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.
How To Rob An Industry Nigga
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The art of getting robbed
This is how we do Brooklyn style boy you know what I'm sayin?
[50 Cent]
R.I.P B.I.G, R.I.P P-A-C, R.I.P niggas that wanna OD
Aiyyo the bottom line is I'ma crook with a deal
If my record don't sell I'ma rob and steal
These industry niggaz startin to look like somethin to eat
I'll snatch Kim and tell Puff, "You wanna see her again?"
Get your ass down to the nearest ATM
I have dreams of f**kin an R&B bitch
And I'll wake up early and bounce with all your shit
When I apply pressure,son it aint even funny
I'm about to stick Bobby for some of that Whitney money
Brian McKnight, I can get that nigga anytime
Have Keith sweatin starin down the barrel from my nine
Since these Harlem World niggaz seem to all be fam
I put the gun to Cardan tell him, "Tell your man
Mason Betha, haha, come up of that watch now
I mean right now"
The only excuse for being broke is bein in jail
An entertainer can't make bail if he broke as hell
I'd rob ODB but that'd be a waste of time
Probably have to clap him run and toss the nine
I'd follow Fox in the drop for four blocks
Plottin to juice her for that rock Kurupt copped
What Jigga just sold like 4 mil? He got somethin to live for
Don't want no nigga puttin four thru that Bentley Coupe door
I'll man handle Mariah like "Bitch get on the ground"
You ain't with Tommy no more who gonna protect you now?
I been skeamin on Tone and Poke since they found me
Steve know not to wear that platinum shit around me
I'm a klepto nah for real son I'm sick
I'm bout to stick Slick Rick for all that old school shit
Right now I'm bent and when I get like this I don't think
About to make Stevie J take off that tight ass mink
I'll rob Pun without a gun snatch his piece then run
This nigga weigh 400 pounds, how he gon catch me son?
[Madd Rapper](Chorus) 2x
This aint serious
Being broke can make you delirious
So we rob and steal so our ones can be bigger
50 Cent how it feel to rob and industry nigga?
[50 Cents]
Ill catch P and Silk The Shocker right after the Grammies
And Will Smith and Jada ass down in Miami
Run up on Timberland and Missy w/the pound
Like you gimme the cash and u put the hot dog down
I figured it out
Been robbin Joe before that's why his ass
Don't wanna be a playa no more
Mad at you I'm robbin J.D., F**K YOU!! PAY ME!!
Had Da Brat with em, shoulda had his gat with him
DMX wanna get down well you tell homey
I'm on that Treach shit, I do my +Dirt All By My Lonely+
I should rob Clue man his shit did well
I wanna stick TQ but his shit ain't sell
I hit the studios take shit and leave
Catch Rae Ghost and RZA for them funny ass rings
Tell Sticky gimme the cash before I empty three
Ill beat your ass like that white boy on MTV
Cannibus wanna battle while I'm stickin them up
Nigga get capped coroners pickin em up
Heavy tried to hide his shit, nigga try to stall ya
He said "Why you robbin me I got _Nuttin But Love_ for ya!"
Caught Juvenile for his Cash Money piece
Told him I want it all he said, "Even my gold teeth?"
I caught Blackstreet on a back street in a black jeep
One at a time get out and take off your shine
Did you ever think that you would be this rich?
Did you ever think that you would have these hits?
Did you ever think that I'd flash the nine?
And walk off with your shit like it's mine?
I'ma keep stickin niggas until I'm livid
I'll rob Boys II Men like I'm Michael Bivins
Catch Tyson for half that cash like Robyn Givens
I'm hungry for real im bout to stick Mister C
That nigga still eatin off Big's first LP
I had Busta and the whole Flipmode on the floor
He asked me if I had enuff I told him "Gimme Some More"
Is you feelin this? Then wait for the sequel
I gotta get Kirk Franklin for robbin Gods People
[Madd Rapper]
(chorus)
For real yo you know what I'm sayin?
