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.
Explosion
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As times go by, I twist the lah
Fuck with me and my niggas, somebody gon' die
You think I'm off point 'cause
You see me gettin' high
But my knife'll have your ass
Seein' out one eye
Fuck with me and my niggas, somebody gon' die
You think I'm off point 'cause
You see me gettin' high
But my knife'll have your ass
Seein' out one eye
740 I, with the brand new shake (uh huh)
Got me pissin' on hoes like the R kelly tape
If you see me in the club
Nothin' but Cris poppin' (yeah)
See me in court, my lawyers plea bargainin'
(woo) tryin' to turn a 3 to 6, to a 2 to 4
(Uh, huh) or 1 to 3, for an extra G
RIP to Etho, I miss Kevo when I die
I hope Heaven look like the ghetto (yeah)
Picture me, trick, and take your loss
I'm cheap like the Chinese
Man with duck sauce this Tony, homey
I walk around with a big chrome-y
Nine L's will hit ya passenger
And hit ya driver
G-Unit, you don't know a fuckin' clique liver
You heard my nigga
You don't know a fuckin' clique liver
As times go by, I twist the lah
Fuck with me and my niggas, somebody gon' die
You think I'm off point 'cause
You see me gettin' high
But my knife'll have your ass
Seein' out one eye (eye)
As times go by, I twist the lah
Fuck with me and my niggas, somebody gon' die
You think I'm off point 'cause
You see me gettin' high
But my knife'll have your ass
Seein' out one eye
I never mix money and product with my friends
(uh huh) these chips
Make relationships come to an end (what)
I pull the graveyard shift
Gettin' money non-stop (uh huh)
And been on the block, ever since bunny tops
(c'mon) 250 grizzies, scrape the plate
(scrape that plate)
Got me on 750's straight from the plate
(straight from the plate)
You can call on your soldiers
Call your recruit's (uh huh)
I do you dirty like Bishop
Did Raheem in "Juice" (Juice)
Allow myself to introduce myself
This is Tony, the talk of New York
I'm holdin' the belt i got thug in my blood
(Blood) , game like a pimp (Pimp)
And wrote my first verse takin'
Baths in the sink (yeah)
And yo I fear no man son
I never heard of a fair one
Never gotta borrow a handgun
Niggas on the street, gettin'
Smoked like brands, son
So I stay dirty like "Sanford and Son" (yeah)
Groupies gossipin' stay runnin' their lips
(woo)
Cause they seen the Gucci seats in the 6
(uh huh)
And seen the Fendi grips on the four fifth
(what) shit, I sell bricks shit
I sell shit on a stick (stick)
Enough of the talkin'
Let's take it to the valance (uh huh)
The New York streets
Will leave you physically challenged
(challenged)
Don't be surprised, If I spit at you
Then come to your wake and
Serve fiends at your funeral
My advance is goin' towards a brick of dope
Cause I've been goin' hand and
Hand since "Different Strokes"
I'm a 50 of haze, you a half a blunt
You the nigga in the
Mirror that practice stunts, what!
The lyrics to "Tony Yayo Explosion" by 50 Cent featuring Tony Yayo depict a narrative of a street lifestyle filled with violence, drugs, and the pursuit of success. The song begins with a confident assertion that if anyone messes with them, someone will end up dead. Despite appearing high, the singer warns that he is prepared to use his knife to inflict harm. The lyrics then delve into various aspects of their lifestyle, including partying, legal troubles, and their loyalty to their crew.
Over the course of the song, they boast about their wealth, success, and willingness to engage in illegal activities. They mention the R. Kelly tape scandal as a reference to their disregard for social norms and the consequences they face. The lyrics also touch upon their friend Etho's death and their hope for Heaven to resemble their neighborhood, reflecting a sense of hometown pride and a desire for a better future.
The second verse focuses on their approach to business and relationships. They emphasize the separation between money and friendships, suggesting that their pursuit of wealth often leads to the demise of personal connections. The singer describes their dedication to their work, working non-stop, and being present on the streets. They boast about their criminal activities, selling drugs, and maintaining their street reputation.
