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.
Not Like Me
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (That's your motherf**kin' click, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (You a motherf**kin' snitch, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
[Verse]
Niggaz wanna shine like me (me), rhyme like me (me)
Then walk around with a 9 like me (me)
And they ain't strong enough to take 9 like me
Aiyoo, you think about shittin' on 50... save it
My songs belong in the Bible with King David
I teach niggaz sign language, that ain't def son
*click* *click* you heard that? That mean RUN
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stun on, pa
Pull through, I'll throw a f**kin cocktail at ya' car
From the last shootout, I got a demple on my face
It's nothin', I could go after Mase's fanbase
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
Hit my wisdom tooth *huck-too* spit it out
I don't smile a lot, cause ain't nothin' pretty
Got a purple heart for war, and I ain't never left the City
Hos be like "Fitty, you so witty"
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P.Diddy
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
Won't learn
[Chorus 2X]
If you get shot and run to the cop - You not like me
You ain't got no work on the block - You not like me
It's hot, you ain't got no drop - You not like me
Like me duke, you not like me
[Verse]
Moma said..
Everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
So at night when I talk him, I got my gun in my hand
Don't think I'm crazy, cause I don't fear man
Cause I feel when I kill a man, God won't understand
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan
I been coulda killed these niggaz, I'm still waitin
In the telly with to whores, a Benz with to doors
32 carrots in the traws, no flaws
You see me in the hood, I got atleast two guns
I carry the glock, Tony carry my M-1s
Hold me down nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me
D's waitin for my response to lock me
This is my hustle, nigga don't knock me
You need some shit with banana clips to try and stop me
I'M THE ONE
[Chorus 2x]
If you get shot and run to the cop - You not like me
You ain't got no work on the block - You not like me
It's hot, you ain't got no drop - You not like me
Like me duke, you not like me
[Verse]
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
The good die young, I ain't eligable for that
I shot niggaz, I been shot, sold crack in the street
My attitude is gangsta, so I stand some beef
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
From 3 point range, with a glock, I shoot better then Kobe
See a nigga standin' next to me, he probably my Co-D
See a bitch gettin in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
See the flow is like a 38, it's special yoooooo
A country boy tell ya, I'm fittin' to blowwwww
I'm more like a pimp, then a trick, you knowwww
See, I'm in this for the paper, I don't love the hooos
Niggaz broke in the hood, worried about mines
Grown ass men, wearin starter piece shines
You know them little pieces, with the little stones
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phones
When the gossip starts, I'm always the topic
You too old for that shit dog, why don't you stop it
Shorty, I been watchin you watchin me
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me
Haha
[Chorus 2x]
If you get shot and run to the cop - You not like me
You ain't got no work on the block - You not like me
It's hot, you ain't got no drop - You not like me
Like me duke, you not like me
*Ad-libing to the end*
The lyrics to 50 Cent's "Not Like Me" are aggressive, confrontational and provocative, with an underlying theme of street credibility and toughness. The opening lines repeat the names of the NYPD and LAPD, implying that these law enforcement agencies are always watching and ready to pounce on those who cross the line. The chorus, which repeats the memorable refrain "you not like me," sets up a contrast between 50 Cent's hard-edged persona and those who are perceived as weaker or less capable.
The verses reinforce this dichotomy, with 50 Cent boasting of his skills as a rapper and his ability to handle violent confrontations. He references his reputation on the streets, claiming that people want to emulate him but can't measure up. He also makes it clear that he has no sympathy for those who turn to the police when they are in trouble, or those who don't have the resources to succeed in a cutthroat environment.
Line by Line Meaning
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (When it's on, that's who you get, huh?)
When trouble arises, the police force in your area is the one you turn to for help
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (That's your motherf**kin' click, huh?)
Referring to the police force as your clique (aka gang) because you associate with them often
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (You a motherf**kin' snitch, huh?)
