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 Run New York
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The walls have ears lil' nigga, I run New York,
Even when I ain't there lil' nigga, I run New York,
I said the walls have ears lil' nigga, I hear when you talk,
Let's get this shit clear lil' nigga, I run New York
[verse 1 - 50 Cent]
I wake up, stare at the ceilin',
I put my vest on right after I put on my drawers,
It's a habit I'm always prepared for war,
See my life's like some shit, you seen in a flick,
Bitches act like pornstars when they sit on a dick,
When I was hit and out the game I said "one more flick",
Test my aim in the range I'm like "one more clip",
It's my brain, I'm insane, I be on some shit,
Man I run Interscope, Jada's tryna annoy me,
Nuthin' but another disgruntled employee,
He been in the game ten years and he still ain't rich,
Even his mama upset that he still ain't shit,
And he keep runnin his yap, like I'ma take all that,
One more word out his mouth I'll push Style's shit back,
See the nozzle on my tre pound is three inches long,
And the trigger on the fo' fo's extremly strong,
With a little tre douche is like pop, pop,
Chase his ass up the block til his bitch ass drop,
And the verses he be kickin' none of 'em hot,
Cos he ain't got none of that shit he says he got,
And he ain't did none of that shit he said he did,
And I ain't got time to be talkin 'bout this shit, (f**kin' faggot)
[chorus - 50 Cent]
I guess it's easy to see lil' nigga, I run New York,
Yeah I live in CC lil' nigga, but I run New York,
And I don't go to parties lil' nigga, but I run New York,
And I stay gettin Cs lil' nigga, cos I run New York
(Yayo, tell 'em I run New York)
[verse 2 - Tony Yayo]
My gun is longer than yours, nigga, call your recouster,
da Locks made more money than them thin tiny suits,
The game about da south, drugs and rappin,
Jada f**kin punchlines, my serp went platinum,
Style's and sheek louch went double plastic,
Yayo, Buck and Banks was puttin out classics,
A hundred shots, a hundred clips, y'all ready to die,
Fat Joe ain't a gangsta, he afraid to fly,
Automatic mossberg, who want a piece of this punk,
I had Ja Rule buryed and some high heel punk,
Feds stuck in a bullet-proof, man f**k that,
Homie, shoot up my whip, you only leave a scratch,
Yo, I slip cocaine, in your hotel lobby,
And beat you wit my pistol like Kane did Charlie,
It's T.O.N.Y.Y.A.Y.O.,
My whole clique got doe, my Os on the fly hole,
C4s, we fly on linz,
And my rocks lookin like, Flex likes yo' benz,
[chorus - 50 Cent]
When I'm down in DC lil' nigga, I tell 'em, I run New York,
When I'm out in Philly lil' homie, I run New York,
When I'm in VA I tell niggaz guess what, I run New York,
I'm in NC niggaz holla at the moon, cos I run New York,
(Yayo tell 'em I run New York)
[50 Cent talking]
Now who the f**k told that lil' nigga he can talk to me like that? Catch my bottle up and roll him somewhere, [laughing] D.Y. wanna talk to me, wanna tell
me what's goin on. Want me to serve him somethin' for real, cos I'll serve, murder [laughing] eh, eh get Puffy on the phone, tell him I said, tell the
nigga I said get out the mil for a second let me talk to him. Puffy da only nigga a muthaf**ka pops, tell him I won't buy the nigga Jadakiss pokes. Nigga
still ain't a coupe. Ah, nigga, you in da way. You owe money nigga, aw man, now why you make me put yo' business in da street. Now niggaz know you ain't
shit, damn! I see yo' punk ass in da paper, cos you ain't returnin them jewels you borrowed, you better give 'em back, you dirty nigga. Ain't none of that
shit you be wearin yours. [laughing] We coulda kept this secret, nigga. These niggaz I'm supposed to beef wit. Aw man, this fight is fixed, you been set
up, [laughing] that's what he gonna say, "they set me up, man." I ain't even go through that
The song "I Run New York" by 50 Cent is a bold statement about his position of power in the music industry and the city of New York. In the chorus, 50 Cent asserts his dominance by stating that he runs New York, whether he is physically present or not. He also warns those who gossip about him that he hears everything and that he is the one in charge.
In verse 1, 50 Cent boasts about his life, likening it to a movie. He mentions his preparedness for war, his aim in the range, and his insane mind. He also takes a shot at rapper Jadakiss, labeling him as another disgruntled employee who despite being in the game for ten years still isn't rich. 50 Cent challenges Jadakiss to test him, even implying that he could end his career. In verse 2, Tony Yayo joins 50 Cent to insult other rappers from New York, as well as taking shots at Fat Joe and Ja Rule. He also boasts about his own riches and those of his crew, leaving no doubt that they are the ones with power and control.
