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.
Good Die Young
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Niggas be thinkin' I'm crazy right?
You are crazy
I ain't crazy
You are crazy
Atleast I don't think I'm crazy
I think my shit is hot, I think I'm hot
You hot but you crazy
It's the money that, makes shit get ugly
It's the money that, makes these hoes love me
It's the money that, makes niggas want to slug me
Man I thought the money would make it all lovely
Yo, I actually write what I do or see
The felonies from day to day make me say what I say
When I die my art will be worth more than Picasso's, don't cry for me,
Smile for me
And if you see them niggas that wet me, wile' for me
Remember the good times, the chips we stacked
The clips we packed
And all the bricks we cooked from coke to crack
Let my tombstone read "I Tried" and from the start everything I wrote
Was from my heart
So it'll always be number one on my chart
I get sensitive with my shit, don't fuck with my art
Sometimes it sounds like I'm playin' but I'm sayin'
This shit is real, it ain't a game.
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
First it happened to Stretch then to Pac and Big
I'm convinced it can happen to anybody kid
So I get vest up when I get dressed up
In the hood it's messed up, niggas runnin' 'round shootin' shit up
If it's Dom that you drinkin' fill up my cup
If you got somethin' to doubt me, shut the fuck up
Why do niggas act like they hard when they know they butt?
And gettin' robbed ain't a good time to press ya luck
Duke listen, if you move I'm'a hurt you
You'll get your turn to shine later, patience is a virtue
Right now what you need to do is gimme the cash
Forget about your Boss bein' mad, just save ya ass
Be a good Boy now, go and get your stash
I seen you throw it next to the garbage can like it was trash
Alright run along before I shoot ya ass
I hate to do this to you but I really need this cash.
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
I know we all gotta go, but I'd hate to go fast
Then again I don't think it'd be fun to stick around and go last
Man listen, if you really really like this shit
Nigga call Steve Stoute and I'll write ya shit
Call him now before I drop for real 'cause after I drop
I'm'a be chargin' ya'll niggas like Forty a pop
To each his own, me? I got it while it was cheap
Typical mentality, I know, I'm straight from the street
1999's the year of the predator, I'm killin' to eat
Niggas'll treat you like a egg, you come to cop you get beat
Gimme your dough, oh, you wore your jewels? what a treat
You're a generous guy
Take 'em off or die
Man, we hurtin' 'round here, ain't nobody slingin' pies
Look around, ain't nobody 'round here fly
Why you 'round here with this shit anyway? huh? you high?
See, you done made the wrong move, kiss your ass goodbye.
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
The song "The Good Die Young" by 50 Cent is a reflection on the rapper's life and the realities of living in the inner city. He discusses the corruption and greed that come with the pursuit of money, even though it doesn't make life "all lovely". He also touches on the insecurity and danger of being a public figure in the rap industry, referencing the deaths of Biggie Smalls, Tupac, and Stretch.
50 Cent also shows his pride in his work, saying that his writing is from his heart and that he gets sensitive about it. He warns those who doubt him to not mess with his art. The chorus, "they say the good die young, I guess these grimy n*****s live a long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine", is repeated throughout the song and represents the feeling that those who are "grimy" or corrupt tend to live longer than those who are "good", but that it doesn't necessarily mean they are happy or fulfilled.
Overall, the song represents 50 Cent's inner turmoil and experiences growing up in the inner city, as well as the harsh realities of the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, you know what I want? I want the beat to drop right..now
50 Cent wants the beat of his song to start playing at the exact moment he desires.
Niggas be thinkin' I'm crazy right?
Other people often doubt or question 50 Cent's sanity.
You are crazy
The person he is speaking with affirms that they believe 50 Cent is crazy.
I ain't crazy
50 Cent denies their claim that he is crazy.
You are crazy
The person speaking with 50 Cent continues to confirm that they believe he is crazy.
Atleast I don't think I'm crazy
Despite the opinions of others, 50 Cent believes that he is not crazy.
