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.
Love Me
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm still getting chased by those lights
Only the light's lime, and my mic's on
And my time is none, because I'm writing more
And I ain't here to meet a soul in this business
I'm here to eat, speak, until these hoes feel this (for sure)
And I can't let y'all derail me, man
I got Young Kobe homey, you gotta let go of Obie
And that yac going on, soon as a nigga touch down, back from touring
It's whatever, put that on the cheddar, man
But in the meantime, it's Jimmy Iovine time
Chase cheese, rhyme 'til my voice give out
This is it my niggas, this what we boast about
Now I'm here, so shut your motherfucking mouth, and show me love, bitch
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life (I don't love you, bitch)
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night
There's a certain mystique when I speak, that you notice
Cause that's sort of unique cause you know it's me
My poetry's deep, and I'm Stillmatic, the way I flow to this beat
You can't sit still, it's like trying to smoke crack and go to sleep
I'm strapped, it's known any minute I could snap
I'm the equivalent of what would happen if Bush rapped
I bully these rappers so bad lyrically
It ain't even funny, I ain't even hungry, it ain't even money
You can't pay me enough for you to play me
It's cockamanie you just ain't zanie enough to rock with Shady
My noodle is cock-a-doodle, my clock's coo-coo
I got screws loose, yea the whole kit and caboodle, I'm just brutal
It's no rumor, I'm numero uno, assume it
There's no humor in it no more, you know
I'm rolling with a swollen bowling ball in my bag
You need a fag to come and tear a new hole in my ass, you better love me, bitch
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night (and all the bitches say)
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night
My buzz is crazy in the hood, they holla my name
If it ain't about the flow, it's 'bout the stones and the chain
If I was you, I'd love me too, I roll like a boss
Nine eleven Porsche same color as cranberry sauce
I ain't gon' front, I thought R. Kelly was the shit
Let me find out he fucking 'round with Bow Wow bitch
Niggas eating popcorn right, rewinding the tape
Now shorty mama in the precinct, hollering rape
I'm convinced, man, something really wrong with these ho's
I thought Lil' Kim was hot, 'til she start fucking with her nose
I used to listen to Lauryn Hill, and tap my feet
Then the bitch put out a CD and didn't have no beats
That boy D'Angelo, he determined not to fail
That nigga went butt-ass, for his record to sell
My back shots 'll help Ashanti hit them high notes
And Big been taught Charli B'More to deep throat (yea)
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night
I just wanna love ya
For the rest of my life
I wanna hold you in the mornin'
Hold you through the night
The song “Love Me” by 50 Cent is a rap song that describes the rapper’s obsession with his own success, fame, and fortune. He is well aware of his power in the music industry and confident in his abilities, which is evident in the way he speaks, raps and performs. In the verses preceding the chorus, he mentions his constant grind, hearing sirens, and running from cops, which suggests the struggles of growing up in poverty-ridden neighborhoods. He also talks about the business of music and fame, where he is not there to make friends but to make money.
The chorus is a famous sample of the opening verse of “I Just Wanna Love You” by Jay-Z, which 50 Cent twists into a mocking jab at the hoes and women of the music industry that are hungry for fame, money or his attention. He is particularly critical of women who undergo plastic surgery or alter their appearance unnaturally. He mentions several celebrities including R. Kelly, Lil Kim, Lauryn Hill, and D'Angelo, talking about their rise to fame and what he perceives as their downfall, thus pointing out the flaws of the industry itself.
Overall, the song is a mix of self-validation and criticism of the industry, sharing a commentary on the complex business of music where fame and fortune are attractive and dangerous.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas, I'm still grinding (yeah), I still hearing those sirens
I'm still hustling and grinding to get ahead, despite the obstacles and challenges that come my way.
I'm still getting chased by those lights Only the light's lime, and my mic's on
While I continue to be pursued by police lights, all I need is my microphone and my talent to keep pushing forward.
And my time is none, because I'm writing more
I am so dedicated to my craft that I have no time to waste, as I am always creating and writing new music.
And I ain't here to meet a soul in this business I'm here to eat, speak, until these hoes feel this (for sure)
I'm not interested in networking or socializing with others in the music industry. I'm focused on making my impact and being heard by all, especially those who doubted me.
And I can’t let y'all derail me, man I got Young Kobie homey, you gotta let go of Obie Cause Obie be back, (going nowhere, man) we got them craps going on
I won't let anyone distract me from my goals, as I have my friend Kobie and other business ventures to keep me busy even when one of my artists, Obie, is temporarily out of the picture.
It's whatever, put that on the cheddar, man But in the meantime, it's Jimmy Iovine time
I am willing to do whatever it takes to succeed, but for now it's time to focus on working with record executive Jimmy Iovine to make things happen.
Chase cheese, rhyme 'til my voice give out This is it my niggas, this what we boast about
I will continue to work hard and chase success until I can no longer perform, as this is what we rap about and strive for.