Overall, "I Run New York" is a song that asserts 50 Cent and his crew's dominance over the New York music scene. They do not shy away from insulting other rappers who are thought to be at the top and boast about their own wealth and power. The song also shows how 50 Cent views himself as a force to be reckoned with, and any who cross him will face consequences.
Line by Line Meaning
The walls have ears lil' nigga, I run New York,
I have complete control over the city of New York, and no one can challenge my authority.
Even when I ain't there lil' nigga, I run New York,
My influence is so strong that I can still maintain control even when I'm not physically present in New York.
I said the walls have ears lil' nigga, I hear when you talk,
I have spies throughout the city who report to me, and I'm always aware of what's happening and what people are saying.
Let's get this shit clear lil' nigga, I run New York
I'm making it clear that I am the one in charge, and nobody should try to challenge my authority.
I wake up, stare at the ceilin',
I'm reflecting on my power and influence as soon as I wake up in the morning.
I'm alive, what a beautiful feelin',
I appreciate the fact that I'm still alive despite the dangers and risks associated with my lifestyle.
I put my vest on right after I put on my drawers,
I'm always prepared for conflict and danger, and I prioritize my safety above all else.
It's a habit I'm always prepared for war,
Because of my lifestyle, I've developed a habit of constantly being ready for conflict and violence.
See my life's like some shit, you seen in a flick,
My life is so dramatic and intense that it could be the plot of a movie.
Bitches act like pornstars when they sit on a dick,
Women are attracted to my wealth and power, and they're willing to do anything to be close to me.
When I was hit and out the game I said "one more flick",
Even when I took a hit and was forced out of the drug game, I couldn't resist the temptation to make one more big score.
Test my aim in the range I'm like "one more clip",
I'm always looking for ways to improve my shooting skills and be ready for any situation.
It's my brain, I'm insane, I be on some shit,
My lifestyle and success have made me feel invincible and even a little crazy.
Man I run Interscope, Jada's tryna annoy me,
I have significant power and influence in the music industry, and Jada is trying to get under my skin by taking shots at me.
Nuthin' but another disgruntled employee,
Jada is just another artist signed to Interscope who is unhappy with his contract and taking it out on me.
He been in the game ten years and he still ain't rich,
Despite his time in the industry, Jada still hasn't achieved significant wealth and is jealous of my success.
Even his mama upset that he still ain't shit,
Jada's mother is disappointed in his lack of success and is constantly pushing him to do better.
And he keep runnin his yap, like I'ma take all that,
Jada keeps talking about taking me down, but he knows it's impossible and is just trying to save face.
One more word out his mouth I'll push Style's shit back,
If Jada keeps talking about me, I'll use my power and influence to harm not just him, but also his associates like Styles P.
See the nozzle on my tre pound is three inches long,
I'm armed and dangerous, with a long barrelled gun that I'm ready to use.
And the trigger on the fo' fo's extremly strong,
My other weapon, a .44 caliber revolver, is also powerful and easily able to take someone down.
With a little tre douche is like pop, pop,
With a single burst of gunfire from my machine gun, I can take someone down in an instant.
Chase his ass up the block til his bitch ass drop,
I have the speed and stamina to chase down anyone who crosses me, even for long distances.
And the verses he be kickin' none of 'em hot,
Jada's music is no match for my own, and he knows it.
Cos he ain't got none of that shit he says he got,
Jada's lyrics are all lies and exaggerations, and he's not as successful or powerful as he claims to be.
And he ain't did none of that shit he said he did,
Jada's claims of criminal activity and toughness are all empty boasts, and he's never actually followed through with any of them.
And I ain't got time to be talkin 'bout this shit, (f**kin' faggot)
I can't waste my time on someone like Jada who is all talk and no action, and I don't care if this makes me look homophobic or insensitive.
I guess it's easy to see lil' nigga, I run New York,
My power and leadership in New York City is obvious to anyone who pays attention to the music industry or the streets.
Yeah I live in CC lil' nigga, but I run New York,
Despite living outside of the city in Connecticut, I still have significant control over the city and its inhabitants.
And I don't go to parties lil' nigga, but I run New York,
I don't need to attend parties or social events to maintain my authority, my influence is felt throughout the city regardless.
