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.
I'm Paranoid
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm telling you, man
You gotta watch these niggas
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Niggas looking at me like
We thought the coke and the dope
Would help us escape poverty
When that didn't work we
Resorted to armed robbery yeah, I done it
But I ain't the one they said did it
Before my first verse my Benz had been kitted
I'm so hood
That's what the bitches like about me
She bob and weave, she up and down
She suck the life up out me
I tell you 'bout my regimen
I blow a stack stunting
The coldest shit I'm on it, kid
I'll blow a nigga fronting
I'm dirty, yeah, I do that dirt
I'm down to put that work in
I kick the door to get them bricks
That Eagle get to chirping
You see that beam on ya head, nigga leaking
Yeah, screaming and shit, man
Shut the fuck up
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Niggas looking at me like
I'm something to eat
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Niggas looking at me like
I'm something to eat
I had a dream niggas got me
Woke up, a nigga shot me
I ain't slept in three days
My eyes red, something wrong with my head
The MAC stashed right under the
Pillow on my bed
It's not hot, why the fuck am I sweating?
My heart beating, I'm bugging, I wreck it
Bitch, don't move, it's dark, I might panic
Just sit still, I mean it, God damn it
My back against the wall
Fuck the world, I'll kill 'em all
Ain't a nigga too big or too small
Chop 'em down, watch 'em fall
Watch 'em bleed, watch 'em crawl
Watch 'em bleed 'til they gone
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Niggas looking at me like
I'm something to eat
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Niggas looking at me like
I'm something to eat i'm paranoid
I can't even fucking sleep (I'm paranoid)
Bitch, quit playing, hand me my heat
(I'm paranoid)
I can't even rest my head (I'm paranoid)
I'm fin to leave me a nigga dead
What? Niggas ain't fucking with me
I wish a nigga would
I've been taking it easy on these niggas
Mane i've been easy on 'em, mane
I'ma turn it up now, yeah
The lyrics to 50 Cent's song "I'm Paranoid" reflect the artist's feelings of constant unease and distrust. The opening lines set the tone by highlighting the need to be vigilant and cautious. The repetition of the phrase "I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep" expresses the overwhelming anxiety and fear that 50 Cent experiences. He believes there are people out to harm him, and he feels the need to protect himself by carrying weapons.
The song delves into the struggles of escaping poverty and the desperation that can lead to criminal activities, such as armed robbery. 50 Cent acknowledges that he has engaged in unlawful acts but denies being responsible for something specific he's accused of. He describes a life where material possessions, like his Benz, and living on the edge are admired by others, particularly women who are attracted to his street reputation.
The lyrics also depict a disturbing dream where 50 Cent is shot, adding to his paranoia and insomnia. The imagery of having a gun hidden under his pillow further emphasizes his constant state of alertness and readiness to defend himself. He admits to feeling panicked and on edge, emphasizing his desperate circumstances. The chorus repeats the theme of feeling hunted and viewed as prey by others.
In summary, "I'm Paranoid" by 50 Cent explores the artist's relentless anxiety, fear, and distrust of those around him. It delves into the struggles of escaping poverty and the lengths one may go to in order to survive. The lyrics depict a lifestyle driven by disparities and constant threats, where sleepless nights and a constant need for self-defense become the norm.
Line by Line Meaning
Shh quiet you hear that? What the fuck, son?
Be silent, do you hear that? What the hell, man?