I think my shit is hot, I think I'm hot
50 Cent believes that his music and overall persona are excellent and that he is an attractive person.
You hot but you crazy
The person he is speaking to acknowledges that 50 Cent may be physically attractive, but still believes he is crazy.
Why they want to? Man, I don't know...
50 Cent expresses confusion regarding the reasons why other people may label him as crazy.
It's the money that, makes shit get ugly
50 Cent believes that money can be the cause of negative behavior or situations in life.
It's the money that, makes these hoes love me
For 50 Cent, money is a factor in why he believes some women are interested in him.
It's the money that, makes niggas want to slug me
For 50 Cent, money can be the cause of aggression towards him from other people.
Man I thought the money would make it all lovely
50 Cent confesses that he believed money would only bring positive things into his life, but now realizes this is not always true.
Yo, I actually write what I do or see
50 Cent explains that his lyrics are based on real-life experiences that he has witnessed or lived through.
The felonies from day to day make me say what I say
50 Cent refers to illegal activities he may have been a part of or been exposed to as the inspiration behind the subject matter of his songs.
When I die my art will be worth more than Picasso's, don't cry for me,
Smile for me
50 Cent believes that his legacy as an artist will be more valuable than that of the famous painter Picasso. He wants people to be happy and appreciate his success when he dies in the future.
And if you see them niggas that wet me, wile' for me
If 50 Cent is murdered, he wants his fans to celebrate his life instead of being sad. Additionally, he asks his fans to get revenge for his death if he is violently killed.
Remember the good times, the chips we stacked
The clips we packed
And all the bricks we cooked from coke to crack
50 Cent recalls fond memories of accumulating wealth through illegal means such as drug dealing.
Let my tombstone read "I Tried" and from the start everything I wrote
Was from my heart
So it'll always be number one on my chart
50 Cent wants his tombstone to bear the simple phrase "I Tried" to show that he gave his all in life. Additionally, he states that all of his music comes from the heart and will remain important to him even after he dies.
I get sensitive with my shit, don't fuck with my art
Sometimes it sounds like I'm playin' but I'm sayin'
This shit is real, it ain't a game.
50 Cent becomes reactive towards criticism of his music because it is a deeply personal part of his life. He wants his music to be taken seriously and believes it is a reflection of his true self.
They say the good die young, I guess these grimy niggas live a
Long time, sit in fancy whips, sip champaigne and shine, keep your eyes
On yours while I keep my eyes on mine. (Repeat)
The chorus of the song, repeating the phrase "they say the good die young," highlights the idea that those who live by illegal, violent means may live longer lives. 50 Cent advises others to focus on their own lives and not worry about the lives of others.
First it happened to Stretch then to Pac and Big
I'm convinced it can happen to anybody kid
So I get vest up when I get dressed up
In the hood it's messed up, niggas runnin' 'round shootin' shit up
50 Cent references the killings of other rappers and expresses his belief that anyone can be a victim of violence. He makes sure to take precautions such as wearing protective clothing in order to increase his safety in dangerous areas.
If it's Dom that you drinkin' fill up my cup
If you got somethin' to doubt me, shut the fuck up
50 Cent requests that someone refill his drink and demands that those who question him keep their opinions to themselves.
Why do niggas act like they hard when they know they butt?
And gettin' robbed ain't a good time to press ya luck
50 Cent is skeptical of people who act as though they are intimidating or tough when in actuality they are vulnerable. He also warns others to avoid putting themselves in danger by gambling with personal safety.
Duke listen, if you move I'm'a hurt you
You'll get your turn to shine later, patience is a virtue
Right now what you need to do is gimme the cash
Forget about your Boss bein' mad, just save ya ass
50 Cent threatens to cause harm to someone who tries to fight back against him, but also tries to calm them down and advise them to prioritize their safety by giving him money instead of risking their life or job.
Be a good Boy now, go and get your stash
I seen you throw it next to the garbage can like it was trash
Alright run along before I shoot ya ass
I hate to do this to you but I really need this cash.
50 Cent tells someone to retrieve their hidden drugs or money from near a garbage can, and threatens to kill them if they do not comply. He expresses empathy for their situation but goes through with the theft because he needs the money.
