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.
Power of the Dollar
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
This shit right here is drugs, ya'll for sell baby
50 Cent uh, take it how you want to take it nigga
Yo aiyyo, aiyyo, there is six different wings in the spot, choose one
Some get addicted, some do it for fun
Boy my hoes are clean, just like my guns
And I keep them in a safe place, just like my funds
Frontin' and I'll clap your ass and leave you for dead son
Niggas who know me, know how I get down, I'm fresh out the pound
NYPD crit the flip, get on some New York undercover shit
Fuck wit dogs you ain't familiar wit, and get bit
Niggas scripted through the hit, for some paper and shit
It's all about the cash, keep it in a stash
Some niggas talk shit wit they ass, I see through them like glass
Popo lookin' for me, for some shit I did in the past
If you don't like me at first, I'm gonna grow on you like a rash
This rap shit, I got it in smash, I'm built to last
Feel the wrath, I bust that ass, sit back and laugh (haha)
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
Nigga don't you ever forget, I call the shots
I run the spots, extort your pops, flossin' drops
I'm "Livin Off Xperience" like Lox, I'm hot
Check what I got, shorty got knocked
Comin' up out the capsule spot
On the uptown block, he couldn't run from the cops
So my man got shot
In a jet black Brasada, across the street from his mom's crib on his block
I told him get them niggas that cash, they murdered that ass
Niggas told 'em slow down, he was movin' too fast
Heard the shot, went through his face after the glass, he crashed
Hit the three on his niggas grass, the cattle said it got low fast
The kid who had it done was a crude fella
Who woulda thought he wile out over that mozzarella
We ain't know them, but now we know better
Not to fuck with his cheddar, his man pack a beretta
He won't hesitate to squeeze that, over that green back
Believe that, now niggas know that he's back
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
I ain't got a worry in the world, if it's beef, don't sing it, bring it
Parents warn their kids, about people like me
I'm out of order, I turn your only daughter, into a transporter
Before I die, I'm gonna see more blow than Rich Porter (woo)
50 Cent, don't get it fucked up for greens, I for greens
Let it go back to Smith, I dissect it
I check and correct it, flow perfected
I make shit hectic, I wreck shit, nigga check it
If you ain't tryin' to feel the flames from the blast
Respect a nigga cash
My smile will rock niggas to sleep, pack heat
Fuck the police, handle beef on the street
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9 with 2 MM's
If your man want to get involved, I'll bring it to him
Niggas been wantin' me dead, I'm still here kid
They send their dogs to come get me
They wet shit, but they ain't hit me
Word in the hood is 50, shifty
Niggas they don't want to go against me
Cause they know I hunt your ass alive
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
The lyrics to 50 Cent's song "Power of the Dollar" offer insight into the rapper's experiences with drugs, violence, and cash. He begins the song with the statement, "Ya'll n***as want to get high, well we gonna get high then. This shit right here is drugs, ya'll for sell baby." The first verse details the drug scene, with 50 Cent describing himself as a dealer with "six different wings in the spot" and guns that are "just like my hoes...clean." However, he also emphasizes the danger involved in this lifestyle, noting that "some get addicted, some do it for fun."
Throughout the song, 50 Cent emphasizes the power and importance of money. He warns that "for the money, n***as will murder that ass" and speaks of murders committed over cash. He also states that "I ain't got a worry in the world, if it's beef, don't sing it, bring it," emphasizing his fearlessness in the face of danger.
Overall, "Power of the Dollar" offers a glimpse into the dark side of the rap world - a world where drugs, violence, and cash rule all.
Line by Line Meaning
Ya'll niggas want to get high, well we gonna get high then
We're gonna have a good time tonight, partying and doing drugs.
This shit right here is drugs, ya'll for sell baby
The party atmosphere is caused by the drugs we are using, and this is why everyone is having a good time.
50 Cent uh, take it how you want to take it nigga
I am 50 Cent, and you can interpret my words and actions as you see fit.
Yo aiyyo, aiyyo, there is six different wings in the spot, choose one
There are six different women here, it's up to you which one you pick to hook up with.
Some get addicted, some do it for fun
Some people become addicted to drugs, while others only use them for enjoyment.
Boy my hoes are clean, just like my guns
The women I associate with are healthy and disease-free, just like my guns are clean and well-maintained.
And I keep them in a safe place, just like my funds
I store my valuable possessions, including my women and my money, in a secure place where they can be protected.
I keep all my big bills, give my wifey the ones
I keep my larger denomination currency in my possession, while giving my wife smaller denominations to use.
Frontin' and I'll clap your ass and leave you for dead son
If you try to show off or act tough, I will retaliate with deadly force and show you no mercy.
Niggas who know me, know how I get down, I'm fresh out the pound
Those who are familiar with me know that I am tough and street-smart, having spent time in prison.
NYPD crit the flip, get on some New York undercover shit
The police are investigating my activities and are trying to catch me doing something illegal.
Fuck wit dogs you ain't familiar wit, and get bit
If you mess with unfamiliar people, you may be faced with unforeseen consequences.
