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 The Industry
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-see, R.I.P enough of that shit niggas that want to 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 is startin to look like somethin to eat
I'll snatch Kim and tell Puff, "You want to see her again?"
Dance your ass down to the nearest ATM
I have dreams of fuckin an R&B bitch
But I wake up early and bounce with all her shit
When I apply pressure,son it ain't 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 of 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 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 a nigga puttin four through that Bentley Coupe door
I'll man handle Case like "Dude get on the ground
You ain't with Mary no more where you getting chips from 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 ain't 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 an 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 you put the hot dog down
I figured it out
Niggas been robbin Joe before that's why his ass
don't want to be a playa no more
Mad at you I'm robbin J.D., FUCK YOU!! PAY ME!!
Had Da Brat with em, shoulda had his gat with him
DMX want to get down or will you tell on me
I'm on that Treach shit, I do my +Dirt All By My Lonely+
I should rob Clue man his shit did well
I want to stick TQ but his shit ain't sell
I hit the studios take niggas shoes 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 want to battle while I'm stickin them up
Fuck a cab the coroners pickin em up
Heavy tried to hide his shit, hey nigga I saw 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 livin
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 I'm bout to stick Mister see
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 fuckin around
Track Masters ain't fuckin around
Crazy Cat ain't fuckin around
The Madd Rapper ain't fuckin 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 song "How to Rob the Industry" is a heavy-hitting rap classic by 50 Cent that was first released in 1999. The song features 50 Cent and the Madd Rapper rapping about robbing famous and wealthy celebrities in the music industry. The song is a witty and braggadocious take on the hip hop scene of the time, featuring a list of targets that spans the entire genre.
In the first verse, 50 Cent declares himself a "crook with a deal" who is not afraid to rob and steal if his music doesn't sell. He goes on to name-drop R&B singers and rap stars alike, all of whom he intends to rob for their wealth and status. The second verse features Madd Rapper, who brags of stealing from industry moguls like Sean "Puffy" Combs.
Line by Line Meaning
R.I.P B.I.G, R.I.P P-A-see, R.I.P enough of that shit niggas that want to OD
Paying respects to Biggie, Tupac, and others who died prematurely due to violence and drug overdose
Aiyyo the bottom line is I'ma crook with a deal
Regardless of my record sales, I'm still a skilled thief
If my record don't sell I'ma rob and steal
If my music fails to make money, I'll resort to criminal activities to survive
You better recognize nigga I'm straight from the street
Acknowledge that I come from the tough streets and won't hesitate to take what I want
These industry niggaz is startin to look like somethin to eat
The wealthy industry figures appear as easy targets for theft and exploitation
I'll snatch Kim and tell Puff, "You want to see her again?"
Threatening to kidnap Kim, making Puff Daddy pay a ransom to ensure her release
Dance your ass down to the nearest ATM
Go withdraw a large sum of money from the nearest ATM and bring it to me
I have dreams of fuckin an R&B bitch
Fantasizing about having sexual relations with a female R&B artist
But I wake up early and bounce with all her shit
Instead of pursuing romantic relationships, I steal all her valuable belongings
When I apply pressure, son it ain't even funny
When I exert force or threaten someone, it's a serious matter, not a joke
I'm about to stick Bobby for some of that Whitney money
Planning to extort Bobby Brown for a portion of the wealth he obtained through his relationship with Whitney Houston
Brian McKnight, I can get that nigga anytime
Brian McKnight is an easy target for robbery at any given moment
Have Keith sweatin starin down the barrel of my nine
Instilling fear in Keith Sweat by pointing a loaded gun at him
Since these Harlem World niggaz seem to all be fam
Considering the close-knit community of Harlem World, I target an individual named Cardan and use him to reach his associates
I put the gun to Cardan tell him, "Tell your man
Threatening Cardan to deliver a message to his associate
Mason Betha, haha, come up of that watch now
Planning to steal Mason Betha's watch and exploit his newfound religious lifestyle
The only excuse for being broke is bein in jail
The only justifiable reason for poverty is being incarcerated
An entertainer can't make bail he broke as hell
If an entertainer can't afford bail, it implies they lack financial stability
I'd rob ODB but that'd be a waste of time
Considering robbing Ol' Dirty Bastard, but it wouldn't be worth the effort
Probably have to clap him run and toss the nine
Likely to shoot him, flee the scene, and discard the gun
I'd follow Fox in the drop for four blocks
Stalking Foxy Brown while she drives her expensive car for a short distance
Plottin to juice her for that rock Kurupt copped
Planning to rob Foxy Brown for the expensive jewelry she obtained from Kurupt
What Jigga just sold like 4 mil? He got somethin to live for
Jay-Z recently made a multimillion-dollar sale, so he has something worth protecting
Don't want a nigga puttin four through that Bentley Coupe door
Preventing someone from damaging Jay-Z's Bentley Coupe by firing bullets through it
I'll man handle Case like "Dude get on the ground
Physically overpowering Case and ordering him to lie on the ground
You ain't with Mary no more where you getting chips from now?
