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.
Hate It Or Love It Remix
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Uh huh
Comin' up I was confused, my mommy kissin' a girl
Confusion occurs comin' up in the cold world
Daddy ain't around, probably out commitin' felonies
My favorite rapper used to sing, "Check check out My Melody"
I wanna live good, so shit I sell dope
Nana told me if I passed I'd get a sheepskin coat
If I can move a few packs I'd get the hat, now that'd be dope
Tossed and turned in my sleep that night
Woke up the next mornin', niggas had stole my bike
Different day, same shit, ain't nothin' good in the hood
I'd run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
I told Dre from the gate "I'd carry the heat for ya"
First mixtape song I inherited beef for ya
Gritted my teeth for ya, G-G-G-G for ya
Put Compton on my back when you was in need of soldiers
At my last show I threw away my N.W.A. gold
I had the whole crowd yellin "Free Yayo!"
So niggas better get up outta mine
For I creep and turn your projects into Columbine
And I'm rap's MVP
Don't make me remind y'all what happened in D.C
This nigga ain't Gotti, he pretend
Mad at us 'cause Ashanti got a new boyfriend
And it seems your lil' rat turned out to be a mouse
This beef shit is for the birds and the birds fly South
Even Young Buck can vouch, when the doubts was out
Who gave the West coast mouth-to-mouth? (Hahaha)
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
From the beginnin' to the end, losers lose, winners win
This is real we ain't got to pretend
The cold world that we in, is full of pressure and pain
I thought it would change, it's stayin' the same
How many of them boys is witcha'
When you had that little TV you had to hit on to get a picture
I'm walking with a snub, 'cause niggas do a lot of slick talkin'
In the club 'til they coughin' on the rug
Ain't never had much but a Walkman and a bud
My role model is gone snortin' up his drug
Bad enough they want me to choke, my boy just got poked in the throat
Now it's an RIP shirt in my coat
Now I'm speedin', reminiscin'
Holdin' my weed in, never listen
If I see him I'ma lift 'em
And maybe that'll even the score
But if not, it'll be me on the floor
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
I started out at 15, scared as hell
I took 30 off a pack and I made them sales
As a youth, man I used to hustle for loot
With that lil' deuce-deuce and my triple fat goose
Sippin' Easy Jesus, rockin' a Alesis
My momma whipped me when she found my pieces
I look back on life and thank God I'm blessed
We the best on the planet so forget the rest
You know I'm still nice with my cook game
Look man, it's a hood thang; that's why I'm loved in Brook-lyn
I handle mine just like a real nigga should
If I do some time homey, I'm still all good
Let me show you what a thug 'bout, born to die
I took the bullets outta 50 put 'em in my fo'-five
And I ain't even got my feet wet yet
A seven figure nigga who ain't seen a worthy check
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
In the opening verse of "Hate It or Love It," the rapper (50 Cent) reflects on his rough upbringing in "the cold world" where he was often confused and lacked direction due to his father’s absence and his mother’s bisexuality. He then shares his aspiration to live a good life, which prompt him to start selling drugs, and how it resulted in his first material affirmation (four finger ring and gold ropes). 50 Cent's grandmother encouraged him to do well in school so that he could earn a sheepskin coat. Unfortunately, despite his hard work hustling drugs, it turned out to be fruitless when his bike got stolen the next day. The chorus involves the rapper asserting his place as the underdog and declaring he’d keep fighting until he reaches the top. The remaining verses are filled with rap bravado and references to his beef with Ja Rule and other rival rappers. 50 Cent also details his loyalty to Dr. Dre, who gave him a chance in the industry and how he threw his N.W.A gold into the crowd during one of his shows as he basked in the spotlight. He also highlights his commitment to his craft, stating that he is "Rap's MVP" and implying that he will remain at the top of his game indefinitely.
Overall, the song's central message is one of perseverance against all odds. Through the hard work and struggles of narrative characters, the lyrics embody the idea that with strength and perseverance, anyone can overcome whatever challenges they face to become the best. With its infectious melody, catchy chorus, and iconic lyrics, "Hate It or Love It" is still regarded as one of the most celebrated rap songs of all time.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, Allan Wayne Felder, Norman Ray Harris, David Darnell Brown, Christopher Charles Lloyd, Ronald Baker, Jayceon Terrell Taylor, Marvin Bernard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
RaismanFan931
Yeah, let's take em back
Uh-huh
Comin' up I was confused my momma kissin' a girl
Confusion occurs comin' up in a cold world
Daddy ain't around probably out commitin' felonies
My favorite rapper used to sing, "Check-check out my melody"
I wanna live good, so shit I sell dope for a four finger ring
One of them gold ropes
Nana told me if I passed I'd get a sheepskin coat
If I can move a few packs I'd get the hat, now that'd be dope
Tossed and turned in my sleep at night
Woke up the next morning niggas done stole my bike
Different day, same shit, ain't nothing good in the hood
I'd run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
I told Dre from the gate, "I'd carry the heat for ya"
First mixtape song I inherited beef for ya
Gritted my teeth for ya
G-G-G-G for ya
Put Compton on my back when you was in need of soldiers
At my last show I threw away my N.W.A. gold
I had the whole crowd yellin', "Free Yayo!"
So niggas betta get up outta mine
'Fore I creep and turn yo' projects into Columbine
And I'm rap's MVP
Don't make me remind y'all what happened to D.C.
This nigga ain't Gotti, he pretend
Mad at us 'cause Ashanti got a new boyfriend
And it seems yo' little rat turned out to be a mouse
This beef shit is for the birds and the birds fly south
Even Young Buck can vouch
When the doubts was out who gave the West Coast mouth-to-mouth
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
From the beginnin' of the end
Losers lose, winners win
This is real we ain't got to pretend
The cold world that we in
Is full of pressure and pain
I thought it would change, it's stayin' the same
How many of them boys was wit' ya?
