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.
If I Can't )
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Haha, yeah
Yeah
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop
I'ma take it to the top
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
I apply pressure to pussies, they stunt and I pop (yeah)
Stand above 'em squeezing my pistol, I'm sure that I got 'em (uh-huh)
Now Peter Piper picked peppers, and Run rocked rhymes
I'm 50 Cent, I write a little bit, but I pop 9s (brrt)
Tell niggas, get they money right, 'cause I got mine (uh-huh)
And I'm around, quit playing, nigga, you can't shine (woo)
You gon' be that next chump to end up in the trunk
After being hit by the pump, is that what you want?
Be easy nigga, I'll lay your ass out
Believe me nigga, that's what I'm about
Gangsta, you could find a nigga sitting on chrome
Hit the clutch, hit the gear, hit the gas and I'm gone (yeah)
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop
I'ma take it to the top
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
I'm down for the action, he smart with his mouth, so smack him (woo)
You holding a strap, he might come back, so clap him (yeah)
React like a gangsta, die like a gangsta for acting (come on)
'Cause you'll get hit and homicide'll be asking, "What happened?"
Oh no, look who crept 'em with the .44 (woo)
20 inch rims sitting on low pros (uh-huh)
Eastside, Westside niggas know, yo, I'm loco (yeah)
Even my mama said something really wrong with my brain
Niggas don't rob me, they know I'm down to die for my chain
G-Unit! (Yeah) We get it popping in the hood
G-Unit! (Yeah) Motherfucker what's good?
I'm waiting on niggas to act like they don't know how to act (uh-huh)
After sipping too much Jack, I'll blow 'em off the map
With the MAC, thinking its all rap
'Til that ass get clapped and Doc say "It's a wrap"
(It's a wrap, nigga)
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop (uh-huh)
I'ma take it to the top
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
I invented how to teach lessons to slow learners
Go head, act up, get smacked in the head with the burner (ah)
I don't fight fair, I'm dirty, dirty
I'm from Southside Jamaica, Queens, nigga, you heard me? (Yeah)
When the streetlights come on, niggas blast the 9s (uh-huh)
Get locked up, then read books to pass the time (woo)
In the game there's up's and down's, so I stay on the grind
Niggas on my dick more than my bitch, I stay on they mind
There ain't nothing they could do to stop my shine (uh-uh)
This is God's plan, homie, this ain't mine
I played the music loud so grandpa called me a nuisance
And grandma always gotta throw in her two cents
I'm the dropout who made more money than his teachers
Roofless like the coupe, but I come with more features
I am what I am, you could like it or love it
It feels good to blow 50 grand and think nothing of it
Fuck it
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop
I'ma take it to the top
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop
I'ma take it to the top (yeah)
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
Uh-huh
I'ma make it hot
Dr. Dre, Aftermath
Shady
Haha
The song "If I Can't" by 50 Cent is an anthem of confidence and assertion. The lyrics express that if 50 Cent cannot accomplish something, then no one else can. The chorus of the song repeats this sentiment in a celebratory and boastful tone, as 50 Cent takes pride in his accomplishments and unwavering commitment to success. The opening lines emphasize this idea, with 50 Cent saying "If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done."
The rest of the lyrics depict 50 Cent's rise to success, emphasizing his gangsta persona, skill with guns, and street smarts. The lyrics condemn those who try to compete with him, with lines like "Be easy nigga, I'll lay your ass out/ Believe me nigga, that's what I'm about." The lyrics also touch on 50 Cent's personal background, with references to his upbringing in Southside Jamaica, Queens, and his dropping out of school. The final lines of the song celebrate his ability to spend money without worrying about it, with 50 Cent saying "It feels good to blow 50 grand and think nothing of it/ Fuck it."
Overall, "If I Can't" is a powerful statement of self-assurance and determination, perfect for inspiring confidence in the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
If I can't do it, homie, it can't be done
I am confident in my abilities and if I can't accomplish something, then it must be impossible.
Now I'ma let the champagne bottle pop
I am celebrating my success and accomplishments with champagne.
I'ma take it to the top
My goal is to become the best and reach the top of my profession.
For sure I'ma make it hot, baby (baby)
I am going to make it big and bring the heat.
I apply pressure to pussies, they stunt and I pop (yeah)
I am aggressive towards those who act weak and I show my strength.
Stand above 'em squeezing my pistol, I'm sure that I got 'em (uh-huh)
I make sure to hold a position of dominance and defend myself with a firearm.
Now Peter Piper picked peppers, and Run rocked rhymes
I am a rapper following in the footsteps of those who have come before me.
