glock
Bust a u-turn, I'm goin' straight to the block
The things that'll happen if niggas say I can't eat
Down goes the window....out goes the heat
I'll make the whole block look like a fuckin' track meet
Some get it in the leg, some get it in the back
Some get it in the foot, bleed all over their Air Max
Nigga pump my packs or pay poor tax
It's extortion, it happens in the hood often
Claim more lives than choices, free abortions
Rich Nice says I got a problem with the dice
Cause I put the title to the Benz on the line twice
I rock shit cause I stay on that block shit
That 9mm Ruger to your knot shit
See the difference is I'm real and you not, kid
I still stash crack money in my sock, shit
Ya'll niggas wanna pop shit? I pop clips
Leave with your blood on my mink in the drop six
Guiliani and Pataki can't stop this
Since '86 my whole clique pop Criss
BuBaClD
How you gonna take this? Like a man or a bitch?
You gon' get it on nigga or you gon' snitch?
I represent niggas in the hood gettin' rich
Man, I stack chips and I unload clips
After 3 summers in the jail I thought life was hard
Some niggas started fightin', some niggas found God
You know me, started sellin' leak in the yard
Yo, I ran into niggas who used to have Hummers
Big as hell in the joint wearin' '86 numbers
Damn dog, you been in here that long?
You could think that, but say that and yo' ass is dead wrong
A convo is only three words, "yo what up"
You ain't gotta work out to leave this bitch cut up
Let a nigga find out you on some goin' home shit
And you tryin' to bounce without payin' a loan, shit
Some niggas beat cases on the strength of they cream
After witnesses disappear on the strength of they team
I'm hard as hell to get along with so it never fails
A nigga I got beef with end up in the same jail
He had a L rolled in Bible paper - blowin' the lah
I sent him a little kite just to be blowin' his high
And when I shot you in New York why would I box you now?
If I catch you going to sick call I'm'a ox you down
Niggas you think is real really can't hold they own
I'll have 'em on some E.T. shit tryin' to phone home
In here a gemstar is like a nine milli chrome
It's similar, in fact they'll both split ya dome
Scars are souvenirs, niggas always take 'em home
You got blown over the jack? (that ain't gangsta)
Your man ran when you got clapped? (that ain't gangsta)
Rockin' a vest with no gat? (that ain't gangsta)
You only a thug when you rap? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas juxed you for your track? (that ain't gangsta)
You ran to other thugs to get it back? (that ain't gangsta)
Niggas ran off with your packs? (that ain't gangsta)
If you ain't bustin' ya gat (that ain't gangsta)
You'd call me animal if you seen me livin' on lock
I stay in a box so much it seems like I'm visitin' pop-ulation
When I walk by, niggas like "Fifty don't play son"
"yeah, somethin' really wrong with that nigga..."
Max out, I'm goin' straight for the Glock
Bust a U-turn, I'm goin' straight to the block
The things that'll happen if niggas say I can't eat
Down goes the window... out goes the heat
I'll make the whole block look like a fuckin' track meet
Some get it in the leg, some get it in the back
Some get it in the foot, bleed all over their Air Max
Nigga pump my packs or pay poor tax
It's extortion, it happens in the hood often
Claim more lives than choices, free abortions
Rich Nice says I got a problem with the dice
'Cause I put the title to the Benz on the line twice
I rock shit 'cause I stay on that block shit
That 9mm Ruger to your knot shit
See the difference is I'm real and you not, kid
I still stash crack money in my sock, shit
Ya'll niggas wanna pop shit? I pop clips
Leave with your blood on my mink in the drop six
Guiliani and Pataki can't stop this
Since '86 my whole clique pop Criss
5-5-1 Brrraaat brrraaat
1-3-4 Brrraaat brrraaat
What the fuck you know about that?
EliteStudio
50 on these beats the best π©
Dashawn Trim
Real fif fans consider this his first album fr ππ―
KiNG SaVaGe
U know it fam! π―
Em Jay II
This 100p his first album. GRODT is his secong
Dashawn Trim
@Em Jay II π―π―π―
Hiyaaa
I meanβ¦it is his 1st album. The real debate is if itβs better than GRODT.
King Preach
Old 50 sounded like a battle rapper and that was his energy π₯
J Dong
Kinda sound like Bernie seagal.
Tayshawn Weathers
@Christopher Carter he sung before Jeffrey
W
@J Dong Rs bro, Beans was differentππ₯