When you had that little TV
You had to hit on to get a picture
I'm walkin with the snub
'Cause niggas do a lot of slick talkin' in the club
'Til they coughing on the rug
I aint never had much but a walkman and a bud
My role model was gone
Snortin' up his drugs
Bad enough they want me to choke
My boy just got poked in the throat
Now it's a R.I.P. shirt in my coat
Now I'm speedin' reminiscin'
Holdin' my weed in, never listen
If I see him, im'a lift 'em
And maybe that'll even the score
But if not it'll be me on the floor
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
I started out at 15, scared as hell
I took 30 off a pack and I made them sales
As a youth, man I used to hustle for loot
With that lil' deuce-deuce and my triple fat goose
Sippin Easy Jesus, rockin' a leases
My momma whipped me when she found my pieces
I look back on life and thank God I'm blessed
We the best on the planet so forget the rest
You know I'm still nice with my cook game
Look man, it's a hood thang
That's why I'm loved in Brooklyn
I handle mine just like a real nigga should
If I do some time homie I'm still all good
Let me show you what a thug 'bout, born to die
I took the bullets outta 50, put 'em in my .45
And I ain't even got my feet wet yet
A seven figure nigga who ain't seen a royalty check
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homie until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me
I'm raps MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere so you can get to know me
Josef
Comin' up I was confused, my mommy kissin' a girl
Confusion occurs comin' up in the cold world
Daddy ain't around, probably out commitin' felonies
My favorite rapper used to sing, "Check check out My Melody"
I wanna live good, so shit I sell dope
For a four finger ring, one of them gold ropes
Nana told me if I passed I'd get a sheepskin coat
If I can move a few packs I'd get the hat, now that'd be dope
Tossed and turned in my sleep that night
Woke up the next mornin', niggas had stole my bike
Different day, same shit, ain't nothin' good in the hood
I'd run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
I told Dre from the gate "I'd carry the heat for ya"
First mixtape song I inherited beef for ya
Gritted my teeth for ya, G-G-G-G for ya
Put Compton on my back when you was in need of soldiers
At my last show I threw away my N.W.A. gold
I had the whole crowd yellin "Free Yayo!"
So niggas better get up outta mine
For I creep and turn your projects into Columbine
And I'm rap's MVP
Don't make me remind y'all what happened in D.C
This nigga ain't Gotti, he pretend
Mad at us 'cause Ashanti got a new boyfriend
And it seems your lil' rat turned out to be a mouse
This beef shit is for the birds and the birds fly South
Even Young Buck can vouch, when the doubts was out
Who gave the West coast mouth-to-mouth? (Hahaha)
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
From the beginnin' to the end, losers lose, winners win
This is real we ain't got to pretend
The cold world that we in, is full of pressure and pain
I thought it would change, it's stayin' the same
How many of them boys is witcha'
When you had that little TV you had to hit on to get a picture
I'm walking with a snub, 'cause niggas do a lot of slick talkin'
In the club 'til they coughin' on the rug
Ain't never had much but a Walkman and a bud
My role model is gone snortin' up his drug
Bad enough they want me to choke, my boy just got poked in the throat
Now it's an RIP shirt in my coat
Now I'm speedin', reminiscin'
Holdin' my weed in, never listen
If I see him I'ma lift 'em
And maybe that'll even the score
But if not, it'll be me on the floor
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
I started out at 15, scared as hell
I took 30 off a pack and I made them sales
As a youth, man I used to hustle for loot
With that lil' deuce-deuce and my triple fat goose
Sippin' Easy Jesus, rockin' a Alesis
My momma whipped me when she found my pieces
I look back on life and thank God I'm blessed
We the best on the planet so forget the rest
You know I'm still nice with my cook game
Look man, it's a hood thang; that's why I'm loved in Brook-lyn
I handle mine just like a real nigga should
If I do some time homey, I'm still all good
Let me show you what a thug 'bout, born to die
I took the bullets outta 50 put 'em in my fo'-five
And I ain't even got my feet wet yet
A seven figure nigga who ain't seen a worthy check
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
Hate it or love it, the underdog's on top
And I'm gon' shine homey until my heart stop
Go 'head envy me, I'm rap's MVP
And I ain't goin' nowhere, so you can get to know me
verbal kint
Comin up I was confused, my mommy kissin a girl
Confusion occurs comin up in the cold world
Daddy ain't around, probably out commitin felonies
My favorite rapper used to sing, "Check check out My Melody"
I wanna live good, so shit I sell dope
For a four finger ring, one of them gold ropes
Nana told me if I passed I'd get a sheepskin coat
If I can move a few packs I'd get the hat, now that'd be dope
Tossed and turned in my sleep that night
Woke up the next mornin, niggas had stole my bike
Different day, same shit, ain't nothin' good in the hood
I'd run away from this bitch and never come back if I could
Benjamin Workman
Always resonated with Banks' verse on this track the most, but everyone spit a 10/10 verse. One of the best hip hop songs from this era.
Brasi
Cant stand Banks Voice
Benjamin Workman
@Brasi 🤣🤣Can't be mad since it's subjective, but I have heard that criticism of Banks a lot.
usherwc
@Benjamin Workman I can't stand how he sounds now
Chris Miller
@Brasi his flow would go right through your nether regions
_VQ_Vick
Idk, Tony Yayo’s verse was kinda weak
the truth
still bumpin 2019. not much can bounce on this level.
Ahmad
2022
WinnieBae 4Alwayyz
@Ahmad SAME! 😉
Tony Montana 187Um Killa.
@Ahmad 2023