Accusing Case of losing his source of income after breaking up with Mary J. Blige
I been skeamin on Tone and Poke since they found me
Plotting against Tone and Poke, producers who discovered 50 Cent
Steve know not to wear that platinum shit around me
Steve, presumably Steve Stoute, is cautious about flaunting valuable platinum items in front of 50 Cent
I'm a klepto nah for real son I'm sick
Admitting to being a compulsive thief and claiming it as a genuine condition
I'm bout to stick Slick Rick for all that old school shit
Planning to rob Slick Rick of his valuable items associated with the old school hip-hop era
Right now I'm bent and when I get like this I don't think
Currently intoxicated, and in such a state, rational thinking becomes impaired
About to make Stevie J take off that tight ass mink
Coercing Stevie J into removing his expensive and extravagant mink coat
I'll rob Pun without a gun snatch his piece then run
Attempting to steal from Big Pun without using a firearm, taking his valuable item and fleeing
This nigga weigh 400 pounds, how he gon catch me son?
Mocking Big Pun's weight and asserting that his physical condition hinders his ability to apprehend 50 Cent
Ill catch P and Silk The Shocker right after the Grammies
Planning to ambush Master P and Silk The Shocker immediately 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
Confronting Timbaland and Missy Elliott with a gun and demanding money
Like you gimme the cash and you put the hot dog down
Demanding immediate payment while Timbaland and Missy put aside their trivial activities
Niggas been robbin Joe before, that's why his ass don't want to be a playa no more
Referring to Joe, a previous victim of robbery, as the reason he no longer wants to engage in promiscuous behavior
Mad at you I'm robbin J.D., FUCK YOU!! PAY ME!!
Expressing anger towards Jermaine Dupri and demanding payment through illegal means
Had Da Brat with em, shoulda had his gat with him
Berating Jermaine Dupri for having Da Brat, an artist under his label, without carrying a weapon for protection
DMX want to get down or will you tell on me
Challenging DMX to engage in criminal activities together or risk being reported to the authorities
I'm on that Treach shit, I do my +Dirt All By My Lonely+
Comparing oneself to Treach, a member of Naughty by Nature known for his criminal tendencies and asserting independence in illegal activities
I should rob Clue man his shit did well
Considering stealing from DJ Clue because of his successful ventures
I want to stick TQ but his shit ain't sell
Expressing the desire to rob TQ, but his lack of commercial success discourages the act
I hit the studios take niggas shoes and leave
Entering recording studios and stealing valuable footwear from artists
Catch Rae Ghost and RZA for them funny ass rings
Targeting Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and RZA for their peculiar and eye-catching rings
Tell Sticky gimme the cash before I empty three
Warning Sticky Fingaz to hand over the money swiftly, or they'll face consequences
Ill beat your ass like that white boy on MTV
Threatening to physically assault an individual, similar to an incident involving a white boy on MTV
Cannibus want to battle while I'm stickin them up
Despite engaging in robbery, Cannibus attempts to challenge 50 Cent in a rap battle
Fuck a cab the coroners pickin em up
Choosing not to escape via taxi, as it would attract unwanted attention, instead letting the coroners collect bodies
Heavy tried to hide his shit, hey nigga I saw ya
Noticing Heavy D's attempts to conceal his valuable possessions but ultimately being aware of his actions
He said "Why you robbin me I got -Nuttin But Love- for ya!"