Overall, "Tony Yayo Explosion" paints a picture of a gritty and dangerous lifestyle, fueled by street mentality and an unwavering pursuit of success. The lyrics showcase their braggadocio, resilience, and loyalty to their crew.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, F-50
Expressing the artist's affiliation with F-50.
As times go by, I twist the lah
Despite the passing of time, I indulge in marijuana.
Fuck with me and my niggas, somebody gon' die
Challenging anyone who threatens me and my crew, as the consequence will be death.
You think I'm off point 'cause
You may perceive me as distracted because
You see me gettin' high
I often appear to be under the influence of drugs.
But my knife'll have your ass
However, I am fully capable of violence
Seein' out one eye
To the extent of causing severe injury.
740 I, with the brand new shake (uh huh)
Referring to a luxurious vehicle, a 740 I, with advanced features.
Got me pissin' on hoes like the R kelly tape
Comparing himself to R. Kelly, infamous for a scandalous video.
If you see me in the club
When you encounter me at a club
Nothin' but Cris poppin' (yeah)
I exclusively consume Cristal champagne.
See me in court, my lawyers plea bargainin'
Observing me in a courtroom, where my legal representation negotiates a plea deal.
(woo) tryin' to turn a 3 to 6, to a 2 to 4
Attempting to reduce a prison sentence from 3 to 6 years, down to 2 to 4 years.
(Uh, huh) or 1 to 3, for an extra G
Or even further reduce it to 1 to 3 years, in exchange for additional money.
RIP to Etho, I miss Kevo when I die
Paying respects to deceased individuals named Etho and Kevo.
I hope Heaven look like the ghetto (yeah)
Expressing a desire for Heaven to resemble one's familiar environment, the ghetto.
Picture me, trick, and take your loss
Imagining myself outsmarting someone and causing them to suffer a defeat.
I'm cheap like the Chinese
Asserting that I am frugal, similar to how Chinese individuals are stereotypically portrayed.
Man with duck sauce this Tony, homey
Addressing myself as Tony, emphasizing my identity and establishing a friendly tone.
I walk around with a big chrome-y
Carrying a large chrome firearm as a constant companion.
Nine L's will hit ya passenger
Firing nine bullets that will strike the person sitting in the passenger seat.
And hit ya driver
Additionally causing harm to the person in the driver's seat.
G-Unit, you don't know a fuckin' clique liver
Asserting that G-Unit, my crew, is composed of loyal and dedicated individuals.
You heard my nigga
You have listened to or been informed about my associate.
You don't know a fuckin' clique liver
However, you do not possess a true understanding of what it means to be part of a tight-knit group.
I never mix money and product with my friends
I avoid combining finances and illegal substances with my acquaintances.
(uh huh) these chips
Referring to money acquired through illegal activities.
Make relationships come to an end (what)
Such wealth often leads to the deterioration of interpersonal connections.
I pull the graveyard shift
I consistently work during nighttime, often engaging in illicit activities.
Gettin' money non-stop (uh huh)
Continuously earning large sums of money.
And been on the block, ever since bunny tops
Operating in the neighborhood for a long period of time.
(c'mon) 250 grizzies, scrape the plate
Having quantities of drugs, specifically 250 grams, which are prepared and consumed.
Got me on 750's straight from the plate
Acquiring expensive clothing, specifically sneakers worth $750.
(straight from the plate)
(directly from the source)
You can call on your soldiers
Feel free to summon your loyal followers
Call your recruit's (uh huh)
Mobilize individuals who are new or inexperienced.
I do you dirty like Bishop
I will harm you in a malicious manner, similar to what happened in the film 'Juice'.
Did Raheem in 'Juice'
Referencing an event where a character named Bishop harmed another character named Raheem in the movie 'Juice'.
(Juice)
(Referencing the film 'Juice')
Allow myself to introduce myself
Permit me to introduce my identity.
