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.
In da Hood
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I still be ridin' through the hood
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
We representin' like we should
I'm hot, boy, I told you before
I know you hate it when I pop up, wrist all rocked up
hood, empty niggas locked up, they rats all knocked up
Baby after baby, the 'hood is crazy
Niggas'll set you up and wet you up, trust me they shady
Got a pet bulldog, I keep under my linen
It don't bark, they spark when the revolver spinnin'
We winnin'
I still be ridin' through the hood
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
We representin' like we should
Hold up, hold up, get a good look at my rims
Goddamn, look at them twenty-four inch Davin's spin
Now the D's, they harass me in the hood
A few times, niggas tried to blast me in the hood
Fuck it, it's all good
Catch me in the coupe, on the lean
Wit' needles and samples and diesel for the fiends
The money stay on my mind, so I stay on the grind
Plus niggas like to stun, so I stay wit' a .9 (yeah)
I ain't the type nigga that be out, runnin' his mouth
Talkin' gangsta and shit, with my gun in the house
Nah, homie, you better get to know me better
Before you be leakin' pints of blood into your Iceberg sweater
When the talons come flyin' up out the berretta
You gon' feel like it's yo' fault and say, "Man, I knew better"
Look, dog, I don't play that shit
I pull that thing out, I'ma spray that shit
That's how I get down
Brooklyn she's so sick in the hood
Got these rap bitches scared to spit in the hood
'Cause I throw down, and shoot the fifth in the hood
That's what you get for talkin' all that shit in the hood
Yeah, I'm still a minor, remember this
Everything Brooklyn drop, you broads'll fall behind her
Brooklyn to Compton it's all good
Get robbed, get shot, shit is poppin' in the hood
I still be ridin' through the hood
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
We representin' like we should
I still be ridin' through the hood
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
We representin' like we should
The song "In Da Hood" by 50 Cent, is a representation of the rapper's loyalty to his roots and his willingness to represent his "hood" across various geographies. In the song, he mentions how he still rides through the hood from Brooklyn to Compton, representing the place where he came from. 50 Cent talks about his success, with a Benz and a Hummer from a showroom floor, but also acknowledges the danger that comes with being in the hood. He notes that the place is crazy, and people can set you up and wet you up, yet he strives to win by keeping his mind on money and staying on the grind, along with carrying a weapon for protection.
Despite his fame and success, 50 Cent makes it clear that he is not one to mess with. He mentions that he is not a type of person that talks gangsta with his gun at home, but rather one that prefers to keep it out and use it if necessary. He warns people to get to know him better before crossing paths because he is not someone to mess with. The song "In Da Hood" represents 50 Cent's journey and how he stays true to his roots and represents the hood that made him who he is today.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
50 Cent begins his song with a simple acknowledgement or greeting.
I still be ridin' through the hood
50 Cent regularly travels through different neighborhoods across the country, including Brooklyn, Compton, Southside Queens, and Inglewood.
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
No matter where he goes, 50 Cent finds that things are generally fine and that people are similar no matter where he is.
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
50 Cent cites two specific neighborhoods that he frequents in addition to the first two, pointing out their importance and representation of a range of different communities.
We representin' like we should
Wherever he goes, 50 Cent represents himself and his community in the best light possible.
I'm hot, boy, I told you before
50 Cent claims that he is successful and wealthy, referring to a previous song in which he stated this fact.
Got that Benz and that Hummer off the showroom floor
As evidence of his success, 50 Cent says that he purchased both a Mercedes Benz and a Hummer directly from the showroom floor when they were brand new.
I know you hate it when I pop up, wrist all rocked up
50 Cent is aware that some people dislike seeing him because of his flashy jewelry and watches.
hood, empty niggas locked up, they rats all knocked up
In certain neighborhoods, there are many people in jail or prison, and informants (rats) are identified and punished, likely through violence.
Baby after baby, the 'hood is crazy
Despite the challenges in the neighborhood, people still have children and raise families, often despite less than ideal circumstances.
Niggas'll set you up and wet you up, trust me they shady
Some people in the neighborhood are not to be trusted and may orchestrate dangerous situations for others.
Got a pet bulldog, I keep under my linen
As a further indication of his bravado, 50 Cent owns a pet bulldog that he keeps hidden under his clothing.
It don't bark, they spark when the revolver spinnin'
The dog does not vocalize to alert others to the danger, but rather the sound of the gun being fired is what alerts people.