Heavy D questions the motive behind the robbery, claiming he has nothing but love and respect for 50 Cent
Caught Juvenile for his Cash Money piece
Apprehending Juvenile and stealing his jewelry associated with Cash Money Records
Told him I want it all he said, "Even my gold teeth?"
Demanding ownership of all Juvenile's possessions, even his gold teeth, which hold significant value
I caught Blackstreet on a back street in a black jeep
Cornering the members of Blackstreet in a secluded area while they are in a black jeep
One at a time get out and take off your shine
Ordering each member of Blackstreet to exit the vehicle and relinquish their valuable jewelry
Did you ever think that you would be this rich?
Reflecting upon the success and wealth attained
Did you ever think that you would have these hits?
Contemplating the unexpected achievement of having numerous successful songs
Did you ever think that I'd flash the nine?
Asking rhetorically whether the individuals anticipated being threatened with a firearm
And walk off with your shit like it's mine?
Nonchalantly taking their belongings as if they rightfully belong to 50 Cent
I'ma keep stickin niggas until I'm livin
Continuing to rob individuals until achieving a life of absolute luxury
I'll rob Boys II Men like I'm Michael Bivins
Emulating Michael Bivins, who managed Boys II Men, by robbing the group
Catch Tyson for half that cash like Robyn Givens
Targeting Mike Tyson and claiming fifty percent of his wealth, similar to the division of assets during his divorce with Robyn Givens
I'm hungry for real I'm bout to stick Mister see
Conveying genuine hunger for success and wealth, intending to rob Mr. Cee
That nigga still eatin off Big's first LP
Mr. Cee continues to profit from The Notorious B.I.G.'s debut album, which prompts 50 Cent's desire to rob him
I had Busta and the whole Flipmode on the floor
Disempowering Busta Rhymes and his entire Flipmode Squad, forcing them into a submissive position
He asked me if I had enuff I told him "Gimme Some More"
Busta Rhymes inquires whether he has taken enough, and 50 Cent responds with the title of one of his hit songs, implying he desires more
I gotta get Kirk Franklin for robbin Gods People
Planning to rob Kirk Franklin, a gospel artist, for taking advantage of religious followers
(chorus)
Reiterating the theme that resorting to robbery is a consequence of being broke
For real yo you know what I'm sayin?
Indicating sincerity and seeking agreement from the listener
Niggas got to get stuck up that's just how it goes down
Accepting the reality that individuals will fall victim to robberies, as it is a common occurrence
It don't matter if you an industry nigga or a regular nigga
Expressing that both celebrities and ordinary people are susceptible to being robbed
It don't matter, if you got it and I need it I want it
Asserting that regardless of the circumstances, if 50 Cent desires something, he will take it
50 Cents ain't fuckin around
Stating that 50 Cent is serious and determined
Track Masters ain't fuckin around
Implying that the producers Track Masters are also serious and shouldn't be underestimated
Crazy Cat ain't fuckin around
Referring to Crazy Cat, possibly an accomplice, as not tolerating any nonsense
The Madd Rapper ain't fuckin around
Highlighting the serious demeanor of the Madd Rapper, who contributes to the robbery endeavors
So watch your backs, watch your pocket book, watch your pockets
Advising individuals to remain vigilant and protect their personal belongings from potential theft
Watch everybody on the train, watch everybody on the bus
Encouraging vigilance even in public spaces like trains and buses
Cause we gonna get you whether you like it or not
Warning that 50 Cent and his associates will rob regardless of the victims' preference
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Peermusic Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: HARRY WAYNE CASEY, RICHARD RAYMOND FINCH, DERIC MICHAEL ANGELETTIE, SAMUEL J. BARNES, CURTIS JACKSON, JEAN CLAUDE OLIVIER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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