This is Tony, the talk of New York
My name is Tony, and I am known and highly regarded in New York.
I'm holdin' the belt
I possess dominance or power in my field of endeavors.
I got thug in my blood
My upbringing and nature are infused with a sense of criminality.
(Blood), game like a pimp
I possess skills and strategies similar to those of a pimp.
And wrote my first verse takin' baths in the sink
I crafted my initial rap lyrics while bathing using a sink as a makeshift tub.
(yeah)
(Expressing agreement or emphasis)
And yo I fear no man son
I possess no fear towards any individual.
I never heard of a fair one
I am unfamiliar with the concept of engaging in fair or honorable fights.
Never gotta borrow a handgun
I never need to borrow a firearm from someone else.
Niggas on the street, gettin' smoked like brands, son
People in the streets are being killed, similar to how cigarette brands are consumed.
So I stay dirty like 'Sanford and Son'
To survive these dangerous circumstances, I maintain a constant state of vigilance and preparedness.
(yeah)
(Expressing agreement or emphasis)
Groupies gossipin' stay runnin' their lips
Female fans who desire attention often spread rumors and talk excessively.
(woo)
(Expressing excitement or satisfaction)
Cause they seen the Gucci seats in the 6
This behavior is fueled by their observation of luxurious Gucci seats in my car.
(uh huh)
(Expressing agreement or emphasis)
And seen the Fendi grips on the four fifth
Similarly, their gossip is fueled by their sight of high-end Fendi handles on my .45 caliber firearm.
(what)
(Expressing surprise or confusion)
Shit, I sell bricks shit
In addition to my other activities, I am involved in selling drugs, specifically large quantities.
I sell shit on a stick (stick)
Furthermore, I sell illegal substances in various forms, even on sticks if necessary.
Enough of the talkin'
I have concluded discussing these matters.
Let's take it to the valance
Now, it is time to engage in real action and confrontations.
(uh huh)
(Expressing agreement or emphasis)
The New York streets
Referring to the notorious and intense atmosphere of the streets in New York City.
Will leave you physically challenged
Indicating that confrontations and conflicts in these streets can result in physical harm or difficulties.
(challenged)
(Emphasizing the potential consequences)
Don't be surprised, If I spit at you
Do not be astonished if I intentionally insult or disrespect you.
Then come to your wake and
To further demonstrate my lack of regard, I would even attend your funeral.
Serve fiends at your funeral
In an act of audacity, I would distribute drugs to addicts attending the funeral.
My advance is goin' towards a brick of dope
The money I receive in advance will be used to purchase a significant quantity of drugs.
Cause I've been goin' hand and
As I have been working tirelessly and effectively.
Hand since 'Different Strokes'
Comparable to the character Arnold from the television show 'Different Strokes', who was always industrious.
I'm a 50 of haze, you a half a blunt
Describing myself as being significant and influential, while demeaning someone else as being insignificant.
You the nigga in the
Referring to an individual who
Mirror that practice stunts
Merely engages in trivial and insignificant activities, similar to rehearsing stunts in front of a mirror.
what!
(Expressing surprise or disbelief)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Sports Theory
Tony Yayo better than a lot of rappers out now
Graham Zulu
"And wrote my first verse takin' baths in the sink". G-Unit been kicking it since day one.
dannyjizay
"the 740i with the brand new shape got me pissin on hoes like the r kelly tape."
15 years later and that shit still makes me laugh!
LC 860
True
tmack
R's Kelly
Anthony Castillo
It used to blow my mind when ppl would label yayo one of the worst rappers. Dude was too dope.
hybrid 13
Yayo was my favorite when they first came out with these mixtapes
marvin mc grath
@hybrid 13 it's this mixtape that made me a fan of yayo
Almighty Bree
He wasn't lyrical too but had mean punchlines. Damn near ever other line can be quoted. Nowadays punchline is the new lyrics.
Anthony Castillo
@Almighty Bree I even like the energy in his voice. I’m not saying he was the best, but not as bad as ppl say he is