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.
Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me Pt
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Southside, what y'all niggas know about the dirty south?
One time
Lord forgive me, for I've sinned
Over and over again, just to stay on top
I recall memories, filled with sin
Over and over again, and again
Yo, when you hear talk of the Southside, you hear talk of the team
See niggas feared Prince and respected Preme
For all you slow muthafuckas I'm a break it down iller
See Preme was a business man and Prince was the killer
Remember, he used to push the bulletproof BM, uh huh
This here get ya seasick, I sat back and peeped shit
The roll with Easy Rider and they ain't get blunted
Had the whole projects workin for fifty on five-hundred
As a youth, all I ever did was sell crack
I used to idolize Cat
Hurt me in my heart to hear that nigga snitched on Pat, how he go out like that?
Rumors in the hood was ?? was snitchin
I ain't believe that, pa, he helped me cop my first GSX-R
Had the four-runner, the Z, the 5 and the 3
Used to drive his truck through the hood draggin jet skis
From Gerald Wallace to Baby Wise, don't be surprised
Of how freely I thought of names of games who dealt with pies
Like L-A-N-Y's, L got shot in the neck, then told us connect
Them niggas who shot 'em got 'em for ten bricks
Fuckin Dominicans, turned around and gave 'em more bricks
Lord forgive me, for I've sinned
Over and over again, just to stay on top
I recall memories, filled with sin
Over and over again, and again
That first verse is just a dose of the shit that I'm on
Consider this the first chapter in the ghetto's Quran
I know a lot of niggas that get dough like Remmy and Joe
And Prince and Righteous from Hillside with the mole on his nose
Throughout my struggles through the hood, I started learnin
Life's a bitch, with a pretty face, but she burnin
Man I'm a get cheese like Chaz then run through wips like Cigar
Gamble all the time like country-curly head Prince and Tata
Po-po under pressure too, they know what they facin
Go against crews like B-Bo and killers like Pappy Mason
A lotta niggas I know been corrupted since birth
Enticed to rob nuns for fun, for everything they worth
I know some cats that hail at old complexes like Cooley Wall
Together niggas stand and divided they fall
Round here, shook niggas they keep it in motion
Come around here with your rollie you can get robbed like Ocean
Lord knows, Tommy had loved and sold
Helicopters, Rolls Royces with Louie VaTonne interior
Might sound like I'm fantasizin, but son I'm dead serious
Montanna was no dummy, brought Benice to watch the money
Had money out the ass, he politic like the Asian
FEDs couldn't catch him dirty so settled for tax evasion
Lord forgive me, for I've sinned
Over and over again, just to stay on top
I recall memories, filled with sin
Over and over again, and again
Yo, rest in peace to Rich and Ron, money what they was about yo
The twins was some queens but got crazy cream with Alpo
Throughout my time I heard tales of Himey, Frenchy, Jamaican Pauly, Ducky
Cally
Rodney Bump and Chick, shit
A lot a niggas flow the way I flow
but ain't been in the game all their life so don't know who I know
Writin rhymes is the best way I express how I feel
If I ain't rich by twenty-six, I'll be dead or in jail
Comin up I heard sippin to much booze'll leave you confused
And if you watch the news you see playas in this game that lose
I'm forgettin Lefty and Jazz, Pretty Tony and Lance
Head Lou, Mel son, Troy and E Money Bags
And a conversation over shrimp and lobster
And Benny Hiners heard Chico stopped boxin, and started robbin diners
Shout out to Clanvis and Clutch, Bob Dre, Black Will
If the flow don't kill you the Mac will
Lord forgive me, for I've sinned
Over and over again, just to stay on top
I recall memories, filled with sin
Over and over again, and again
In "Ghetto Quran," 50 Cent provides a vivid depiction of the gang culture in Southside Jamaica, Queens. The song addresses a variety of figures within this culture, including both criminals and law enforcement officials. Throughout the verses, 50 Cent mentions various members of the community such as Prince (a killer) and Preme (a businessman) who were feared in Southside.
