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 an Animal
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Gon’ see if y’all niggas can
Survive to second round you said what?!
It’s over boy!
It’s like a Murder Inc clearance sale
Ask about me
They’ll tell you I’m an animal, an animal
React like an animal, an animal
They say I have no conscience
I’ll kill if I have to, y’all
They say I’m an animal
Sometimes a nigga cross the line
And he got to go move on him like an animal
Nigga don't talk to me if
You ain't in my bracket
100 mil, that's 60 after taxes
I was a little dirty
Nigga flipping my mattress
Sneakers fuck up til I started pumping packs
Kid beefin' with the older niggas
Getting my ass kicked
Bought a little 380 I stopped all that shit
Back on that bullshit you know I’ve been on
Riding with the same 9 Tre used to kill Bon
Niggas dead serious
Niggas though we was playin
Picture me laughing in the crib
After Tre shot Wayne
Southside ain't southside without the team
Niggas starving I feed em they'll ride for me
When feds come, nigga shit gets funky
Irv love Preme he fittin' to be his bunkee
In a park full of kids, I pop of the mack
They see the flare from the
Nozzle and scatter like rats
I know the police is listening
This is for the D's
Me and Star was cool & I ain't hit Cheese
Signed a deal and made a
Mil before Bags got shot
Made 20 more 'fore Tah Tah got knocked
Man this rap shit is me B, I got this locked
Treat it just like the block workout non-stop
I dazzle with the footwork
Maneuver with the heat
Think boy or get your brains
Left in the street
Yeah the Stick-up Kids say it’s out the tax
But I get your shines back for you homie
Relax i send my little shooters right
At 'em with Gats
Hit 'em so hard they gonna send that back
You know I know who ran up in your crib
The first thing they do is holla at the kid
They say 50 fucked with us man
We poor need work
They need niggas like us to do their dirt
Ask about me
They’ll tell you I’m an animal, an animal
You touch one of mines I’ll
React like an animal, an animal
They say I have no conscience I’ll
Kill if I have to, y’all
They say I’m an animal
Sometimes a nigga cross the line
And he got to go move on him like an animal
Yeah nigga what?!
Get a good look nigga!
See the flash of my diamonds and shit nigga!
Hahaha ridin back since this shit cost
More than yo momma house
You’re fucking playing with me nigga?
I came up hard nigga!
You already know what I’m about!
What?! Hahaha… aye
Aye tell Preme
That if he send me a written apology
We can squash this shit
Naaww nigga…we ain’t squashing this shit
In the first verse of the song "I'm an Animal" by 50 Cent, the lyrics depict a sense of aggression, power, and warning. The lines communicate a certain level of confidence and dominance as 50 Cent asserts that he is an "animal" who will fiercely protect those close to him. The imagery of survival and reacting like an animal highlights a primal instinct to defend and assert dominance in challenging situations. The reference to Murder Inc clearance sale emphasizes the ruthless nature of his actions, suggesting that once he sets his mind on something, he follows through without hesitation.
Further along in the lyrics, 50 Cent delves into his past experiences and the gritty realities of his upbringing. He reflects on his journey from a challenging environment where he had to fend for himself and make tough decisions to survive. The mention of tough times, violence, and the influence of older individuals in his life paints a vivid picture of the hardships he faced growing up. Despite encountering obstacles, he persevered and found his own path, transitioning from a troubled past to a successful career in music and business.
The lyrics also touch upon themes of loyalty and betrayal, showcasing 50 Cent's unwavering commitment to those who support him. He references individuals who stood by him through thick and thin, demonstrating his appreciation for their loyalty. The mention of facing off against adversaries and dealing with the consequences of crossing him further solidifies his reputation as a fierce and formidable force in his community. The imagery of taking action "like an animal" underscores his readiness to protect his interests and retaliate against any threats to his circle.
Overall, the lyrics of "I'm an Animal" by 50 Cent provide a glimpse into his mindset, experiences, and the harsh realities of his past. They showcase themes of resilience, loyalty, and the unapologetic pursuit of success in the face of adversity. Through his raw storytelling and assertive delivery, 50 Cent presents himself as a dominant force to be reckoned with, unafraid to confront challenges head-on and assert his presence in a world where survival is key.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@mcmxcimega
"I was a little dirty nigga flipping my mattress, sneakers fuck up til I started pumping packs, kid. Beefin' with the older niggas getting my ass kicked, I
bought a little .380 I stopped all that shit"... hardest line in the song
@jeromethomas5186
Jamal Williams ...YES 💪💪💪💪💯💯💯💯
@lovelylibra3367
Factz!!!!!
@robertmcewan6828
Brilliant
@hugoschkiglitz
It’s one of them imo.
“South side ain’t south side without the (Preme) Team,
niggas starving I feed em they’ll ride for me…”
“I dazzle with the footwork, maneuver with the heat
Think boy, or get your brains left in the streets…”
Even intro “it’s like a murder Inc clearance sale” and the outro are hard
@putnamallen8000
That verse give me the chills …………. Felt all that
@jaqueledwards5461
50 was unstoppable at this point 🔥🔥
@Novelist1029
Jaquel Edwards much love to 50 but Jadakiss lyrically destroyed him
@TOPVATO
Big Fax ...
@mikecash2384
@@Novelist1029 and it did NOTHING to his momentum at all cause piggy bank dropped right after that... so the original comment stands... checkmate still one of my favorite diss track ever tho