And I stay gettin Cs lil' nigga, cos I run New York
I may not be the best student or most educated person, but my street smarts and power make me superior to others in the city.
(Yayo, tell 'em I run New York)
Even my associates, like Tony Yayo, know and proclaim that I am the true leader of the city.
My gun is longer than yours, nigga, call your recouster,
I have a more powerful and intimidating weapon than anyone who would dare challenge me.
da Locks made more money than them thin tiny suits,
The Lox, a group of rappers from Yonkers, have been more successful and profitable than other rappers who focus on their appearances and branding.
The game about da south, drugs and rappin,
The music industry is predominantly focused on Southern hip hop, drugs, and rapping about a certain lifestyle.
Jada f**kin punchlines, my serp went platinum,
Jada's lyrics are all talk and no substance, while my own music has been successful and profitable.
Style's and sheek louch went double plastic,
Other members of The Lox, specifically Styles P and Sheek Louch, have also achieved significant success in the music industry.
Yayo, Buck and Banks was puttin out classics,
My associates Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and Lloyd Banks have all released successful and popular music.
A hundred shots, a hundred clips, y'all ready to die,
I have an absurd amount of ammunition and firepower at my disposal, and anyone who challenges me is putting themselves in danger.
Fat Joe ain't a gangsta, he afraid to fly,
Fat Joe, another rapper from New York, is all talk and no action, and is even afraid to board planes.
Automatic mossberg, who want a piece of this punk,
My Mossberg shotgun is automatic and powerful, and anyone who messes with me will be in trouble.
I had Ja Rule buryed and some high heel punk,
I have used my influence and power to harm rivals like Ja Rule, and I'm not afraid to do the same to anyone who crosses me.
Feds stuck in a bullet-proof, man f**k that,
I'm not afraid of the police or other law enforcement, and their bullet-proof vests won't stop me.
Homie, shoot up my whip, you only leave a scratch,
Even if someone tries to damage my car or otherwise hurt me, they won't be able to do any real damage.
Yo, I slip cocaine, in your hotel lobby,
I have the power and means to slip drugs into someone's food or drink without them noticing, even in a public place like a hotel lobby.
And beat you wit my pistol like Kane did Charlie,
If someone crosses me or challenges my authority, I won't hesitate to use violence and force to defend myself.
It's T.O.N.Y.Y.A.Y.O.,
Tony Yayo is reminding everyone of his name and presence, as well as his loyalty to me as the true leader of the city.
My whole clique got doe, my Os on the fly hole,
Everyone in my group has significant wealth and success, and we're not afraid to show it off.
C4s, we fly on linz,
We have access to explosives and other dangerous weapons, and can use them to our advantage.
And my rocks lookin like, Flex likes yo' benz,
My jewelry is expensive and impressive, and even well-known DJs like Funkmaster Flex are impressed.
When I'm down in DC lil' nigga, I tell 'em, I run New York,
Even when I'm not in New York, I remind people of my power and influence in the city and beyond.
When I'm out in Philly lil' homie, I run New York,
My control over New York extends even to other cities like Philadelphia, and I make sure people know it.
When I'm in VA I tell niggaz guess what, I run New York,
Even in a relatively small state like Virginia, I make sure people know who's really in charge.
I'm in NC niggaz holla at the moon, cos I run New York,
Even in a state as far away as North Carolina, people still recognize my power and authority in New York City.
(Yayo tell 'em I run New York)
Even Tony Yayo knows and recognizes that I am the true leader of the city and commands respect from everyone who knows me.
Contributed by Jayce M. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@PaperChaserCEO
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@mr.g7177
2k19: fully admitting to 50 that he did indeed.... run NY in this time
@JmanTV647
Was this before or after "Shots Fired" by Jada & Kiss
@577niccy
@Jamal Johnson yeah jada featuring kiss went hard af, both really good artists
@lamontking-ff1mh
@Mr. G 717 drehfr
@Evil-Times
‼️🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥‼️the WALLS have Ears..!!
@youtubingminds9884
Yayo was actually a menace on this, imagine if this dude popped off like that all the time
@benstonks9047
Yayo only ever go off if he got something to proof or if he mad af. in this case, it's the latter
@davidstanley9543
Yayo went off on a lot of tracks. You must not know those old school G Unit mixtapes. The verse he did on Banks "ain't no click" off the Hunger For More album and the song "click click" on Mobb Deeps "Blood Money" album was crazy too. Yayo was never the most lyrical in the group, but he had his moments where he snapped on a beat at any given time. For real.
@trollinuhoz
Yayo slept on... he snap in a few joints