Niggas scripted through the hit, for some paper and shit
Some individuals will do anything, including committing murder, for financial gain.
It's all about the cash, keep it in a stash
In our world, money is the most important thing, and it must be handled and stored carefully.
Some niggas talk shit wit they ass, I see through them like glass
Some people try to act tough or talk a big game, but I can see through their lies and see them for who they really are.
Popo lookin' for me, for some shit I did in the past
The police are after me, wanting to hold me accountable for criminal activities I have committed.
If you don't like me at first, I'm gonna grow on you like a rash
Even if you don't initially like me or my actions, you will eventually become used to me and tolerate me.
This rap shit, I got it in smash, I'm built to last
I am a skilled rapper and know how to succeed in this industry, and I am confident that I will have a long career.
Feel the wrath, I bust that ass, sit back and laugh (haha)
If someone crosses me, I will fight back and enjoy watching them fail.
You don't have to respect a nigga, but respect his cash
You may not like or respect me as a person, but you should still respect my wealth and influence.
Cause for the money, niggas will murder that ass
People are willing to commit murder in order to obtain wealth and financial security.
I came up fast, I watched a lot of gats blast
I quickly rose in power and status, while also witnessing plenty of gun violence along the way.
The power of the dollar (the cash, the cash)
Money has the power to control people and influence their behavior and actions.
Nigga don't you ever forget, I call the shots
I am the one in charge and make all important decisions.
I run the spots, extort your pops, flossin' drops
I control the territory and have the power to intimidate and extort others, while driving around in flashy cars.
I'm "Livin Off Xperience" like Lox, I'm hot
I am thriving and profiting from my life experiences, just like the rap group Lox.
Check what I got, shorty got knocked
Look at my possessions or my handiwork, which includes successfully getting a woman pregnant.
Comin' up out the capsule spot
Emerging from a drug or party location.
On the uptown block, he couldn't run from the cops
A criminal was caught by the police on a city block.
So my man got shot
As a result of his illegal activities, someone I know was shot and possibly killed.
In a jet black Brasada, across the street from his mom's crib on his block
He was driving a black Brasada, parked near his mother's house on his home street.
I told him get them niggas that cash, they murdered that ass
I advised him to go after people who had stolen money from him, only to have them retaliate and kill him instead.
Niggas told 'em slow down, he was movin' too fast
Others warned him to be more careful and patient, rather than putting himself in danger by acting impulsively.
Heard the shot, went through his face after the glass, he crashed
He was shot in the head, causing him to crash his car.
Hit the three on his niggas grass, the cattle said it got low fast
He was killed on someone else's territory, leading to a decrease in activity on that block.
The kid who had it done was a crude fella
The person responsible for the murder was a rough, unsophisticated man.
Who woulda thought he wile out over that mozzarella
Who would have thought that he would become violent in order to obtain money?
We ain't know them, but now we know better
We did not know these people before, but now we know to avoid them and their violent behavior.
Not to fuck with his cheddar, his man pack a beretta
We have learned not to mess with this person's money, as his associate carries a gun for protection.
He won't hesitate to squeeze that, over that green back
He is prepared to use his weapon to defend his money and his interests.
Believe that, now niggas know that he's back
Now we are all aware of his reputation and his willingness to use violence to get what he wants.
I ain't got a worry in the world, if it's beef, don't sing it, bring it
I am not afraid of any conflicts or problems, and I urge others to bring any issues to me directly without gossiping or complaining.
Parents warn their kids, about people like me
Some people are seen as dangerous or criminal, and parents warn their children to stay away from them.
I'm out of order, I turn your only daughter, into a transporter
I am not a respectable or honorable person, and I may involve your daughter in my illegal activities.
Before I die, I'm gonna see more blow than Rich Porter (woo)
I plan to become even more successful and wealthy in my criminal endeavors than the notorious drug dealer Rich Porter.
50 Cent, don't get it fucked up for greens, I for greens
My name is 50 Cent, and while some may assume I am using drugs or marijuana when I say "greens," in fact I am referring to money.
Let it go back to Smith, I dissect it
Let the conversation turn back to the topic of money, which I am an expert in handling and making more of.
I check and correct it, flow perfected
I am very careful with my money, to the point of being obsessive about checking and correcting any issues or mistakes.
I make shit hectic, I wreck shit, nigga check it
I am capable of causing havoc and destruction, and others should be aware of this capability.
If you ain't tryin' to feel the flames from the blast
If you do not want to deal with the consequences of my actions or words, you should stay out of my way.
Respect a nigga cash
Ultimately, money is the most important thing, and others should show respect for my wealth and influence.
My smile will rock niggas to sleep, pack heat
My charm and appearance may lull others into complacency, but I am always armed and dangerous.
Fuck the police, handle beef on the street
I do not trust or respect the police, and I am willing to deal with criminal conflicts or problems myself.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I'm a 9 with 2 MM's
On a scale of toughness or intensity, I am a 9 out of 10, with two million dollars in assets to prove it.
If your man want to get involved, I'll bring it to him
If someone has a problem with me or my activities, I am prepared to confront them directly and aggressively.
