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.
Raid
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I made a power move and it's everything it seems
Before 'Ye signed me, I was getting out my dreams
Standing on the shoulders of twenty thousand fiends
Every time a nigga wanna try and turn a profit
Folks rush in, three letters try and stop it
F B I R S D E A
One letter short but still motherfuck the DA
Combination lock to the kilos that I hold
Leopard print Louboutin's, prowlin' the concrete
Roller balls come alive just like Jumanji
You know where to find me
Greenhouse a circle of top whores
Mandarin, Gansevoort, any of them top floors
Thirty five large took it right out the top draw
Still got a throwaway phone in my sock draw
[Chorus]
It's like rain, spraying on you roaches
The AK is an animal, it is ferocious
A nigga wanna sing but we is the dopest
Watch that nigga disappear, hocus pocus
Ring, ring the nigga wanna sing
Ring, ring, I keep that bitch clean
Ring, ring the nigga wanna sing
Unless he is an insomniac and dying to dream
You can tell I went to school on a small yellow bus
Never bothered me, strong arm robbery
I went from powdered jelly donuts to them o's
From my high school sweetheart to fucking with hoes
Look I'm all grown up and I dun blown up
Nigga ain't much changed, in fact, things are the same
I'm the definition of shooter, gun of choice the Ruger
You'll take my word for it or make me do it to ya
I'm a magnet to murder, when I'm in the mood
Get convicted through the forensics when you walk in my shoes
I'm bad news, you niggas know the verdict, I'm filthy
Drop Phantom is milky
White on white, twenty four inch blades I'm skatin'
Red eye smoking that bomb shit, I'm Satan
Niggas surprised, fifty back on fire
Fifty back running round this bitch strapped
Hit man for hire
[Chorus]
I sit with the liars, duct tape and tires
Been lost their soul
They just waiting on the fire
Innocent faces with a shit load of priors
Something out of nothing, a team full of MacGyvers
Deep sea dive for the fish scale
Tryna find a better price, man that ship sailed
Take a record head back if that shit fail
Drop weight like an anchor than you set sail
Hell freeze over like the watch I put the sleeve over
Engine double scream when I turn the key over
Pirellis on the street rolling like a steam roller
Bitches double team when I have my sleep overs
Yeah, Re-Up gang with the G-Unit
This is Taylor made drug dealer fiend music
Test it on ya tongue or either watch a fiend do it
I got you hooked and I laugh as you lean to it
[Chorus]
In "Raid," 50 Cent reflects on his rise to success and the criminal activities that inspired his success. He emphasizes his affiliation with powerful figures, indicating that he only surrounds himself with influential people. He acknowledges the impact of being signed by Kanye West, as it enabled him to achieve his dreams and escape a life of struggle. He references the drug trade, standing on the shoulders of thousands of drug users as a metaphor for his success.
The lyrics also touch on the constant surveillance and interference from law enforcement agencies, symbolized by "F B I R S D E A" (an anagram for a highly scrutinized agency). Despite their attempts to stop his illegal activities, 50 Cent claims to play by their rules while simultaneously defying them. He compares his role in the drug trade to cracking a combination lock, signifying his control over the valuable kilos he possesses.
Further in the song, 50 Cent boasts about his extravagant lifestyle. He mentions wearing expensive leopard-print Louboutin shoes and exploring the top floors of elite establishments like the Mandarin and Gansevoort hotels. These details highlight his opulent lifestyle and the fruits of his criminal enterprise.
The chorus portrays 50 Cent's dominance and ferocity. He compares himself to rain spraying on roaches, signifying his ability to eliminate his enemies effortlessly. He presents his AK-47 as a force to be reckoned with and asserts his superiority over other rappers. The phrase "hocus pocus" implies that those who try to oppose him will simply disappear.
In the second verse, 50 Cent reflects on his upbringing and criminal behavior. He mentions riding a small yellow bus to school, possibly suggesting a special education program. He notes that this fact never bothered him, asserting his ability to overcome challenges. He juxtaposes this humble beginning with his present lifestyle, from eating powdered jelly donuts to trafficking drugs and engaging in sexual relationships with multiple women. He implies that despite the changes, he remains unchanged and true to himself.