Niggas got to get stuck up that's just how it goes down
It don't matter if you an industry nigga or a regular nigga
It don't matter, if you got it and I need it I want it
50 Cents ain't f**kin around
Track Masters ain't f**kin around
Crazy Cat ain't f**kin around
The Madd Rapper aint f**kin around
So watch your backs, watch your pocket book, watch your pockets
Watch everybody on the train, watch everybody on the bus
Cause we gonna get you whether you like it or not
The lyrics of "How to Rob an Industry Nigga" by 50 Cent talk about the rapper's willingness to rob industry figures and other celebrities. The song starts with The Madd Rapper giving a shoutout to Brooklyn and sets the stage for the rap that follows. 50 Cent starts by paying respect to rap giants like Biggie, Tupac, and others who have passed away. But, he quickly switches into his theme, which is that he will rob anyone regardless of their status, whether it's drug dealers or people in the music industry. The lyrics give examples of several people he would rob.
Some examples include Kim Kardashian and Puff Daddy (he threatens to harm Kim and force Puff Daddy to withdraw cash), Mariah Carey (he threatens her and tells her that without her ex-husband Tommy, she has no protection), and Busta Rhymes (he steals Busta's multiple chains and jewelry). He also mentions several rappers, including Jay Z and DMX, who have achieved great success in the industry. He mocks their wealth by suggesting that he can still rob them.
The song is not a serious threat, and 50 Cent later clarified that in interviews. Instead, it was more of a playful, comical exploit of the rap culture. The song's lyrics have no intention of literal interpretation but instead aim to mimic rap music's bravado and trappings of wanting to have more than others.
Line by Line Meaning
R.I.P B.I.G, R.I.P P-A-C, R.I.P niggas that wanna OD
Paying respect to deceased artists and condemning those who want to overdose
Aiyyo the bottom line is I'ma crook with a deal
Admitting to being a criminal even with a record deal
If my record don't sell I'ma rob and steal
Planning to resort to robbery and theft if music fails
You better recognize nigga I'm straight from the street
Asserting street credibility and warning others to acknowledge it
These industry niggaz startin to look like somethin to eat
Viewing other industry people as potential targets for exploitation
I'll snatch Kim and tell Puff, 'You wanna see her again?'
Threatening to kidnap a person close to Puff Daddy for leverage
Get your ass down to the nearest ATM
Demanding immediate cash withdrawal from the mentioned person
I have dreams of f**kin an R&B bitch
Having desires to have sexual relations with an R&B artist
And I'll wake up early and bounce with all your shit
Planning to steal all belongings before leaving early in the morning
When I apply pressure, son it aint even funny
Asserting the seriousness and effectiveness of using force to compel compliance
I'm about to stick Bobby for some of that Whitney money
Planning to rob Bobby Brown for a share of Whitney Houston's wealth
Brian McKnight, I can get that nigga anytime
Claiming the ability to rob Brian McKnight at any given moment
Have Keith sweatin starin down the barrel from my nine
Threatening Keith with a gun to induce fear and compliance
Since these Harlem World niggaz seem to all be fam
Referring to the close connections between artists from Harlem
I put the gun to Cardan tell him, 'Tell your man'
Using Cardan as a messenger to pass a threatening message to someone else
Mason Betha, haha, come up of that watch now
Planning to steal Mason Betha's expensive watch
The only excuse for being broke is bein in jail
Claiming that being in jail is the only legitimate reason for being financially broke
An entertainer can't make bail if he broke as hell
Explaining the difficulty for entertainers to secure bail if they have no money
I'd rob ODB but that'd be a waste of time
Considering it not worth the effort to rob Ol' Dirty Bastard
Probably have to clap him run and toss the nine
Expecting to shoot and run away after robbing him
I'd follow Fox in the drop for four blocks
Stalking Foxy Brown in her convertible for a short distance
Plottin to juice her for that rock Kurupt copped
Planning to steal Foxy Brown's expensive jewelry that Kurupt gave her
What Jigga just sold like 4 mil? He got somethin to live for
Not intending to harm Jay-Z due to his recent successful record sales
Don't want no nigga puttin four thru that Bentley Coupe door
Warning others not to damage his expensive car
I'll man handle Mariah like 'Bitch get on the ground'
Expressing the intention to physically force Mariah Carey to the ground
You ain't with Tommy no more who gonna protect you now?