The song then delves into the rapper's experiences with drug dealing and idolizing figures within the criminal underworld, ultimately leading to his realization that "life's a bitch, with a pretty face, but she burnin'." In the final stanza, 50 Cent pays his respects to those who have passed, including Himey, Frenchy, Jamaican Pauly, Ducky, Rich, and Ron, who were all notorious drug dealers in Jamaica, Queens.
"Ghetto Quran" is a sobering portrayal of life in the ghetto, written from 50 Cent's own experience. He reflects on his own past experiences and the many individuals who he has known. Ultimately, the song also speaks to the difficulty of escaping a life of crime and poverty, even as one struggles to make it to the top.
Line by Line Meaning
Lord forgive me, for I've sinned
seeking forgiveness for wrongdoing
Over and over again, just to stay on top
repeating actions to maintain power or success
I recall memories, filled with sin
remembering past actions that were immoral or unethical
When you hear talk of the Southside, you hear talk of the team
the Southside is known for its powerful and influential group
See niggas feared Prince and respected Preme
Prince was feared while Preme commanded respect
For all you slow muthafuckas I'm a break it down iller
explaining more clearly for those who may not understand
Remember, he used to push the bulletproof BM, uh huh
recalling a specific memory from the past
This here get ya seasick, I sat back and peeped shit
observing something that causes discomfort or disorientation
Had the whole projects workin for fifty on five-hundred
controlling a large group of people to make a profit
As a youth, all I ever did was sell crack
participating in illegal activities from a young age
Hurt me in my heart to hear that nigga snitched on Pat, how he go out like that?
feeling betrayed by someone who revealed sensitive information to authorities
Rumors in the hood was ?? was snitchin
hearing rumors of someone providing information to authorities
I ain't believe that, pa, he helped me cop my first GSX-R
refusing to believe rumors about someone who has been helpful in the past
Used to drive his truck through the hood draggin jet skis
flaunting wealth and success to those in the neighborhood
From Gerald Wallace to Baby Wise, don't be surprised
knowing a wide range of people involved in illegal activities
Of how freely I thought of names of games who dealt with pies
able to easily recall names of people involved in drug trafficking
That first verse is just a dose of the shit that I'm on
the first verse provides a glimpse into the lifestyle and mindset
Consider this the first chapter in the ghetto's Quran
this song is like a holy text for the ghetto and its people
Life's a bitch, with a pretty face, but she burnin
life may seem attractive, but it can be difficult and painful
Man I'm a get cheese like Chaz then run through wips like Cigar
aiming to make a lot of money and enjoy material possessions
Gamble all the time like country-curly head Prince and Tata
enjoying taking risks and living on the edge
A lotta niggas I know been corrupted since birth
many people have been exposed to illegal activities and immoral behavior since childhood
Enticed to rob nuns for fun, for everything they worth
some people are lured into committing immoral acts for entertainment or profit
Throughout my time I heard tales of Himey, Frenchy, Jamaican Pauly, Ducky, Cally
having knowledge and awareness of various people involved in illegal activities
Writin rhymes is the best way I express how I feel
using music as an outlet to share personal thoughts and experiences
If I ain't rich by twenty-six, I'll be dead or in jail
determined to achieve material success or face dire consequences
And if you watch the news you see playas in this game that lose
watching news reports of people involved in illegal activities who experience negative consequences
If the flow don't kill you the Mac will
warning others that his lyrics and style can be dangerous or deadly
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@bonesx187
This song should be in the hip pop hall of fame
@ducatarina8310
Ghetto Qu'ran Is The Anthem Of Queens
@hiphopdmt2167
Nobody writes hooks like this man. What a song writer..
@eddie9547
a poet
@foley_3104
I agree but nate dogg is the king of hooks
@ijustbevibin0425
@@foley_3104 hell nah he sounds weird as fuck 😂
@omegashenron8
@@foley_3104 50 come in second to Nate.
@alisonrayUK
@@foley_3104 Nate sings them. 50 writes them
@edsworld760
50 killed the game with the mixtapes. What a time to be alive in middle school hearing this flow🙏
@Robakabobs
Bull shit outta your mouth..