He then boasts about his skills as a shooter, emphasizing his preferred weapon, the Ruger. 50 Cent challenges others to either believe his words or experience the consequences. He presents himself as a magnet to murder, suggesting that violence follows him wherever he goes. He feels that his actions are justified, as forensic evidence will support his justifications when others walk a mile in his shoes. He warns others that he is bad news, implying that crossing him will have dire consequences.
In the final verse, 50 Cent associates himself with a team of resourceful individuals, stating that they can turn something out of nothing, alluding to their ability to make the most of any situation. He further references the drug trade, mentioning the pursuit of finding better prices and the consequences of failure. He compares his impact to freezing hell over, signifying his ability to achieve seemingly impossible feats. He also highlights his power over women, implying that they willingly engage in sexual activities with him.
Throughout the song, 50 Cent boasts about his criminal activities and dominance in the rap game. He constantly asserts his power, making it clear that he has no qualms about resorting to violence when necessary. These lyrics provide insights into the gritty and aggressive persona that 50 Cent has cultivated throughout his career.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm only in the company of Kings
I surround myself with powerful, successful individuals.
I made a power move and it's everything it seems
I successfully executed a strategic move that has had a significant impact.
Before 'Ye signed me, I was getting out my dreams
Even before Kanye West signed me, I was achieving my aspirations.
Standing on the shoulders of twenty thousand fiends
My success is built upon the support and loyalty of a large number of devoted fans.
Every time a nigga wanna try and turn a profit
Whenever someone wants to make money or benefit from their actions.
Folks rush in, three letters try and stop it
Authorities like the FBI, IRS, and DEA intervene to hinder or obstruct these profit-making endeavors.
F B I R S D E A
Frustrations arise when dealing with the FBI, IRS, and DEA, agencies that crack down on illegal activities.
One letter short but still motherfuck the DA
While one letter is missing in my defiance towards the District Attorney, I still hold contempt for them.
We play by the rules as they try and crack the code
I follow the rules while law enforcement attempts to decipher my methods and strategies.
Combination lock to the kilos that I hold
My possession of large quantities of drugs is metaphorically compared to a secure combination lock.
Leopard print Louboutin's, prowlin' the concrete
I roam the city streets wearing luxury leopard print Christian Louboutin shoes, symbolizing my dominance and confidence.
Roller balls come alive just like Jumanji
The extravagant lifestyle I lead comes to life, similar to the chaos and excitement in the movie Jumanji.
You know where to find me
You are aware of my whereabouts and can easily locate me.
Greenhouse a circle of top whores
I surround myself with high-class, influential women in exclusive venues like the Greenhouse nightclub.
Mandarin, Gansevoort, any of them top floors
Whether it's at Mandarin Oriental or Gansevoort Hotel, I can be found on the elite top floors.
Thirty five large took it right out the top draw
I nonchalantly withdrew a significant amount of money from a hidden drawer.
Still got a throwaway phone in my sock draw
I continue to keep a disposable phone hidden in my sock drawer for secretive or temporary communication.
It's like rain, spraying on you roaches
I, armed with an AK-47, metaphorically rain down destruction on my enemies.
The AK is an animal, it is ferocious
The AK-47 is a powerful weapon that inspires fear and instills a sense of danger.
A nigga wanna sing but we is the dopest
Others may aspire to be successful, but we are the most skilled and talented.
Watch that nigga disappear, hocus pocus
Witness that individual vanish as if by magic, leaving no trace behind.
Ring, ring the nigga wanna sing
Someone is reaching out, eager to collaborate or be recognized for their talent.
Ring, ring, I keep that bitch clean
I maintain my weapon in impeccable condition, always ready for action.
Unless he is an insomniac and dying to dream
The only exception is if the individual is sleep-deprived and willing to pursue their aspirations at all costs.
You can tell I went to school on a small yellow bus
My intelligence and upbringing may not be conventional, but I've learned valuable lessons through life experiences.
Never bothered me, strong arm robbery
I am unfazed by criticism or challenges, and I possess the strength and skill to forcefully achieve my goals.
