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.
Gangsta'd Up
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We in here (What)
We can get the drama popping
We don't care (What, what, what)
It's going down (What)
'Cause I'm around (What)
50 Cent, you know how I gets down (Down)
What up, Blood? (What)
What up, 'cause? (What)
What up, Blood? (What)
What up, Gangstaaa?
[Verse 1]
They say I walk around like got an "S" on my chest
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
But I'll hunt or duck a nigga down like it's sport
Front on me, I'll cut ya, gun-butt ya or bump ya
You getting money? I can't none with ya then fuck ya
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I.
I'm the type that'll kill your connect when the coke price rise
Gangstas, they bump my shit then they know me
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
Hundred G's I stash it (what), the mack I blast it (yeah)
D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid
This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it
Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard
I'm on the next level, right lane forget bezzle
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, god (what)
[Chorus (1st time w/o first "What up, Blood?") (2x)]
[Bridge]
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We don't play around
[Verse 2]
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When the 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds like thunder
In December I'll make your block feel like summer
The rap critics say I can rhyme, the fiends say my dope is a nine
Every chick I fuck with is a dime
I'm like Patty LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
I'll have your ass using a wheelchair, cane, or crutches
Industry hoe fuckers, in the hood they love us
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new chuckas
[Chorus (2x)]
[Bridge (4x)]
The lyrics of "Gangsta'd Up" by 50 Cent are a declaration of the rapper's gangster identity and a warning to anyone who dares to confront him. The chorus' opening lines "What up, Blood? What up, 'cause?" are references to gang culture and gang affiliation, with "Blood" being a term used by members of the Bloods street gang. The rapper goes on to boast about the weapons he carries for protection, and his readiness to use them against anyone who tries to cross him.
Throughout the verse, he describes himself as a ruthless gangster who is feared by many. He talks about his criminal activities, including drug dealing, and his willingness to resort to violence if necessary. The lyrics are full of braggadocio, and the rapper's confidence is evident throughout the song. The bridge, repeated four times, serves as a reminder that the G-Unit crew does not play games and should not be taken lightly.
Overall, the song is a celebration of gangster culture, and a declaration of loyalty to the G-Unit crew. It speaks to the harsh realities of inner-city life and the need to be tough to survive in that environment.
Line by Line Meaning
G-Unit (What)
Introducing the rap group, G-Unit
We in here (What)
We are currently present and active
We can get the drama popping
We are capable of instigating confrontations and violence
We don't care (What, what, what)
We are indifferent to the consequences of our actions
It's going down (What)
An event is about to occur
'Cause I'm around (What)
My presence is a factor that contributes to the unfolding event
50 Cent, you know how I gets down (Down)
My reputation precedes me, and you know that I am a serious threat
What up, Blood? (What)
A greeting to a fellow gang member associated with the color red
What up, 'cause? (What)
A greeting to a fellow gang member associated with the color blue
What up, Gangstaaa?
A greeting to other gang members
They say I walk around like got an "S" on my chest
People assume I have a superhero complex
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
In reality, I am heavily armed and protected
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
I avoid speaking to prevent incrimination in a court case
But I'll hunt or duck a nigga down like it's sport
I am willing to seek out and take down anyone who poses a threat or disrespects me
Front on me, I'll cut ya, gun-butt ya or bump ya
Physical violence is a likely outcome if someone challenges or provokes me
You getting money? I can't none with ya then fuck ya
I only associate with people who can financially benefit me, and anyone who can't is irrelevant to me
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I.