I know we all gotta go, but I'd hate to go fast
Then again I don't think it'd be fun to stick around and go last
50 Cent contemplates the inevitability of death and expresses his preference for a slow, natural exit from life. However, he also acknowledges that living a long life can carry its own challenges and losses.
Man listen, if you really really like this shit
Nigga call Steve Stoute and I'll write ya shit
Call him now before I drop for real 'cause after I drop
I'm'a be chargin' ya'll niggas like Forty a pop
50 Cent offers his services as a songwriter to anyone who appreciates his music. He recommends getting in touch with his business manager Steve Stoute before the price for his expertise goes up.
To each his own, me? I got it while it was cheap
Typical mentality, I know, I'm straight from the street
1999's the year of the predator, I'm killin' to eat
Niggas'll treat you like a egg, you come to cop you get beat
50 Cent references his past as a drug dealer and emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of opportunities as soon as they appear. He believes that being from the street has given him valuable insights into the nature of survival. Additionally, he warns others that they may be targeted by police or rival gangs if they are not cautious.
Gimme your dough, oh, you wore your jewels? what a treat
You're a generous guy
Take 'em off or die
Man, we hurtin' 'round here, ain't nobody slingin' pies
Look around, ain't nobody 'round here fly
Why you 'round here with this shit anyway? huh? you high?
See, you done made the wrong move, kiss your ass goodbye.
50 Cent demands that someone give him their money, and also notices that they are wearing expensive jewelry. He comments on their generosity before giving them the option of removing the jewelry or being killed. He points out that the economic situation of his community is dire and wonders why they are choosing to flash their wealth in such an area, and warns them that they will be punished for their behavior.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: PAUL H. WILLIAMS, SHELTON EMERSON RIVERS, VON M. CARLISLE, DE SHAUN D. HOLTON, RUFUS B. JOHNSON, ONDRE C. MOORE, DENAUN M. PORTER, KARNAIL PITTS, JONATHAN ROTEM
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
5703N35CV 戕
[Intro]
Yo, you know what I want?
I want the beat to drop in, right, like, now
Niggas be thinkin' I'm crazy right? Yeah, you are crazy
I ain't crazy - you are crazy - at least I don't think I'm crazy
I think my shit is hot, I think I'm hot you hot, but you crazy
Why they wanna? I don't know
[Verse 1]
It's the money that makes shit get ugly
It's the money that makes these hoes love me
It's the money that makes niggas wanna slug me
Man, I thought the money would make it all lovely
Yo, I actually write what I do and see
The felonies from day to day make me say what I say
When I die my art will be worth as much as Picasso's
Don't cry for me, smile for me
And if you see them niggas who wet me wile' for me
Remember the good times, the chips we stacked, the clips we packed
And all the bricks we cooked from coke to crack
Let my tombstone read "I Tried" and from the start
Everything I wrote was from my heart
So it’s always gon' be number one on my chart
I get sensitive with my shit, don't fuck with my art
Sometimes it sounds like I'm playing, but I'm sayin'
This shit is real, it ain't a game
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
[Verse 2]
First it happened to Stretch then to Pac and Big
I'm convinced it can happen to anybody, kid
So I get vest up when I get dressed up
In the hood it's messed up, niggas running 'round shooting shit up
If it's Dom that you drinking fill up my cup
If you gossiping about me shut the fuck up
Why do niggas act like they hard when they know they butt?
When getting robbed ain't a good time to press ya luck
Duke listen, if you move I'mma hurt you
You'll get your turn to shine later, patience is a virtue
Right now what you need to do is give me the cash
Forget about your boss being mad, just save ya ass
Be a good boy now, go and get your stash
I seen you throw it next to the garbage can like it was trash
Alright, run along before I shoot ya ass
I hate to do this to you, but I really need this cash
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
[Verse 3]
I know we all gonna go, but I'd hate to go fast
Then again I don't think it'd be fun to stick around and go last
Man listen, if you really really like this shit
Nigga, call Steve Stoute and I'll write ya shit
Call him now before I drop for real cause after I drop
I'mma be chargin' ya'll niggas like forty a pop
To each his own: me? I'd get it while it was cheap
Typical mentality, I know, I'm straight from the street
1999's the year of the predator, I'm killing to eat
Niggas'll treat you like a egg, when you come to cop you get beat
Give me your dough, oh, you wore your jewels? What a treat
You're a generous guy, take 'em off or die
Man, we hurting 'round here, ain't nobody slinging pies
Look around, ain't nobody 'round here fly
Why you 'round here with this shit anyway? Huh? You high?