Highlighting the vulnerability of Mariah Carey after her separation from Tommy Mottola
I been skeamin on Tone and Poke since they found me
Having plans to deceive or exploit Tony and Poke since they discovered him
Steve know not to wear that platinum shit around me
Warning Steve not to flaunt his expensive jewelry in front of him
I'm a klepto nah for real son I'm sick
Admitting to being a compulsive thief and claiming it's a serious problem
I'm bout to stick Slick Rick for all that old school shit
Planning to rob Slick Rick for his valuable collection of old-school items
Right now I'm bent and when I get like this I don't think
Being under the influence of drugs and unable to make rational decisions
About to make Stevie J take off that tight ass mink
Forcing Stevie J to remove his expensive fur coat
I'll rob Pun without a gun snatch his piece then run
Planning to rob Big Pun without a weapon and steal his jewelry before escaping
This nigga weigh 400 pounds, how he gon catch me son?
Mocking Big Pun's physical size and expressing confidence in eluding him
Ill catch P and Silk The Shocker right after the Grammies
Planning to rob Master P and Silk The Shocker right after the Grammy Awards
And Will Smith and Jada ass down in Miami
Targeting Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith while they are in Miami
Run up on Timberland and Missy w/the pound
Approaching Timbaland and Missy Elliott aggressively with a gun
Like you gimme the cash and u put the hot dog down
Demanding money and instructing them to drop any distractions
Been robbin Joe before that's why his ass
Having previously robbed Fat Joe due to his past actions
Don't wanna be a playa no more
Claiming that Fat Joe doesn't want to be involved in criminal activities anymore
Mad at you I'm robbin J.D., F**K YOU!! PAY ME!!
Expressing anger and the intention to rob Jermaine Dupri for financial compensation
Had Da Brat with em, shoulda had his gat with him
Advising Da Brat to carry her weapon for protection
DMX wanna get down well you tell homey
Challenging DMX and instructing someone to deliver the message
I'm on that Treach shit, I do my +Dirt All By My Lonely+
Emulating Treach's solo criminal activities and independence
I should rob Clue man his shit did well
Considering robbing DJ Clue due to his successful career
I wanna stick TQ but his shit ain't sell
Expressing the desire to rob TQ, but not considering it due to his lack of success
I hit the studios take shit and leave
Stealing valuable items from recording studios and leaving quickly
Catch Rae Ghost and RZA for them funny ass rings
Planning to rob Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and RZA for their unique and expensive rings
Tell Sticky gimme the cash before I empty three
Demanding money from Sticky Fingaz or facing the consequences of a gunshot
Ill beat your ass like that white boy on MTV
Threatening to physically harm someone like the incident of a white boy being beaten on MTV
Cannibus wanna battle while I'm stickin them up
Confronting Cannibus about his desire to engage in a rap battle while in the midst of robbery
Nigga get capped coroners pickin em up
Warning that the coroners would collect the dead body of anyone who tries to resist or challenge him
Heavy tried to hide his shit, nigga try to stall ya
Describing Heavy D's attempt to conceal his valuables and delay his robbery
He said 'Why you robbin me I got _Nuttin But Love_ for ya!'
Heavy D expressing surprise about being targeted despite his positive feelings towards 50 Cent
Caught Juvenile for his Cash Money piece
Robbing Juvenile for his jewelry associated with the Cash Money label
Told him I want it all he said 'Even my gold teeth?'
Demanding all Juvenile's possessions, including gold teeth, and expressing surprise
I caught Blackstreet on a back street in a black jeep
Confronting Blackstreet members in a secluded area with their black car
One at a time get out and take off your shine
Requiring each member to step out of the car and surrender their valuable possessions
Did you ever think that you would be this rich?
Reflecting on the surprising level of wealth achieved
Did you ever think that you would have these hits?