I won't get arrested for drunk driving
I'm the type that'll kill your connect when the coke price rise
I am not above murdering someone who impacts my financial gain
Gangstas, they bump my shit then they know me
Other gang members are familiar with and appreciate my music
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
I have been around people who were not truly my friends
Hundred G's I stash it (what), the mack I blast it (yeah)
I have a large amount of money and am willing to use violence to protect it
D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid
If the police come, we will dispose of evidence harshly
This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it
I am skilled in rapping, and I show off my wealth with jewelry
Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard
If someone threatens me or my family, they will face dire consequences
I'm on the next level, right lane forget bezzle
I am constantly striving to improve and don't care about material possessions
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, god (what)
I drive my Mercedes quickly and aggressively, and am feeling confident
We don't play that
We don't tolerate any disrespect or foolishness
We don't play around
We take everything we do seriously
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
I relax and smoke marijuana, contemplating my circumstances
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
Do other gang members understand the desperation and drive I express in my music?
When the 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds like thunder
The sound of gunfire is loud and intense
In December I'll make your block feel like summer
I have the power to make conditions unbearable for my rivals
The rap critics say I can rhyme, the fiends say my dope is a nine
Both music critics and drug addicts appreciate my skills and style
Every chick I fuck with is a dime
I only date attractive women
I'm like Patty LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
I am independent and self-sufficient like the famous singer
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone
I am always moving and don't have a permanent home
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
If someone underestimates me or crosses me, they will face serious consequences
I'll have your ass using a wheelchair, cane, or crutches
Physical harm will come to anyone who disrespects me
Industry hoe fuckers, in the hood they love us
People in the music industry and in my neighborhood admire and respect us
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new chuckas
I am tough and will assault anyone who opposes me
Lyrics Β© THE ROYALTY NETWORK INC., Royalty Network
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@josef6999
I stay gangsta'd up, niggas ain't got shit on me
Annnnnd, I stay wit my gat, in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique, you're blind if you can't see
That weeeee run the streets, nigga you better ask somebody
[Tony Yayo]
I got a rifle with a scope in the trunk of the Viper
So I shoot off the roof like the D.C. sniper
I just bought a bezel, and a brand new piece
And a level two vest and a brand new piece
See y'all hip-hop niggas don't want no beef
Y'all get shot and rat to the hip-hop police
Nigga two guns up, I run up in your label
Why your guns in the house like a couch potato?
[Hook: 50 - singing]
I stay gangsta'd up, niggas ain't got shit on me
Annnnnd, I stay wit my gat, in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique, you're blind if you can't see
That weeeee run the streets, nigga you better ask somebody
[Lloyd Banks]
These hoes want me to stop, but this is the worst part
I was born with this game like birthmarks
I don't trip, but I'mma get a little watch from my modelin chick
Cause she spent a lot of time on my dick
I get a new fan every single time that I spit
Gray and blue Benz, lovin' every diamond I get
Fast and furious in the Rang Rove', cause my bread folds
Beef I hit your neck and turn your jewelry into red gold
[Hook: 50 - singing]
I stay gangsta'd up, niggas ain't got shit on me
Annnnnd, I stay wit my gat, in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique, you're blind if you can't see
That weeeee run the streets, nigga you better ask somebody
[50 Cent]
I'm from the bottom man niggas know I came up hard
I got a temper man I'm looking for some shit to start
Man my tax bracket change, I'm sittin on some change
The hoes man they changed they don't treat me the same
It's not my looks that's got me all up in them drawers
It's the new M3 with the Lamborghini doors
Man them D's they done turned them dogs into dopefiends
Smell a leak in my clothes so they barkin at me - WHOA!!
@stickydh
If you had a hit song out, G unit radio had a better version every week back then
@Flyboisin23
For real
@carltonbanks2865
Facts
@KeanBurke
Most definitely
@youngskyler7568
Yo back then the game needed G Unit 50 was different back then like never heard before smh the good ol days shit was like wow who this dude his music is different from the rest
@shotta876gazaempire8
π€£π€£
@eljayswilling4205
2002 r.i.p jam master jay
@Flyboisin23
R.I.P itβs sad
@spiritualbandage
came back to this now that JMJ can finally rest in peaceβ¦.
@JonnyAndrewRyan
I love how 50 finessed his verse so quickly and easily and then said his respects ππ½ππ½ππ½