See, you done made the wrong move, kiss your ass goodbye
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
Alexandros Kourtis
[Intro]
Yo, you know what I want?
I want the beat to drop in, right, like, now
Niggas be thinkin' I'm crazy right? Yeah, you are crazy
I ain't crazy - you are crazy - at least I don't think I'm crazy
I think my shit is hot, I think I'm hot you hot, but you crazy
Why they wanna? I don't know
[Verse 1]
It's the money that makes shit get ugly
It's the money that makes these hoes love me
It's the money that makes niggas wanna slug me
Man, I thought the money would make it all lovely
Yo, I actually write what I do and see
The felonies from day to day make me say what I say
When I die my art will be worth as much as Picasso's
Don't cry for me, smile for me
And if you see them niggas who wet me wile' for me
Remember the good times, the chips we stacked, the clips we packed
And all the bricks we cooked from coke to crack
Let my tombstone read "I Tried" and from the start
Everything I wrote was from my heart
So it’s always gon' be number one on my chart
I get sensitive with my shit, don't fuck with my art
Sometimes it sounds like I'm playing, but I'm sayin'
This shit is real, it ain't a game
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
[Verse 2]
First it happened to Stretch then to Pac and Big
I'm convinced it can happen to anybody, kid
So I get vest up when I get dressed up
In the hood it's messed up, niggas running 'round shooting shit up
If it's Dom that you drinking fill up my cup
If you gossiping about me shut the fuck up
Why do niggas act like they hard when they know they butt?
When getting robbed ain't a good time to press ya luck
Duke listen, if you move I'mma hurt you
You'll get your turn to shine later, patience is a virtue
Right now what you need to do is give me the cash
Forget about your boss being mad, just save ya ass
Be a good boy now, go and get your stash
I seen you throw it next to the garbage can like it was trash
Alright, run along before I shoot ya ass
I hate to do this to you, but I really need this cash
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
[Verse 3]
I know we all gonna go, but I'd hate to go fast
Then again I don't think it'd be fun to stick around and go last
Man listen, if you really really like this shit
Nigga, call Steve Stoute and I'll write ya shit
Call him now before I drop for real cause after I drop
I'mma be chargin' ya'll niggas like forty a pop
To each his own: me? I'd get it while it was cheap
Typical mentality, I know, I'm straight from the street
1999's the year of the predator, I'm killing to eat
Niggas'll treat you like a egg, when you come to cop you get beat
Give me your dough, oh, you wore your jewels? What a treat
You're a generous guy, take 'em off or die
Man, we hurting 'round here, ain't nobody slinging pies
Look around, ain't nobody 'round here fly
Why you 'round here with this shit anyway? Huh? You high?
See, you done made the wrong move, kiss your ass goodbye
[Chorus]
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
They say the good die young
I guess these grimy niggas live a long time
Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine
Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine
Devon Asher
Even if 50 was killed when he was shot, this album would still carry his legacy as a legend. Such a great album.
Patrick Sørensen
Nice
Guillaume Munger
+OG bobby Johnson 50 was the men of steel not Tupac even if a Suge Knight iz probably tha killah
Carlos Vazquez
Agreed
iwillheadlockyournan
10000% the one thing with 50 is that he’s always out here lol everyone takes him for granted, imagine if he actually passed at this time.. holy fuck shit would be different
STEADYDEE
It’s a hip hop tradition to come back to this masterpiece every year!
SYNCERE1221
Facts ...
GUSTAVO MALVEZZI Maldonado
A CERTIFIED HOOD CLASSIC!!!!
Forty glock
Man what
ƏJM
Daily