Niggas been wantin' me dead, I'm still here kid
Despite my numerous enemies and threats to my life, I am still alive and thriving.
They send their dogs to come get me
Those who oppose me often send others, such as law enforcement or criminal associates, to capture or punish me.
They wet shit, but they ain't hit me
Others have tried to harm me with bullets or violence, but have been unsuccessful in killing me.
Word in the hood is 50, shifty
My reputation in my neighborhood is that I am unpredictable and capable of anything.
Niggas they don't want to go against me
Others are intimidated or afraid to confront me directly, due to my power and reputation.
Cause they know I hunt your ass alive
Others are afraid of me, because they know I am capable of finding them and causing them harm or death.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Damaine Gorman
0:00 - Intro (Power of the Dollar)
1:10 - The Hit
4:53 - The Good Die Young
8:54 - Corner Bodega (Coke Spot)
10:31 - Your Life's on the Line
14:12 - That Ain't Gangsta
17:38 - As The World Turns (ft. Bun B)
21:58 - Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)
26:32 - Da Repercussions
30:01 - Money By Any Means (ft. N.O.R.E.)
34:05 - Material Girl 2000
38:42 - Thug Love (ft. Destiny's Child)
41:56 - Slow Doe
45:53 - Gun Runners (ft. Black Child)
47:47 - You Ain't No Gangsta
51:25 - Power of the Dollar
54:51 - I'm a Hustler
58:47 - How to Rob (ft. The Madd Rapper)
CHAD GAMING
0:00 - Intro (Power of the Dollar)
1:10 - The Hit
4:53 - The Good Die Young
8:54 - Corner Bodega (Coke Spot)
10:31 - Your Life's on the Line
14:12 - That Ain't Gangsta
17:38 - As The World Turns (ft. Bun B)
21:58 - Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)
26:32 - Da Repercussions
30:01 - Money By Any Means (ft. N.O.R.E.)
34:05 - Material Girl 2000
38:42 - Thug Love (ft. Destiny's Child)
41:56 - Slow Doe
45:53 - Gun Runners (ft. Black Child)
47:47 - You Ain't No Gangsta
51:25 - Power of the Dollar
54:51 - I'm a Hustler
58:47 - How to Rob (ft. The Madd Rapper)
bram bram
Tracklist
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - The Hit
4:51 - The Good Die Young
8:54 - Corner Bodega (Coke Spot)
10:31 - Your Life's on the Line
14:10 - That Ain't Gangsta
17:38 - As the World Turns ft. Bun B
21:57 - Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)
26:30 - Da Repercussions
30:01 - Money By Any Means ft. Noreaga
33:20 - Material Girl ft. Dave Hollister
38:41 - Thug Love ft. Destiny's Child
41:56 - Slow Doe
45:51 - Gun Runner ft. Black Child
47:47 - You Ain't No Gangsta
51:25 - Power of the Dollar
54:51 - I'm a Hustler
58:40 - How to Rob ft. The Madd Rapper
Cálido TV
Tracklist
0:00 - Intro
1:10 - The Hit
4:51 - The Good Die Young
8:54 - Corner Bodega (Coke Spot)
10:31 - Your Life's on the Line
14:10 - That Ain't Gangsta
17:38 - As the World Turns ft. Bun B
21:57 - Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)
26:30 - Da Repercussions
30:01 - Money By Any Means ft. Noreaga
33:20 - Material Girl ft. Dave Hollister
38:41 - Thug Love ft. Destiny's Child
41:56 - Slow Doe
45:51 - Gun Runner ft. Black Child
47:47 - You Ain't No Gangsta
51:25 - Power of the Dollar
54:51 - I'm a Hustler
58:40 - How to Rob ft. The Madd Rapper
Damaine Gorman
0:00 - Intro (Power of the Dollar)
1:10 - The Hit
4:53 - The Good Die Young
8:54 - Corner Bodega (Coke Spot)
10:31 - Your Life's on the Line
14:12 - That Ain't Gangsta
17:38 - As The World Turns (ft. Bun B)
21:58 - Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)
26:32 - Da Repercussions
30:01 - Money By Any Means (ft. N.O.R.E.)
34:05 - Material Girl 2000
38:42 - Thug Love (ft. Destiny's Child)
41:56 - Slow Doe
45:53 - Gun Runners (ft. Black Child)
47:47 - You Ain't No Gangsta
51:25 - Power of the Dollar
54:51 - I'm a Hustler
58:47 - How to Rob (ft. The Madd Rapper)
Greg T-F
@Goat ! It's some dude name Dave Hollister...
Greg T-F
@Terrence Williams u were lied to 😂
I wanna talk podcast
Thank you 💯
T C
Thank you!!!!
Gerald Draymond
Good shit man 🔥
Louie Tube
Played this through school, 14/15/16 years of age and still listening to it now at 31 years old, I come back to this album every now and then, this album is a masterpiece
Kirk Buck
the best dude
SD.ENT.TV-SD:StretchDubSmokeDub Supplyin Demand TV
Highly underrated. This is one of the best rap albums of all time.
Earnie Carrasquillo
Facts