Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, New Y… Read Full Bio ↴Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York), better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is a Grammy award nominated rapper, actor, singer, entrepreneur, author and founder of the hip hop group and label G-Unit.

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 Gotta Win
50 Cent Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Yeah, this is what you call inner city blues
Now that I got you here I got your attention
(I'm a winner winner)
I wanna welcome you all
To the winner's circle

I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again

Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win
I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again
Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win

By any means, I'm a 7 or 11
Trip'-6 or a Cee-Lo
You ain't hear that from me though
My occupation's Operation "Get money"
Got that beam on that 9
Got that money on my mind
Got no patience, man
I grind like I'm running out of time
See the sunshine reflect off my shine
You're blind
You write hot lines like mine lines
You're signed
That bitch bad, her ass so fat glad she mine
I'm addicted to it, me I got to win
Over and over and over again
This quest for the paper is never gon' end
So to my competition here's
The message I send

I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again
Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win
I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again
Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win

Man, you ain't a shooter, you ain't a robber
You talk like a mobster you fucking blogger
I say some hard shit you
Wanna say somethin harder
Smack the shit out you, you
Wanna run to the law, huh?
This movie's a rerun, you seen this before
She used a vibrator and she suck on your boy
I stand out like a sore thumb
I'm hard to ignore
You get addicted to the dick then
Have to go through withdrawls
After I go through the drawers
I'm back on my grizzly
Back getting busy causing a frenzy
It's nothing new to me
There's nothing they could do to me
That ain't been done to me -
This is fun for me

I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again
Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win
I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
After I win I got to win over again
Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser

Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Look, I gotta win

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to 50 Cent's song "I Gotta Win" convey the artist's determination to succeed and his refusal to be seen as a loser. He asserts his winning mentality and the drive to continuously win over and over again. The use of the phrase "inner city blues" suggests a reflection on the hardships and struggles faced in the urban environment.

The song begins by welcoming the listener to the "winner's circle," emphasizing the theme of victory and triumph. 50 Cent confidently proclaims himself as a winner and states that he must keep winning. He warns against confusing him for a loser and showcases his ability to navigate any situation with confidence, even using a Ruger gun as a metaphor for his strategic mindset.

The lyrics also touch upon the pursuit of money and financial success. 50 Cent describes himself as someone who is always focused on making money, grinding relentlessly like time is running out. He also highlights his status as a successful rapper, with others trying to imitate his style and flow, but ultimately falling short.

In the second verse, 50 Cent challenges his rivals, calling out those who talk a big game but lack the credibility to back it up. He asserts his dominance and unique presence, standing out from the crowd. The reference to a woman using a vibrator and performing sexual acts adds a touch of braggadocio and assertiveness to his lyrics. He concludes by expressing that he enjoys the thrill of competition, implying that he thrives in challenging situations.

Overall, "I Gotta Win" showcases 50 Cent's self-assured attitude, determination, and refusal to settle for anything less than victory.

Line by Line Meaning

Yeah, this is what you call inner city blues
This song is about the struggles and challenges faced in the inner city.

Now that I got you here I got your attention
Now that I have your attention, I want to make it clear that I am a winner.

(I'm a winner winner)
I am a proven winner.

I wanna welcome you all to the winner's circle
I want to invite you all to join me in the circle of winners.

I'm a winner-winner, look I gotta win
I am a winner and it is my constant goal to win.

After I win I got to win over again
Even after winning, I am driven to continue winning.

Please don't confuse a nigga for a loser
Do not mistake me for someone who is unsuccessful or a failure.

Watch me maneuver with the Ruger
Observe how I skillfully handle and navigate through difficult situations.

By any means, I'm a 7 or 11
I will do whatever it takes to succeed, just like in gambling where rolling a 7 or 11 guarantees a win.

Trip'-6 or a Cee-Lo
I am willing to take risks, like rolling dice where getting a 6 or a specific combination called Cee-Lo leads to a win.

You ain't hear that from me though
You did not hear this information directly from me.

My occupation's Operation 'Get money'
My primary focus and occupation is to acquire wealth.

Got that beam on that 9
I am armed with a laser sight attached to a 9mm firearm.

Got that money on my mind
I am constantly thinking and driven by the desire for financial success.

Got no patience, man
I do not possess patience, as I am eager to achieve my goals quickly.

I grind like I'm running out of time
I work hard and relentlessly, as if I am running out of time.

See the sunshine reflect off my shine
My success and accomplishments shine brightly, like the reflection of sunlight.

You're blind
You cannot see or understand my success.

You write hot lines like mine lines
You try to create impressive lyrics like mine.

You're signed
You are signed to a record label, implying that you have achieved some level of success in the music industry.

That bitch bad, her ass so fat glad she mine
I am proud and fortunate to have a beautiful and attractive partner.

I'm addicted to it, me I got to win
I am deeply passionate and obsessed with winning.

Over and over and over again
Repetitively, I continue to strive for victory.

This quest for the paper is never gon' end
My pursuit of money and wealth will never cease.

So to my competition here's the message I send
To all my competitors, I want to convey that I am a force to be reckoned with.

Man, you ain't a shooter, you ain't a robber
You do not possess the skills or experience to be a gunman or a thief.

You talk like a mobster, you fucking blogger
You imitate the style and mannerisms of a gangster, but in reality, you are just an internet writer.

I say some hard shit, you wanna say somethin harder
I say tough and direct things, and you try to respond with even more aggressive statements.

Smack the shit out you, you wanna run to the law, huh?
If I were to physically hit you, you would immediately go to the authorities to file a complaint against me, right?

This movie's a rerun, you seen this before
This situation is repetitive and familiar to you, like watching a movie that you have already seen.

She used a vibrator and she suck on your boy
She pleases herself with a sex toy while giving oral sex to me.

I stand out like a sore thumb
I am highly noticeable and easily distinguishable from others.

I'm hard to ignore
It is difficult for people to overlook or disregard me.

You get addicted to the dick then have to go through withdrawls
Once you experience and become accustomed to sexual intimacy with me, you struggle with the absence of it.

After I go through the drawers
After I have sexual relations with a woman.

I'm back on my grizzly
I am back to being focused and determined.

Back getting busy causing a frenzy
I am productive and active, creating excitement and chaos around me.

It's nothing new to me
These actions and situations are not unfamiliar or surprising to me.

There's nothing they could do to me
No matter what others try or attempt against me, it will not affect me or hinder my progress.

That ain't been done to me - This is fun for me
I have already experienced and overcome challenges similar to this, so it becomes enjoyable and entertaining for me.

Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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