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.
Killa Tape Intro
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The song starts with an introduction by 50 Cent informing the audience that they are now rocking with him before he fires a gun and asks if the listeners are ready. He then goes on to assert his authority by threatening anyone who is not on his side. 50 Cent distinguishes himself from other rappers by saying that he is not a trick and does not love the ho. He also expresses his emotions about missing his dawg. 50 Cent emphasizes that he is different from what people think of him and walks around with a big fo-fo. He further warns anyone who disrespects him that he will go after them by visiting their houses or right at their door.
The lyrics of the song also relate to 50's experience growing up in poverty and wanting more in life. He talks about wanting a luxurious car and turning an empty spot into a crack spot. He discusses how he dealt with older guys who did not take him seriously and tried to intimidate him. To combat this, he became smarter by keeping his distance and outsmarting them. 50 also talks about his success in the rap game and how he is not interested in being a one-hit-wonder.
Overall, the song Killa Tape by 50 Cent is about power, respect, and success. The lyrics reflect 50's honest and raw experiences growing up, and showcase his determination to make it in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
New york city... You are now rockin with 50 cent.. Are you ready? [Gun click] I said are you ready?
Announcing his presence and asking if the listeners are prepared for what is to come.
See you wit me nigga? DROP DEAD.
Challenging anyone who opposes him to a fight or execution.
Paid for a hoofy but I wanted a drop G UNIT
Spent money on a motorcycle, but desired a luxury car instead.
Somthin new
Introducing a new style or approach to his music.
I'm not that nigga in your video
Rejecting the stereotypical image portrayed in mainstream rap videos.
I'm not a trick I don't love tha hoe
Not engaging in meaningless sexual encounters with women.
but I miss my dawg and Niggas know
Reflecting on the loss of a close friend and acknowledging that others are aware of it.
I be on the low and I twist my drawer
Keeping a low profile and engaging in marijuana use.
I'm not that nigga that you think you know
Rejecting the idea that others know him or his true character.
I walk around with a big fo-fo
Carrying a large firearm for protection.
You front on me I'm gone get at your dawg
Threatening retaliation against anyone who disrespects or challenges him.
I be at right are your crib, right at your door
Asserting his ability to confront and intimidate his enemies.
so you know, I had make somthing outta nothin
Boasting about his ability to succeed despite coming from humble beginnings.
What up 50? I had paper for a hoofy but I wanted a drop
Addressing the artist himself and reiterating his desire for a luxury car.
Coming up I ain't have much, but I wanted a lot
Reflecting on his aspirations and the drive that led to his success.
Like turn an empty spot into a crack spot pumpin
Describing his ability to turn a vacant area into a profitable drug operation.
I'm so hard at nine-teen I bought a benz, I did.
Boasting about his financial success and ability to afford a luxury car at a young age.
The older niggas wasn't really feelin the kid
Acknowledging that his success and confidence were not well-received by older, established individuals in the industry.
Try to find where I live so they could run in my crib
Describing attempts by others to locate and harm him.
but you can't hustle a hustler I peeped it and slid
Asserting his ability to outsmart and evade those who seek to do him harm.
Back then, Niggas used to call me bo Country came around, he's into clapenin country left, same shit started happening
Reflecting on his past as a drug dealer and describing how others tried to copy his success after he had become established.
At six months I told them "Million go tops on Gar-bo"
Issuing orders to his associates to carry out a hit on a rival drug dealer.
Like "He shot k he's starting to slur and I'm getting bored"
Joking about the violent and dangerous nature of his lifestyle.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
pitchcontroltv
50 Cent Mixtape tour youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMsFbW52nWWBb02aqnvuFE2jAK0mHXDH_
scottvillepimp
50 was literally on Gym and Studio 24/7
The Don The 48 laws
The realest ever fifty respect from Kongo kinsahasa african 🇨🇩🇨🇩🇨🇩
pitchcontroltv
Shout out Congo 💯🇨🇩
KSanders249
Remember 50 cent problem child
pitchcontroltv
💯 50 Cent mixtape tour youtube.com/watch?v=Xv1F1pZD5VY&list=PLMsFbW52nWWBb02aqnvuFE2jAK0mHXDH_
LD50SICFREAK
I wish I could find that chain cross he had not the regular one but the one with the funny pointy ends
pitchcontroltv
Get one made (custom)
Don'tMakeMeDoIt
Jacob the jeweler got one in his celebrity box
Polo Rican
50 got gyno smh