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.
Michael Jackson Tribute Freestyle
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They say I ain't lyrical
They say I ain't a miracle (yeah)
I say some hard shit so
They say I ain't spiritual (uh huh)
They act like they know God better than me
I know God Allah
(come on) allahu Akbar, clap him
Run through your backyard
Let the MAC off, tear half of your back off
(Wooooohhhooooooooooooooo) gunshot
This is my block, my spot, I am here
I'm a Southside nigga to the bone
Get that clear
Ayo pull that back, man!
Ayo play that again man, youkno'msayin'?
"THISIS50CoM"! yeah!
They say I ain't lyrical
They say I ain't a miracle (yeah)
I say some hard shit so
They say I ain't spiritual (uh huh)
They act like they know God better than me
I know God Allah
He used to pump crack up the street
(come on) allahu Akbar, clap him
Run through your backyard
Let the MAC off, tear half of your back off
(Wooooohhhooooooooooooooo) gunshot
This is my block, my spot, I am here
Now I got a better hustle
So I'm getting better bread
Buy my bitches better shit so
They gimme better head (Say "Whaaaat")
You thinking about getting down
With me, yeah, you better kid
Where the fuck you gon' get
A job? You a predicate
Felon, it's back to crack selling
Nigga get caught telling, crack your melon
(aaaaahhh-ooooooohhh) i told you I'd blow
Now you see it to believe it
My head gassed up, man, I'm so conceited
Nigga, you ain't never gon' see
Me in the hood (uh huh)
Motherfuck that shit, nigga, I'm too good
(hahaaaa) gunshot
Run tell niggas 50 is bougie
You don't buy his CD's and
Don't go see his movies (fuck that)
He don't act like he used to in Juve'
He was on the medication WOOO!
Now that nigga there loony
Can it be I been away too long? (Ohhhh)
I mean way too long
Can it be I stayed away too long?
(I been away man)
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
(did you forget me?)
It's not my thing trying to get back
(I'm back baby! I'm back)
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
(oh, I'm in Southside)
You don't have to worry 'cause I'm coming
(haha)
Back to where I should have always staaaayed
And now I've heard the maybe to your story
(This is that shit right here)
And it's enough love for me to staaaaaaaay
(ahhhhhhh) can it be I stayed away too long?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
(I'ma ask you again! Did
You forget about me?)
It's not my thing trying to get baaaack
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
(Southside)
I wanna, wanna be where you are, ooohhhhhhhh
Anywhere you are, ooohhhhhhhh
I wanna, wanna be where you are, ooohhhhhhhh
Everywhere you are, ooohhhhhhhh
In 50 Cent's song "Michael Jackson Tribute Freestyle," the lyrics reflect the rapper's confidence and defiance against his critics. He starts by addressing those who question his lyrical ability and dismiss him as a miracle. He retaliates by delivering hard-hitting lyrics and dismissing claims that he isn't spiritual, proclaiming his knowledge of God and his past experiences on the streets. The mention of "Allah" and "Allahu Akbar" symbolizes his street credibility and the formidable nature of his character.
The song continues with 50 Cent asserting his dominance and loyalty to his neighborhood, the Southside. He claims ownership of the block and asserts his presence, warning enemies of potential violence. He employs gunshot sound effects to emphasize his power and command.
Later in the song, 50 Cent boasts about his improved lifestyle and financial success. He can now afford to provide his partners with better material things, leading to heightened pleasure in their intimacy. He mocks those who are envious of his hustle and questions where they would find work. He reinforces his past involvement in drug dealing and warns against turning informant, threatening violence.
As the song progresses, 50 Cent addresses critics who claim he has changed and become distant from his roots. He highlights his success, fame, and growing ego while playfully asserting that he is too good for the neighborhood. He suggests that people spread rumors about him being "bougie" (bourgeois) because they don't support his music or movies anymore. The song ends with 50 Cent affirming his return to the Southside and expressing love for the neighborhood.