We winnin'
Despite the threats and challenges of the neighborhood, 50 Cent and his associates are still successful and coming out on top.
Hold up, hold up, get a good look at my rims
50 Cent wants people to pay attention to his car's rims and overall appearance.
Goddamn, look at them twenty-four inch Davin's spin
As evidence of his wealth and style, 50 Cent points out his distinctive and expensive rims and the way they rotate while the car is in motion.
Now the D's, they harass me in the hood
Despite his success, law enforcement officials still target 50 Cent and give him a hard time in some neighborhoods.
A few times, niggas tried to blast me in the hood
Not everyone in the neighborhood is supportive of 50 Cent and his activities – some people have even tried to kill him.
Fuck it, it's all good
Despite these challenges, 50 Cent remains confident and unfazed, moving forward without fear.
Catch me in the coupe, on the lean
50 Cent can often be found driving a small two-seater car, likely a sports car, and leaning back in the driver's seat.
Wit' needles and samples and diesel for the fiends
As further evidence of his involvement in the drug trade, 50 Cent carries needles and drug samples with him to help feed the demand of drug addicts in the neighborhood.
The money stay on my mind, so I stay on the grind
50 Cent is always thinking about making and increasing his wealth and is therefore always working and hustling to make that happen.
Plus niggas like to stun, so I stay wit' a .9 (yeah)
Because people in the neighborhood like to show off and appear tough, 50 Cent carries a gun with him as protection.
I ain't the type nigga that be out, runnin' his mouth
50 Cent is not someone who talks excessively or brags about his activities and accomplishments.
Talkin' gangsta and shit, with my gun in the house
Instead of trying to appear tough while in his own home, 50 Cent keeps his gun secured and out of the way.
Nah, homie, you better get to know me better
To those who don't understand or underestimate 50 Cent, he warns them to better educate themselves on who he truly is and what he is capable of.
Before you be leakin' pints of blood into your Iceberg sweater
If you don't take him seriously or test him, 50 Cent warns that you may end up dead in a very unflattering and bloody way.
When the talons come flyin' up out the berretta
If 50 Cent decides to use his gun, he will do so quickly and lethally, like the motion of an eagle's talons flying out of a gun.
You gon' feel like it's yo' fault and say, "Man, I knew better"
Once the violence is unleashed, the victim will feel guilty and recognize that they should have known better and avoided the situation.
Look, dog, I don't play that shit
50 Cent is serious about his business and will not tolerate disrespect or threats.
I pull that thing out, I'ma spray that shit
If he feels threatened enough, 50 Cent will pull out his gun and start shooting.
That's how I get down
50 Cent's violent reputation and willingness to use his gun is part of his personality and image.
Brooklyn she's so sick in the hood
Despite the challenges, 50 Cent loves Brooklyn and believes in her potential and resilience.
Got these rap bitches scared to spit in the hood
Other rappers, especially female ones, are intimidated by 50 Cent and cautious about performing in certain neighborhoods.
'Cause I throw down, and shoot the fifth in the hood
50 Cent's reputation precedes him, and people know that he is willing to fight and shoot if necessary.
That's what you get for talkin' all that shit in the hood
If someone talks badly about 50 Cent or disrespects him, there will be consequences and violent retaliation.
Yeah, I'm still a minor, remember this
Despite his wealth and success, 50 Cent reminds listeners that he is still relatively young and has achieved a lot at a young age.
Everything Brooklyn drop, you broads'll fall behind her
50 Cent is proud of his hometown and points out that anyone trying to keep up with or criticize Brooklyn's contributions to the music industry will not succeed.
Get robbed, get shot, shit is poppin' in the hood
Despite its difficulties, there is never a dull moment in the neighborhood, with frequent robberies and shootings occurring frequently.
I still be ridin' through the hood
50 Cent's frequent travels and activities in various neighborhoods serve as evidence of his fearlessness and willingness to engage with people from all walks of life.
Brooklyn to Compton, it's all good
Regardless of location, 50 Cent believes that things will be fine and that he can handle whatever comes his way.
From Southside Queens to Inglewood
These two specific neighborhoods continue to serve as examples of 50 Cent's travels and engagements with different communities.
We representin' like we should
Once again, 50 Cent is proud of his community and is doing his best to show it off in a positive light wherever he goes.
Lyrics © RINCON AVE MUSIC, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, Andre Romell Young, Christopher Charles Lloyd
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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