I'm 50 Cent, I write a little bit, but I pop 9s (brrt)
My name is 50 Cent, I rap a little bit, but I am known for firing guns.
Tell niggas, get they money right, 'cause I got mine (uh-huh)
I encourage others to get their finances in order because I have already achieved financial success.
And I'm around, quit playing, nigga, you can't shine (woo)
I am present and intimidating, so others cannot compete or show off their own accomplishments.
You gon' be that next chump to end up in the trunk
You will be the next victim to be killed and stuffed in a car trunk.
After being hit by the pump, is that what you want?
Do you really want to be shot by a firearm?
Be easy nigga, I'll lay your ass out
Relax or you will be knocked out.
Believe me nigga, that's what I'm about
Trust me, I am known for fighting and taking care of myself.
Gangsta, you could find a nigga sitting on chrome
I am a gangsta and own a high-end car.
Hit the clutch, hit the gear, hit the gas and I'm gone (yeah)
I am a skilled driver and leave quickly when necessary.
I'm down for the action, he smart with his mouth, so smack him (woo)
I like to get involved in altercations and will retaliate against those who disrespect me verbally.
You holding a strap, he might come back, so clap him (yeah)
If you are holding a gun, you should shoot him or he might retaliate.
React like a gangsta, die like a gangsta for acting (come on)
You should act like a gangsta and be willing to die for your actions.
'Cause you'll get hit and homicide'll be asking, "What happened?"
If you act like a gangsta and get shot, the police will investigate your death and try to find out why you were killed.
Oh no, look who crept 'em with the .44 (woo)
Someone shot the victim with a powerful gun.
20 inch rims sitting on low pros (uh-huh)
The car has expensive 20 inch rims.
Eastside, Westside niggas know, yo, I'm loco (yeah)
People around the city know that I am crazy and unpredictable.
Even my mama said something really wrong with my brain
My own mother believes that something is mentally wrong with me.
Niggas don't rob me, they know I'm down to die for my chain
People do not steal from me because they are aware that I am willing to risk my life to protect my jewelry.
G-Unit! (Yeah) We get it popping in the hood
My group, G-Unit, is popular and successful in the neighborhood.
Motherfucker what's good?
What are you doing?
I'm waiting on niggas to act like they don't know how to act (uh-huh)
I anticipate negative behavior from others.
After sipping too much Jack, I'll blow 'em off the map
If I drink too much whiskey, I might become violent and harm others.
With the MAC, thinking its all rap
I have a MAC-10 firearm and people assume it is only for show in my music.
'Til that ass get clapped and Doc say "It's a wrap"
If someone threatens me, I may actually use my firearm on them and then I will be done with them forever.
I invented how to teach lessons to slow learners
I am skilled at teaching people valuable lessons, even if they are not quick learners.
Go head, act up, get smacked in the head with the burner (ah)
If someone acts up or misbehaves, I will physically harm them with my gun.
I don't fight fair, I'm dirty, dirty
I do not engage in fair fights, and will use dirty tactics to win.
I'm from Southside Jamaica, Queens, nigga, you heard me? (Yeah)
I come from a tough neighborhood in Queens and I am proud of it.
When the streetlights come on, niggas blast the 9s (uh-huh)
At night, people in the neighborhood use firearms to defend themselves.
Get locked up, then read books to pass the time (woo)
People who are in jail often read books to keep themselves occupied.
In the game there's up's and down's, so I stay on the grind
Success in this industry can be unpredictable, so I work hard every day to achieve my goals.
Niggas on my dick more than my bitch, I stay on they mind
People are obsessed with me and think about me more than their significant others.
There ain't nothing they could do to stop my shine (uh-uh)
Nobody can prevent me from being successful and famous.
This is God's plan, homie, this ain't mine
My success is not just because of my own efforts; it is part of a greater plan.
I played the music loud so grandpa called me a nuisance
I played loud music and disturbed my grandpa, annoying him.
And grandma always gotta throw in her two cents
My grandma always has an opinion to share.
I'm the dropout who made more money than his teachers
I am a high school dropout, but I have become more successful than the teachers who tried to educate me.
Roofless like the coupe, but I come with more features
Even though I am not wealthy, I am still impressive and come with many desirable qualities.
I am what I am, you could like it or love it
This is who I am, people can choose to accept me or not.
It feels good to blow 50 grand and think nothing of it
I have so much money that spending 50,000 dollars at once does not phase me.
Fuck it
I don't care about anything else, I will do what I want.
Dr. Dre, Aftermath
These are other people and organizations associated with this song.
Shady
This is another reference to a person or organization.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Andre Romell Young, Curtis James Jackson, Michael A. Elizondo, Theron Otis Feemster
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good