I went from powdered jelly donuts to them o's
I transitioned from indulging in simple pleasures to dealing large quantities of drugs.
From my high school sweetheart to fucking with hoes
I moved on from a romantic relationship with a childhood love to engaging with promiscuous women.
Look I'm all grown up and I dun blown up
I have matured and achieved great success beyond anyone's expectations.
Nigga ain't much changed, in fact, things are the same
Despite my transformation, my essence and lifestyle remain largely unaltered.
I'm the definition of shooter, gun of choice the Ruger
I embody the archetype of a skilled shooter, and my preferred firearm is the Ruger.
You'll take my word for it or make me do it to ya
Either trust my reputation and accept my capabilities, or I will forcefully demonstrate them to you.
I'm a magnet to murder, when I'm in the mood
Violence and killing seem to gravitate towards me, especially when I am in a certain mindset or disposition.
Get convicted through the forensics when you walk in my shoes
Experience the consequences and evidence of criminal activities when you inhabit my perspective or go through what I have been through.
I'm bad news, you niggas know the verdict, I'm filthy
I am a negative influence, and everyone is well aware of the consequences of associating with me. I am morally corrupt.
Drop Phantom is milky
My luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom stands out with its pristine appearance.
White on white, twenty four inch blades I'm skatin'
My white-on-white car, equipped with twenty-four-inch blades for wheels, glides effortlessly.
Red eye smoking that bomb shit, I'm Satan
Engaging in drug use, particularly potent marijuana, I assume the role of the devil, emphasizing my wickedness or indulgence in sinful activities.
Niggas surprised, fifty back on fire
Individuals are astonished and amazed to witness my resurgence and renewed success.
Fifty back running round this bitch strapped
I, 50 Cent, am actively present in this environment, fully armed or equipped for any potential threat.
Hit man for hire
I possess the ability and connections to hire a professional killer.
I sit with the liars, duct tape and tires
I associate and spend time with deceptive individuals who engage in criminal activities such as kidnapping or extortion.
Been lost their soul
These individuals have forsaken their morality and humanity.
They just waiting on the fire
They are eagerly anticipating or expecting the chaos, violence, and destruction that they often cause.
Innocent faces with a shit load of priors
Despite their seemingly innocent appearances, these individuals have extensive criminal records or histories.
Something out of nothing, a team full of MacGyvers
We create incredible achievements or solutions using limited resources or under challenging circumstances, much like the character MacGyver is known for.
Deep sea dive for the fish scale
Engage in an underwater search for high-quality cocaine.
Tryna find a better price, man that ship sailed
Attempting to locate a more favorable deal or price, but realizing that the opportunity has already passed.
Take a record head back if that shit fail
I will return or retract any previous statements or promises made if they do not yield the intended results.
Drop weight like an anchor than you set sail
Remove unnecessary or unwanted weight or burdens in order to progress or embark on a new journey.
Hell freeze over like the watch I put the sleeve over
An event or situation that is highly unlikely or improbable, comparable to a watch freezing, despite having a protective covering or sleeve.
Engine double scream when I turn the key over
My car's engine produces a loud and powerful roar when I start it by turning the key.
Pirellis on the street rolling like a steam roller
The Pirelli tires on my vehicle glide effortlessly on the road, symbolizing dominance and control similar to a steam roller.
Bitches double team when I have my sleep overs
Women eagerly engage in sexual activities with me and each other when we spend the night together.
Yeah, Re-Up gang with the G-Unit
I am associated with the Re-Up gang and the G-Unit, two notorious collectives in the music industry.
This is Taylor made drug dealer fiend music
The type of music I create is specifically tailored for drug dealers and addicts, catering to their tastes and experiences.
Test it on ya tongue or either watch a fiend do it
Try my product by placing it on your tongue or observe an addict demonstrating their consumption, highlighting the addictive nature and allure of my drugs.
I got you hooked and I laugh as you lean to it
I have successfully addicted you to my drugs, and I derive satisfaction from witnessing your dependency and vulnerability.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: CURTIS JACKSON, CURTIS WILLIAMS, PHARRELL WILLIAMS, TERRENCE THORNTON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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