Expressing a surprise about the success of their music
Did you ever think that I'd flash the nine?
Provoking them with the question of whether they expected to be confronted with a gun
And walk off with your shit like it's mine?
Robbing them of their belongings and displaying a sense of ownership
I'ma keep stickin niggas until I'm livid
Continuing to rob people until reaching a point of extreme anger and frustration
I'll rob Boys II Men like I'm Michael Bivins
Claiming to be capable of robbing Boyz II Men similar to how Michael Bivins managed them
Catch Tyson for half that cash like Robyn Givens
Targeting Mike Tyson for a substantial amount of money, reminiscent of his complicated divorce with Robyn Givens
I'm hungry for real im bout to stick Mister C
Expressing desire and desperation to rob Mr. C, an unidentified individual
That nigga still eatin off Big's first LP
Believing that Mr. C is still profiting from The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album
I had Busta and the whole Flipmode on the floor
Subduing Busta Rhymes and his entire crew, Flipmode Squad
He asked me if I had enuff I told him 'Gimme Some More'
When asked if he had taken enough, responding with a demand for more
Is you feelin this? Then wait for the sequel
Suggesting that if the listener enjoys this song, they should anticipate a follow-up
I gotta get Kirk Franklin for robbin Gods People
Targeting Kirk Franklin, a gospel artist, for allegedly exploiting religious followers for financial gain
For real yo you know what I'm sayin?
Reiterating the seriousness and sincerity of the message
Niggas got to get stuck up that's just how it goes down
Explaining that people sometimes have to be forcibly robbed, as it is a common occurrence
It don't matter if you an industry nigga or a regular nigga
Asserting that anyone, regardless of their status, can be a target for robbery
It don't matter, if you got it and I need it I want it
Expressing the desire to possess anything of value, regardless of ownership
50 Cents ain't f**kin around
Emphasizing that 50 Cent is serious and not to be taken lightly
Track Masters ain't f**kin around
Asserting that the Track Masters production team is equally serious
Crazy Cat ain't f**kin around
Stating that Crazy Cat, possibly referring to a person or group, also means business
The Madd Rapper ain't f**kin around
Insisting that the Madd Rapper is not to be trifled with
So watch your backs, watch your pocket book, watch your pockets
Issuing a warning to be vigilant and protect personal belongings
Watch everybody on the train, watch everybody on the bus
Advising caution when using public transportation
Cause we gonna get you whether you like it or not
Promising to carry out the robbery regardless of the victim's consent
Contributed by Cooper O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
camron shean
50 Cent said that he intended for the song to be a joke
The lyrics "I'll man handle Case like 'Duke, get on the ground, You ain't with Mary no more, where you gettin' chips from now?" was originally about Mariah Carey and her ex-husband Tommy Mottola that goes "I'll man handle Mariah like Bitch, get on the ground, You ain't with Tommy no more, who gon' protect you now?" when the song was released the lyrics were changed because Mariah Carey threatened to leave the label if her name remained on the song
Also the part about Big Pun going "I'll rob Pun without a gun, snatch his piece and run, this nigga weigh four hundred pounds, how he gon catch me, son? was changed after he died. When 50 Cent preformed the song live it went "See we rob niggas for fun, snatch jewels and run, this is how we do it son, rest in peace to Pun"
The song originally had shots at Nas as well
gangsterboogie
DDot came in as damage control on this one...50 was street grinding with cold steel this time and had hands to boot...industry folks were soft at that time and still are...it was a refreshing listen on the PJs
Dabomb440
i miss old 50 !! :(
Dope Dan
2020 This is still serious
ty dean
And this song is still goin hard
Jack Musdash
ALWAYS
daAmazin FatB0y
Real Hip-Hop. 50 back to his old Get Rich flow but I would REALLY like to hear some Power Of The Dollar shit. A throwback album would be so sick!
SG 9mm
Old 50 Shit🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Peajayz
2021 still god tier. If my shit don't sell I'ma rob n steal....like whaaaat
megadethGUY M
This diss was what got him famous