I'm telling you, man
I'm warning you, buddy
You gotta watch these niggas
You need to be cautious of these individuals
I'm paranoid, bitch, I can't sleep
I'm excessively fearful and suspicious, I can't find rest
Niggas trying to get me, man, give me my heat
People are attempting to harm me, give me my weapon
Put one under my pillow, one under my seat
Keep one gun under my pillow, another beneath my seat
Niggas looking at me like I'm something to eat
People are staring at me as if they want to harm or take advantage of me
We thought the coke and the dope would help us escape poverty
We believed that selling drugs would be our way out of poverty
When that didn't work we resorted to armed robbery yeah, I done it
When that plan failed, we turned to committing violent theft, yes, I did it
But I ain't the one they said did it
However, I'm not the person they accused of committing the crime
Before my first verse my Benz had been kitted
Even before my first rap verse, I had upgraded my Benz with modifications
I'm so hood, that's what the bitches like about me
I embrace the street lifestyle, that's what attracts women to me
She bob and weave, she up and down
She moves unpredictably, both physically and emotionally
She suck the life up out me
She drains my energy and vitality
I tell you 'bout my regimen
Let me explain to you my lifestyle and routine
I blow a stack stunting
I spend a large sum of money to show off and impress others
The coldest shit I'm on it, kid
I'm involved in the most ruthless and dangerous activities, youngster
I'll blow a nigga fronting
I will retaliate violently against someone who is being disrespectful
I'm dirty, yeah, I do that dirt
I engage in illegal and immoral activities
I'm down to put that work in
I'm willing to put in the effort and commit crimes
I kick the door to get them bricks
I forcefully break into places to steal drugs
That Eagle get to chirping
The firearm starts making noise, indicating I'm ready to shoot
You see that beam on ya head, nigga leaking
If you notice the laser sight on your head, you'll start bleeding
Yeah, screaming and shit, man, Shut the fuck up
Yes, you'll be screaming and such, but please be quiet
I had a dream niggas got me
I had a nightmare that individuals had attacked me
Woke up, a nigga shot me
I woke up feeling as if I had been shot
I ain't slept in three days
I have not been able to sleep for three days
My eyes red, something wrong with my head
My eyes are bloodshot, indicating a problem with my mental state
The MAC stashed right under the pillow on my bed
I keep the MAC-10 firearm hidden right under my bed pillow
It's not hot, why the fuck am I sweating?
The temperature is not high, so why the hell am I perspiring?
My heart beating, I'm bugging, I wreck it
My heart is racing, I'm going crazy, I'm destroying myself
Bitch, don't move, it's dark, I might panic
Don't you dare move, it's dark and I might lose control
Just sit still, I mean it, God damn it
Just remain motionless, I'm serious, damn it
My back against the wall
I'm in a desperate situation with limited options
Fuck the world, I'll kill 'em all
I have a strong hatred for everyone, I'll murder them all
Ain't a nigga too big or too small
No individual, regardless of size or stature, is exempt
Chop 'em down, watch 'em fall
Take them out, observe them collapse
Watch 'em bleed, watch 'em crawl
Observe them bleed out and struggle
Watch 'em bleed 'til they gone
Watch them bleed until they are no longer alive
I can't even fucking sleep (I'm paranoid)
I can't even find any rest (I'm excessively fearful and suspicious)
Bitch, quit playing, hand me my heat (I'm paranoid)
Stop messing around, give me my weapon (I'm excessively fearful and suspicious)
I can't even rest my head (I'm paranoid)
I can't even find peace (I'm excessively fearful and suspicious)
I'm fin to leave me a nigga dead
I'm about to kill someone
What? Niggas ain't fucking with me
What? No one can compete with me
I wish a nigga would
I hope someone dares to challenge me
I've been taking it easy on these niggas
I have been showing mercy towards these individuals
Mane i've been easy on 'em, mane
Man, I've been lenient with them
I'ma turn it up now, yeah
I'm going to escalate the situation now
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Curtis James Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Kronorium
I had a dream niggas got me
Woke up, a nigga shot me
I ain't slept in three days
My eyes red, something wrong with my head
The MAC stashed right under the pillow on my bed
It's not hot, why the fuck am I sweating?
My heart beating, I'm bugging, I wreck it
Bitch, don't move, it's dark, I might panic
Just sit still, I mean it, God damn it
My back against the wall
Fuck the world, I'll kill 'em all
Ain't a nigga too big or too small
Chop 'em down, watch 'em fall
Watch 'em bleed, watch 'em crawl
Watch 'em bleed 'til they gone
Best bars 💯
@constancy999
If you are listening to this in 2023 or later, you are a true fan of 50 Cent 🤎
@redcrimson1028
"Ain't a nigga too big or too small" that's real!! Thats how I felt my whole life about any and everybody. This song went in
@Dollah124
50 is top 10 easily
@chrisparry7401
A lyrical masterpiece
@ImpatientWreck
One of the best Wu Beats ever made!!
@DonYoGi8331
So epic!💪🔥
@Bey_Dreamer
Story telling format is crazy, 50 is wayyy too underrated
@thebadguychinli4011
This song is soooo real. That paranoia will really have you sweatin, thinking u buggin, heart racin, and bouta trip out over the slightest movements. Sometimes all at once. I fucks wit 50 for this. The street life really ain't no joke. Shit fucks up your mental for real. A lot of these niggas is fucked up in the head and need padded walls and rebab, not jail cells, manual hard labor and being forced into a more vicious (not to mention enclosed) environment that destroys their psyches even more.
@myselfidontagreewithyourse6306
Forreal.
@davemcg915
Man people talk bad on 50 ..But his music is like a good ageing wine