Calling someone out for being a snitch to the cops
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
Repeating the previous lines to emphasize the idea of turning to the police for help or being considered a snitch
Niggaz wanna shine like me (me), rhyme like me (me)
People want to be like the rapper, both in terms of fame and musical talent
Then walk around with a 9 like me (me)
People also want to carry a gun like 50 Cent
They don't wanna do it, 3 to 9 like me
However, people don't actually want to use their guns in a shootout like the rapper
And they ain't strong enough to take 9 like me
Acknowledging that 50 Cent is tough enough to handle the recoil of a 9mm gun
Aiyoo, you think about shittin' on 50... save it
Warning anyone thinking about disrespecting him to think twice
My songs belong in the Bible with King David
Asserting that his songs are so powerful, they belong in the Bible alongside the poet King David
I teach niggaz sign language, that ain't def son
Using gunshots as a form of communication
*click* *click* you heard that? That mean RUN
Explaining the sound of a gun being cocked and warning listeners to flee
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stun on, pa
Don't mess with him because he's not someone you want to (try to) embarrass
Pull through, I'll throw a f**kin cocktail at ya' car
Threatening to throw a Molotov cocktail at someone's car if they cross him
From the last shootout, I got a demple on my face
Showing off his battle scars from a previous gunfight
It's nothin', I could go after Mase's fanbase
Making light of his injury, saying he could still take on rapper Mase's fans
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
Refusing to wait for medical attention after being hit with a shell in the face
Hit my wisdom tooth *huck-too* spit it out
Still tough enough to spit out his wisdom tooth after it was hit by a shell
I don't smile a lot, cause ain't nothin' pretty
50 Cent doesn't smile often because he's seen and done too many ugly things
Got a purple heart for war, and I ain't never left the City
Comparing himself to war heroes by saying he's earned his stripes in the streets of his hometown
Hos be like "Fitty, you so witty"
Women are attracted to his clever wordplay and charm
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P.Diddy
Women also want to be associated with him because he's rumored to ghostwrite for popular artist P. Diddy
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn
Taking his rightful place at the top while others still struggle
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
Although he's been shot before, he's still not afraid to keep living dangerously
If you get shot and run to the cop - You not like me
Claiming that if someone runs to the police after being shot, they're not like him (aka a real gangsta)
You ain't got no work on the block - You not like me
If you're not selling drugs on the block, you're not like him
It's hot, you ain't got no drop - You not like me
If you don't have a convertible car to drive when it's hot outside, you're not like him
Moma said..
Beginning a personal reflection on life and mortality, referencing advice from his mother
Everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
Believing that everything that's happened in his life was meant to be
So at night when I talk him, I got my gun in my hand
Still carrying a gun for protection even when he's praying at night
Don't think I'm crazy, cause I don't fear man
Not fearing other people doesn't make him crazy, it's just how he's learned to survive
Cause I feel when I kill a man, God won't understand
Thinking that even God won't comprehend why he's been forced to take a life
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan
Acknowledging his dark and twisted thoughts and wondering if he's truly evil
I been coulda killed these niggaz, I'm still waitin
Admitting to having the opportunity to kill others, but choosing to spare them for now
In the telly with to whores, a Benz with to doors
Living a life of luxury with two women and a fancy car
32 carrots in the traws, no flaws
Showing off his expensive jewelry collection which has no imperfections
You see me in the hood, I got atleast two guns
Still carrying multiple guns for protection in his dangerous neighborhood
I carry the glock, Tony carry my M-1s
His associates also help him carry weapons
Hold me down nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me
Asking for backup from his friends because older gangstas are trying to retaliate against him
D's waitin for my response to lock me
Knowing that police are watching and waiting for him to slip up so they can arrest him
This is my hustle, nigga don't knock me
Defending his lifestyle as a hustler and asking others not to judge him for it
You need some shit with banana clips to try and stop me
Challenging his enemies to come at him with powerful weapons if they want to stop him
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
Claiming to have had a near-death experience and been sent back to Earth
The good die young, I ain't eligable for that
Believing he's not a "good" person and therefore doesn't deserve to die young
I shot niggaz, I been shot, sold crack in the street
Recalling his violent and criminal past
My attitude is gangsta, so I stand some beef
Being unafraid to take on people who disrespect him because he has a tough demeanor
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
People are curious about his life and want to get to know him
From 3 point range, with a glock, I shoot better then Kobe
Comparing his aim with a gun to basketball star Kobe Bryant's shooting abilities
See a nigga standin' next to me, he probably my Co-D
Assuming that anyone standing next to him is a fellow gangsta or associate
See a bitch gettin in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
Assuming that any woman riding in his car is doing so for sexual favors
See the flow is like a 38, it's special yoooooo
Praising his unique style of rapping as being similar to a .38 caliber handgun
A country boy tell ya, I'm fittin' to blowwwww
As a rapper from rural areas, he's on the verge of becoming a big star
I'm more like a pimp, then a trick, you knowwww
Feeling like a boss and not a follower
See, I'm in this for the paper, I don't love the hooos
Admitting that he's motivated by money, not women
Niggaz broke in the hood, worried about mines
Pointing out how other people in his struggling neighborhood are too concerned with his wealth rather than their own lives
Grown ass men, wearin starter piece shines
Mocking men who are too old to be wearing cheap jewelry
You know them little pieces, with the little stones
Referring to the common jewelry trend of small, flashy pieces with fake gems
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phones
Too many drug addicts are calling your phone, not enough legitimate customers
When the gossip starts, I'm always the topic
Being frequently talked about and involved in drama
You too old for that shit dog, why don't you stop it
Critiquing other people's childish behavior and telling them to grow up
Shorty, I been watchin you watchin me
Noticing someone who's been keeping an eye on him
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me
Flirting with someone by asking them if they're more interested in his material possessions or his personality
Contributed by Julia B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good