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 Don't Know Officer
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
Nowadays niggaz snitchin so much in the street
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout poppin the heat
I don't know nothin 'bout sellin no beef in the streets
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout baggin the grams
I ain't never had no spot or went hand to hand
Me, I don't know nothin 'bout takin the stand
I ain't never got a nigga ass stuck in the can
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout dro or hash
Coke, dope, ex, dust or crystal meth
Nah, I'm just tryin to rap to get some cash
Keep the Hip Hop Police off my ass
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
Aiyyo, that's my word on the stack of bibles
I don't know who did it I don't know who responsible
All I know who spittin all I know who givin
Me all this cash, just to put down twelve to get in yo' ass
Listen, keep it far away from me
I ain't got time for sittin in the penitentuary
All I know is I'm rich, all I know is that G-Unit work
When theb album drop they go bezerk
Mad video play, crazy radio spins
Number one all the time, our reign never ends
Don't point the finger at us somebody's hangin
They had a beef with us, plus we don't know nathin
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
I don't know nothin 'bout jumpin out splittin homeboy head
But for real that's fucked up they say that homeboy dead
I can't even think, who 'gon want him dead
Have no idea what type of gun they done him with
You see I hear no evil and I see no evil
Ain't tryin to talk to or hear from or see those people
And I ain't had them little homies burn up no regal
I've been tryin to do this music thang and just go legal
I don't know why my name in your female's phone
But you really startin to sound like a females homes
Don't know why they told you that we sell stones
We on the internet tryin to get our Email on
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
Nah nigga I don't know who sent them young boys through
To air the strip, shit just be happenin out the blue
I don't be around here, I ain't hip to the news
I don't know why that man clutchin on that shit when you move
I don't know why that other rapper got stripped for his jewels
You know how easy it is to get shit confused
I wasn't even in New York, I was just in the cruise
Somewhere way out in the islands woth your bitch in the cruise
Who's my bitch in the cruise, dudes get hit when they snooze
Lose they hit from the Uz, Uz all over the street
I don't know why they said what's up I don't know who's in that jeep
He talk about me all day but I ain't losin no sleep
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
I don't know why my charm 'bout as big as your palm
And why the diamond chain I wear as 'bout as long as your arm
You tell me, how many diamonds in my bezel
There's one for everytime I had to grind up in the ghetto
I could show you how to do it, you tired of ridin Buicks
I don't know why niggaz rap for years and can't make hotter music
Even when, I don't do it chicks release body fluid
Body drop, shotty pop, and niggaz wanna tie me to it
I don't know why Loon and Fabby won't just say I'm they daddy
Why they solve them CB4 niggaz just keep comin at me
Got as many beefs as 50 and a nigga go to church
Could you imagine if my hands was on work, I don't know
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
The lyrics of "I Don't Know Officer" by 50 Cent ft. Lloyd Banks Prodigy discuss a common theme in hip-hop music: the pressure on rappers to disclose information about criminal activity to the police. 50 Cent affirms that he does not know who hurt anyone and that he cannot give information to the authorities. He expresses that he is more concerned with making money through rap music and staying out of trouble with the law. The song also touches on the prevalence of snitching in the streets, and the need to be careful about who you talk to and what you say.
Overall, the lyrics of the song present a complicated reality of the intersection between street life and the music industry. While hip hop artists often have to navigate their own experiences with violence and criminal activity, they also have the added burden of being viewed as representatives of their communities - and are consequently held accountable for any alleged criminal activity that takes place within their circles of associates. The song highlights this tension, as 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks Prodigy maintain their solidarity with their crew, but are clear that they cannot and will not divulge information to the authorities.
Line by Line Meaning
It's 50, It's the Unit, that means it's money, ha ha
We are 50 Cent and G-Unit, our brand is lucrative and successful.
Nah nigga I don't know, I don't know who got you
I have no knowledge of who harmed you.
I don't know who stabbed you, I don't know who shot you
I have no idea who caused your injuries by either stabbing or shooting.
I don't know who cut you, I don't know who robbed you
I have no knowledge of who committed the crime of cutting or robbing you.
But you think I know cause you know how my squad do
You suspect me because of my association with G-Unit's reputation for violent behavior.
Nowadays niggaz snitchin so much in the street
People are informing law enforcement more frequently on criminal activity.
But you gotta talk to them like they the police
You must treat people cautiously due to the possibility of them being informants.
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout poppin the heat
I am unaware of any knowledge regarding the use of firearms.
I don't know nothin 'bout sellin no beef in the streets
I have no experience in the distribution of illicit substances.
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout baggin the grams
I have never packaged narcotics in small quantities.
I ain't never had no spot or went hand to hand
I have never operated a drug house nor conducted face-to-face transactions with buyers.
Me, I don't know nothin 'bout takin the stand
I have never testified in court.
I ain't never got a nigga ass stuck in the can
I have never been implicated in anyone's arrest.
Nah, I don't know nothin 'bout dro or hash
I am not informed about substances such as marijuana or hashish.