Line by Line Meaning
They say I ain't lyrical
Some people claim that I lack lyrical ability
They say I ain't a miracle (yeah)
They doubt that I possess extraordinary talent or power
I say some hard shit so
I speak harsh and gritty words in my music
They say I ain't spiritual (uh huh)
They question my connection to the divine
They act like they know God better than me
They pretend to have a deeper understanding of God than I do
I know God Allah
I have a personal relationship with God, Allah
He used to pump crack up the street
God, Allah, was involved in the drug trade, selling crack
(come on) allahu Akbar, clap him
In the name of Allah, I will shoot and kill someone
Run through your backyard
I will invade your territory with force
Let the MAC off, tear half of your back off
I will use a MAC-10 firearm to inflict severe harm on you
(Wooooohhhooooooooooooooo) gunshot
The sound of a gunshot, symbolizing the violence I bring
This is my block, my spot, I am here
I proclaim ownership and dominance over this neighborhood
I'm a Southside nigga to the bone
I am deeply rooted and loyal to the Southside
Get that clear
Understand and acknowledge my statement
Now I got a better hustle
I have found a more lucrative business opportunity
So I'm getting better bread
I am making more money and improving my financial situation
Buy my bitches better shit so
I provide luxurious gifts to my female companions
They gimme better head (Say "Whaaaat")
In return, they provide me with more satisfying oral sex
You thinking about getting down
If you are considering joining me
With me, yeah, you better kid
You better be prepared and ready
Where the fuck you gon' get
Where are you going to find
A job? You a predicate
You have a criminal record, so finding employment will be difficult
Felon, it's back to crack selling
As a convicted felon, your only option may be to sell drugs again
Nigga get caught telling, crack your melon
And if you get caught snitching, your skull will be crushed
(aaaaahhh-ooooooohhh) i told you I'd blow
I warned you that I would become successful and gain influence
Now you see it to believe it
Now that my success is evident, you can't deny it
My head gassed up, man, I'm so conceited
My ego is inflated, I am excessively self-centered
Nigga, you ain't never gon' see
You will never witness
Me in the hood (uh huh)
Me present and active in the neighborhood
Motherfuck that shit, nigga, I'm too good
I disregard that idea because I consider myself superior
(hahaaaa) gunshot
Another gunshot, representing the violence I bring
Run tell niggas 50 is bougie
Spread the message that 50 Cent is now high-class and refined
You don't buy his CD's and
You don't purchase his CDs and
Don't go see his movies (fuck that)
You don't watch his movies either, fuck that
He don't act like he used to in Juve'
He no longer behaves in the same manner as he did in his youth
He was on the medication WOOO!
He used to take medication, resulting in a more wild and unpredictable behavior
Now that nigga there loony
Now he appears crazy or mentally unstable
Can it be I been away too long? (Ohhhh)
Could it be that I have been absent for an extended period?
I mean way too long
I am emphasizing that I have been gone for far too much time
Can it be I stayed away too long?
Is it possible that I made the mistake of staying away for too long?
(I been away man)
I have indeed been absent, my friend
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
Did you forget about me when I was not present?
(did you forget me?)
I am directly asking if you have forgotten me
It's not my thing trying to get back
I am not interested in attempting to return
(I'm back baby! I'm back)
But this time, allow me to inform you of my current whereabouts
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
However, this time, allow me to inform you of my current location
(oh, I'm in Southside)
Oh, I am currently located in the Southside
You don't have to worry 'cause I'm coming
You should not be concerned because I am returning
(haha)
Expressing laughter or amusement
Back to where I should have always staaaayed
Returning to the place I should have always remained in
And now I've heard the maybe to your story
Now, I have finally heard your perspective or version of events
(This is that shit right here)
This is that incredible and potent content
And it's enough love for me to staaaaaaaay
There is sufficient love and support for me to remain
(ahhhhhhh) can it be I stayed away too long?
Could it be that I made the mistake of staying away for too long?
Did I leave your mind when I was gone?
Did you forget about me when I was not present?
(I'ma ask you again! Did
I am going to inquire once more! Did
You forget about me?)
Did you forget about me?
It's not my thing trying to get baaaack
I am not interested in attempting to return
But this time let me tell you where I'm at
However, this time, allow me to inform you of my current location
(Southside)
Southside, that is where I currently am
I wanna, wanna be where you are, ooohhhhhhhh
I desire to be in your presence, wherever that may be
Anywhere you are, ooohhhhhhhh
I am willing to be with you in any location
I wanna, wanna be where you are, ooohhhhhhhh
I strongly desire to be in your presence, wherever you may be
Everywhere you are, ooohhhhhhhh
I am willing to follow you and be by your side in every place
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Astra Daniels
This goes hard. I have no idea what is going on with his new stuff. Bring this 50 BACK
Yello Stone
He doesn't have to go this hard anymore but damn don't we all wish he would lmfao.
TheLooper
@Darth Troller You didn't just say it was better than the majority of the massacre, that was easily his second best studio album, very close to GRODT. You gonna listen to them songs properly to appreciate that.
anthony fernandez
It’s been 11 years and this shit goes hard 🤦🏽♂️ very underrated imo
Darth Troller
@'K MAN. Exactly, it just may have not peaked as much as his other albums, but it has the most bangers, I'd place it second, third if you're counting mixtapes, GRODT is a classic, not just for 50's bars, but for Dre and Eminem's production
'K MAN.
@Darth Troller I was just saying the other day animal ambition is prolly his second or third best album nothing on there is bad lyrically only song that might be suspect is animal ambition in lyrically like i said thats a banger-'KAHJMAN'..
J Mark
50 should of had this mixtape be his studio album cause these songs go hard, if he combined the war angel mixtape and the forevre king mixtape, i believe he would have had a classic on his hands. Before i self destruct sounds absolutely terrible compared songs like this.
R. Valdovinos
one of his best songs, yes it is
Noel Everett
Classic 50, when he is in his zone. Nobody is close.
Sk3tchNyc
Still fire been playing dis tape all summer in the Bronx'! 2017