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 Line N*ggas
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You won't hear me, son
The nigga be right there in
Front of them buildings
Yeah, nigga, yeah (yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah, nigga, yeah (yeah)
Yeah, nigga, yeah (yeah)
Yeah yeah yeah, nigga, yeah
I line niggas
I do my homework, I'll find niggas
The niggas that did that they my niggas
You bring that bullshit 'round my niggas
You die, die, nigga, die
I'm right 'bout where your man'll stay
My man blew your man away
Did him dirty and ran away
Who's the next candidate?
To get hit with the cannon, ayy
You little niggas wanna play
We can go back and forth in broad day
Let it off, hop in the rental car
Pull away smooth
Put that twerk in that work and
We at you with the tools
Nigga, we ain't selling packs no more
So we ain't on the strip
Got that llama in the 'Llac
Strapped leaning in the whip
I line niggas
I do my homework, I'll find niggas
The niggas that did that they my niggas
You bring that bullshit 'round my niggas
You die, die, nigga, die
First, I find your bitch creep then
We found a nail shop
Now would you looky here
We done found your mama's spot
It's so easy, damn, I'm greasy
Goons don't use Auto Tune, that's Yeezy
Yeah, summer now, good time to hunt you down
Keep the pump around
We catch him we gon' slump him now
Timing is everything, I plot it out perfect
Drop a bag off to my nigga
Just to make it worth it
I line niggas
I do my homework, I'll find niggas
The niggas that did that they my niggas
You bring that bullshit 'round my niggas
You die, die, nigga, die
Nigga, what up?
These niggas think I'm playing with 'em, yeah
Niggas smiling and shit, go 'head, nigga
Keep thinking I'm careful
I'll shoot the shit out of these niggas, man
I let my niggas go, watch (I line niggas)
Oh my God, y'all niggas know me
(I line niggas) y'all wasn't supposed to let
Me get this money now what? (I line niggas)
The lyrics of "I Line Niggas" by 50 Cent depict a narrative of a street lifestyle where the singer is asserting his dominance and ruthlessness. The opening lines convey frustration, as the singer attempts to communicate something important but feels unheard. The mention of being in front of buildings implies a dangerous setting, possibly in a neighborhood known for its violence.
The chorus, "I line niggas, I do my homework, I'll find niggas," suggests that the singer is skilled at identifying and targeting his enemies. He associates with those who have committed violent acts, indicating his loyalty to his comrades. The line "You bring that bullshit 'round my niggas, you die, die, nigga, die" exemplifies the singer's zero-tolerance attitude towards any threat or disrespect.
The second verse describes the singer's involvement in a specific incident where his team has eliminated an individual ("blowing him away" and "did him dirty"). The lyrics convey a sense of coldness and detachment, as the singer casually discusses the shooting and considers the next possible target.
Further, the lyrics emphasize the ease with which the singer operates in his environment. He mentions finding the location of his enemy's mother's house effortlessly and highlights his resourcefulness. The line "Goons don't use Auto Tune, that's Yeezy" suggests that his crew remains authentic and true to their gritty persona, unlike certain artists who use autotune to enhance their vocals.
The lyrics overall paint a picture of a dangerous individual who is comfortable in his environment and willing to use violence to maintain his dominance and protect his reputation.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm trying to tell you, but
I am attempting to communicate with you, but
You won't hear me, son
You refuse to listen to me, my child
The nigga be right there in
The individual is present right over there in
Front of them buildings
Directly in front of those structures
I line niggas
I confront and intimidate individuals
I do my homework, I'll find niggas
I thoroughly research and locate individuals
The niggas that did that they my niggas
The individuals who committed those actions are my associates
You bring that bullshit 'round my niggas
If you bring unnecessary drama around my associates
You die, die, nigga, die
You will face fatal consequences
I'm right 'bout where your man'll stay
I am knowledgeable about the location where your acquaintance resides
My man blew your man away
My associate killed your acquaintance
Did him dirty and ran away
We killed him maliciously and swiftly fled the scene
Who's the next candidate?
Who will be the next target?
To get hit with the cannon, ayy
To be struck by a firearm, hey
You little niggas wanna play
You young individuals desire to engage in conflict
We can go back and forth in broad day
We can exchange gunfire openly during daylight hours
Let it off, hop in the rental car
Start shooting and quickly enter the temporary vehicle
Pull away smooth
Drive away smoothly
Put that twerk in that work and
Apply effort and skill diligently
We at you with the tools
We approach you with weapons
Nigga, we ain't selling packs no more
We are no longer involved in drug dealing
So we ain't on the strip
Therefore, we are not on the street corner
Got that llama in the 'Llac
We possess a firearm in the Cadillac Escalade
Strapped leaning in the whip
Armed and slanted in the vehicle
First, I find your bitch creep then
Initially, I discover the movements of your female companion
We found a nail shop
We located a salon that provides nail services
Now would you looky here
Now observe this
We done found your mama's spot
We have successfully discovered the residence of your mother
It's so easy, damn, I'm greasy
It is effortless, damn, I am cunning
Goons don't use Auto Tune, that's Yeezy
Criminals do not employ Auto-Tune, that is Kanye West
Yeah, summer now, good time to hunt you down
Yes, it is currently summer, a favorable period to pursue and capture you
Keep the pump around
Always keep the shotgun nearby
We catch him we gon' slump him now
If we apprehend him, we will severely harm him now
Timing is everything, I plot it out perfect
The timing is crucial, I meticulously plan it
Drop a bag off to my nigga
Deliver a bag of illegal substances to my associate
Just to make it worth it
Simply to make the effort worthwhile
Nigga, what up?
What is happening, my acquaintance?
These niggas think I'm playing with 'em, yeah
These individuals believe I am joking with them, yes
Niggas smiling and shit, go 'head, nigga
Individuals grinning and acting casual, go ahead
Keep thinking I'm careful
Continue believing that I am cautious
I'll shoot the shit out of these niggas, man
I will shoot these individuals intensely, man
I let my niggas go, watch (I line niggas)
I release my associates, observe (I confront and intimidate individuals)
Oh my God, y'all niggas know me
Oh my God, you individuals are acquainted with me
(I line niggas) y'all wasn't supposed to let
(I confront and intimidate individuals) you were not supposed to allow
Me get this money now what? (I line niggas)
Me to acquire this wealth, now what? (I confront and intimidate individuals)
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
PaperChaserDotCom
Thanks for watching. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you'll know when I upload new content.
Dashawn Trim
2023 still on repeat War Angel still my favorite mix tape 🐐🔥💯
Mike Jones
Real hip hop from a real OG💯💯🔥
Leroy Williams
Yes yes 50
PeterJustGames
One of 50’s angriest songs! That ending rant, holy shit!!!!
Dashawn Trim
Why fif will forever be my favorite rapper 💪🔥💯
SEAN JOHNSON
Thats the 50 we need
Tone Liotta
🔥Never heard this before!
Dustin Higgins
🔥🔥🔥🔥👌
Aaron Tingen
Not to sound ignorant, but this the type of song u listen to when u and ya homeboys riding around smoking and drinking ready to rob someone lol