Coke, dope, ex, dust or crystal meth
I am not familiar with these drugs.
Nah, I'm just tryin to rap to get some cash
I am trying to succeed in the music industry for financial gain.
Keep the Hip Hop Police off my ass
I am hoping to avoid legal issues associated with my career.
Aiyyo, that's my word on the stack of bibles
I swear to tell the truth.
I don't know who did it I don't know who responsible
I do not possess knowledge about the identity of any perpetrator.
All I know who spittin all I know who givin
I know who is rapping on this track as well as who financially supports me.
Me all this cash, just to put down twelve to get in yo' ass
I earned this money performing and investing it to fund my continued success.
Listen, keep it far away from me
Please refrain from involving me in any illegal activity.
I ain't got time for sittin in the penitentuary
I do not want to spend any time in prison.
All I know is I'm rich, all I know is that G-Unit work
I am successful and know that G-Unit is a valuable brand.
When the album drop they go bezerk
Our release garners strong reactions from our fans.
Mad video play, crazy radio spins
Our music videos and songs receive significant airtime.
Number one all the time, our reign never ends
We are consistently ranked at the top.
Don't point the finger at us somebody's hangin
Do not blame us for any criminal activity that results in harm.
They had a beef with us, plus we don't know nathin
Those who take issue with us and those who committed crimes are not connected to us.
I don't know nothin 'bout jumpin out splittin homeboy head
I have no knowledge about the act of attacking someone with blunt force.
But for real that's fucked up they say that homeboy dead
It is truly unfortunate if someone was killed.
I can't even think, who 'gon want him dead
I cannot fathom why someone would want to kill him.
Have no idea what type of gun they done him with
I do not know what kind of firearm was used in the victim's shooting.
You see I hear no evil and I see no evil
I purposely avoid dangerous situations and steer clear of criminal activity.
Ain't tryin to talk to or hear from or see those people
I refuse to communicate with or associate with anyone involved in illegal acts.
And I ain't had them little homies burn up no regal
I did not instruct my associates to set fire to this vehicle.
I've been tryin to do this music thang and just go legal
I am focused on making music and avoiding legal trouble.
I don't know why my name in your female's phone
I cannot explain why my name is saved in a woman's phone.
But you really startin to sound like a females homes
You are behaving in a feminine manner.
Don't know why they told you that we sell stones
I am unaware of anyone accusing me of selling drugs.
We on the internet tryin to get our Email on
We are attempting to promote ourselves online and increase our fan base.
Nah nigga I don't know who sent them young boys through
I do not have knowledge of who directed these young individuals to commit violent acts.
To air the strip, shit just be happenin out the blue
Street violence can occur suddenly without provocation.
I don't be around here, I ain't hip to the news
I am not familiar with the local events or gossip.
I don't know why that man clutchin on that shit when you move
I cannot explain why that man is holding onto that item as you move.
I don't know why that other rapper got stripped for his jewels
I am unaware of why that rapper had his jewelry stolen.
You know how easy it is to get shit confused
It is common for people to misunderstand or misinterpret events.
I wasn't even in New York, I was just in the cruise
I was not even in the same geographic location as the events you are describing.
Somewhere way out in the islands woth your bitch in the cruise
I was on vacation with your girlfriend somewhere tropical.
Who's my bitch in the cruise, dudes get hit when they snooze
I will attack anyone who suggests that your girlfriend is seeing me on the side.
Lose they hit from the Uz, Uz all over the street
My associates use Uzis and may accidentally shoot someone.
I don't know why they said what's up I don't know who's in that jeep
I am not aware of the identity of the individuals in the vehicle that greeted me.
He talk about me all day but I ain't losin no sleep
Someone is speaking ill of me but I am not bothered by it.
I don't know why my charm 'bout as big as your palm
I do not know why my jewelry is so large and flashy.
And why the diamond chain I wear as 'bout as long as your arm
I do not understand why I wear a chain with such large diamonds.
You tell me, how many diamonds in my bezel
I do not even know how many diamonds are on my watch face.
There's one for everytime I had to grind up in the ghetto
Each diamond represents the hard work and struggle I had growing up in poverty.
I could show you how to do it, you tired of ridin Buicks
I could teach you how to succeed and obtain a luxurious lifestyle.
I don't know why niggaz rap for years and can't make hotter music
I cannot explain why some rappers are unsuccessful in creating popular songs.
Even when, I don't do it chicks release body fluid
Even if I am not performing sexual activities, women still become aroused by me.
Body drop, shotty pop, and niggaz wanna tie me to it
People blame me for acts of violence and murder in which I am not involved.
I don't know why Loon and Fabby won't just say I'm they daddy
I am confused as to why these rappers claim to be my children.
Why they solve them CB4 niggaz just keep comin at me
I do not understand why these fake gangsters keep attacking me.
Got as many beefs as 50 and a nigga go to church
I have as many enemies as 50 Cent, despite being a devout churchgoer.
Could you imagine if my hands was on work, I don't know
It is unclear what would happen if I were to engage in criminal activities.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good