Now I'm here, so shut your motherfucking mouth, and show me love, bitch
Now that I've made it, I demand respect and admiration from all those who once doubted me.
I just wanna love ya For the rest of my life (I don't love you, bitch)
I'm not interested in romantic love, but rather the love and admiration of my fans that will last my entire career.
Right we wanna love alcohol We wanna love guns, we wanna love money We don't love no bitches, though
We may have various vices and obsessions, but we don't hold women in high regard and instead prioritize our success and personal pleasures.
There's a certain mystique when I speak, that you notice Cause that's sort of unique cause you know it's me
My voice and flow have a distinct quality that sets me apart and makes me instantly recognizable to listeners.
My poetry's deep, and I'm Stillmatic, the way I flow to this beat You can't sit still, it's like trying to smoke crack and go to sleep
My lyrics have substance and depth, and my flow is so compelling and energizing that it's impossible to not be moved by my music.
I'm strapped, it's known any minute I could snap I'm the equivalent of what would happen if Bush rapped
My tough image and willingness to defend myself at all times is well-known, and I am as intimidating and powerful as former president George W. Bush.
I bully these rappers so bad lyrically It ain't even funny, I ain't even hungry, it ain't even money You can't pay me enough for you to play me
I am so confident in my ability to out-rap and put down other artists that it doesn't even bring me satisfaction or require payment to do so.
It's cockamanie you just ain't zany enough to rock with Shady My noodle is cock-a-doodle, my clock's coo-coo
My rapping style is unconventional and crazy, and those who can't keep up or match my energy don't belong in my circle.
I got screws loose, yea the whole kit and caboodle, I'm just brutal It's no rumor, I'm numero uno, assume it
I embrace my mental quirks and outlandish personality, and regardless of what others might say or think, I know that I am the best rapper out there.
There's no humor in it no more, you know I'm rolling with a swollen bowling ball in my bag You need a fag to come and tear a new hole in my ass, you better love me, bitch
My success and fame have led to a more serious and contentious attitude, and I am always prepared for any threat or altercation with my bowling ball, but my fans should continue to support me no matter what.
My buzz is crazy in the hood, they holla my name If it ain't about the flow, it's 'bout the stones and the chain
My reputation precedes me in the streets, as I am renowned for both my rapping ability and flashy jewelry and accessories.
If I was you, I'd love me too, I roll like a boss Nine eleven Porsche same color as cranberry sauce
I am so impressive and successful that anyone in my position would be proud of me, as evidenced by my high-end car that matches my bold personality and style.
I ain't gon' front, I thought R. Kelly was the shit Let me find out he fucking 'round with Bow Wow bitch
Even though I once admired R. Kelly's music, I would immediately lose respect for him if he were involved with another artist's girlfriend.
Niggas eating popcorn right, rewinding the tape Now shorty mama in precinct, hollering rape
People are so fascinated and curious about celebrity scandals that they will literally eat popcorn and replay footage of alleged crimes, even though the impact on the people involved can be devastating.
I'm convinced, man, something really wrong with these ho's I thought Lil' Kim was hot, 'til she start fucking with her nose
I believe that many women in the music industry have deep-seated personal issues that lead them to make poor choices or even disfigure themselves in pursuit of beauty.
I used to listen to Lauryn Hill, and tap my feet Then the bitch put out a CD and didn't have no beats
Even though I was a fan of Lauryn Hill's music, I became disappointed when she released an album that lacked the same quality and beats I had grown to expect from her.
That boy D'Angelo, he determined not to fail That nigga went butt-ass, for his record to sell
D'Angelo was willing to take unconventional and even controversial measures to guarantee the success and sales of his album, which ultimately proved to be effective.
My back shots 'll help Ashanti hit them high notes And Big been taught Charli B'More to deep throat (yea)
My sexual prowess is such that it even improves the vocal abilities of female singers and impresses other men about my sexual conquests.
I just wanna love ya For the rest of my life I wanna hold you in the mornin' Hold you through the night
Despite my tough and aggressive persona, all I really want is the loyal love and admiration of my fans to last throughout my entire career.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, Luis Edgardo Resto, Marshall B. III Mathers, Obie Trice, Steven Lee King
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@WarLeaker
Dope
@Kafkaesque3
This beat alone screams the 2001-2004 era of hip hop. Brilliant tune
@tyrequekachara8092
2001-02*
@JamesChessman
I love the track but I don’t think it sounds like any specific time period. The track is one of a kind.
@lastone032085
Sounds like 2003
@billyndolo4348
Great times.
@MnyMar
Naw fr
@JayZPimpin101
Listening to this about 14 yrs old on a mp3 player on the bus ride home, playing gta games once I got home, them was the days.
@weirdnameballgame3665
"Those were"
@strengthbeyondstrength9301
+Weird name Ball game
I don't think JayZPimpin101 was learning anything useful in school. What a fucking mess!
"I remember listening to this song when I was just 14 years old! I would play it regularly through my MP3 player on the bus ride home after school. When I got home I would play GTA games. I loved my life back then. Those were the days."