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.
Respect It Or Check It
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Some niggas wanna smoke niggas
Some niggas sell coke
Some niggas selling dope, nigga
We all hood, different pedigrees
Now ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check out my melody
You fuck around I catch a felony
Since a little nigga I been on my own
Me I hold the chrome
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
Me I'm full blown
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
I don't know if I'm worse when
I'm rich or when I'm broke, nigga
Same attitude, you got it, go 'head smoke
Nigga i'm fucking with a blonde bitch
I got my own fragrance
Powered by 50, goddamn it, I think I made it
I tried to keep it basic
They wanna complicate shit
The feds on my phone
That's why I don't ever say shit
Portray being a friend to me and
I'll make you a memory
That 40 Cali barrel get to
Smoking like a chimney
Niggas sick of pussy shit and
Me I'm just the remedy
'03 get rich, nigga, you remember me?
Shorty rock her hips she get
To looking like an entree
Bad bitch, fat ass, bouncing it like Beyoncé
She saying "I'm a-a diva, I'm a
I'm a-a diva"
I'ma fuck her and leave her, nigga
I don't need her
I was born alone, I die alone
I be in the zone
Bitches won't leave me alone now
That my money long
Since a little nigga I been on my own
Me I hold the chrome
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
Me I'm full blown
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga since a little nigga I been on my own
Me I hold the chrome
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
Me I'm full blown
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
I pull the hammer out and spank niggas
I peep your style, you got
Sugar in your tank, nigga
Don't fucking wink at me
I blend in with the best of them
Shooters and robbers
I'm on that william shit
I black your eye for blogging
What the fuck is the problem?
Violence isn't the answer
I split your fucking head then get jammed up
Why did you call the cops? Why
Didn't you say I'm hot?
It's been six years I been here on top
You act like I'm a average
Nigga spitting a average flow
Fucking with average bitches like
Everywhere that I go
I'm not focused on hoes
I'm focusing on the dough
And I won't talk to you
After my next album blow
Since a little nigga I been on my own
Me I hold the chrome
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
Me I'm full blown
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga since a little nigga I been on my own
Me I hold the chrome
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
Me I'm full blown
You don't think so respect it or check it
Nigga
Rest in peace to Michael Jackson
You niggas need me, man
I might have to start moonwalking
Couple dance moves and shit
Write me some shit
Call it ''Billie Jean Is My Lover''
I'm back, nigga, why so quiet?
Niggas know it's summertime, I'm
All over the place, nigga
And you know when you see me I'm strizzapped
Oh shit, nigga, y'all know I was
Gonna get on that shit, yeah
The lyrics of "Respect It Or Check It" by 50 Cent touch on themes of power, self-reliance, and the consequences of choices made in life. The opening lines acknowledge the various paths that people choose, with some seeking pleasure and others engaging in illegal activities. The lyrics suggest that regardless of their different backgrounds, they are all part of the same neighborhood or "hood."
The chorus emphasizes the importance of respecting the singer's authority and perspective. It warns that those who doubt his capabilities or challenge him may face the consequences, such as legal trouble or being proven wrong. The mention of holding a chrome, which likely refers to carrying a firearm, suggests a readiness to defend oneself and an assertion of dominance.
In the second verse, 50 Cent reflects on his personal journey and growth. He implies that he has outgrown childish behavior and is now fully mature and self-sufficient. He confidently asserts that he was born alone and will die alone, highlighting his independence and resilience. This sense of individuality is reinforced by his assertion that he is constantly in the zone, or focused on his own goals and success.
The following verse delves into 50 Cent's perception of himself and his success. He expresses ambivalence about whether he is worse off when rich or broke, highlighting that his attitude and values remain consistent regardless of his financial status. He dismisses those who complicate things and distance themselves from average experiences, instead emphasizing his focus on money, the bottom line, and his own trajectory.
The final verse touches on anger and violence, alluding to potential conflicts with others. 50 Cent asserts his toughness and willingness to confront those who challenge him, even insinuating that he has caused physical harm to those who have crossed him. His lyrics suggest a disregard for the police and a lack of concern for the consequences of his actions.
Overall, "Respect It Or Check It" portrays 50 Cent as a street-smart, independent individual who demands respect and asserts his dominance within his neighborhood. The lyrics focus on themes of personal growth, self-reliance, confronting challenges, and the consequences of one's choices in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Some niggas just wanna smoke
Some people just want to relax and have a good time
Some niggas wanna smoke niggas
Some people are looking for conflict and violence
Some niggas sell coke
Some people are involved in the illegal drug trade
Some niggas selling dope, nigga
Some people are selling drugs for a living
We all hood, different pedigrees
We come from the same neighborhood, but have different backgrounds and upbringings
Now ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-check out my melody
Listen closely to my words and message
You fuck around I catch a felony
If you mess with me, I could end up with a serious criminal charge
Since a little nigga I been on my own
I have been independent and self-reliant since a young age
Me I hold the chrome
I carry a gun for protection
You don't think so respect it or check it
If you doubt my capabilities, either give me the respect I deserve or face the consequences
That shorty shit is over now I'm grown
I am no longer immature or naive; I have grown up
Me I'm full blown
I am fully developed and experienced
I don't know if I'm worse when
I am uncertain whether I am worse off
I'm rich or when I'm broke, nigga
Whether I have money or not, I may still face difficulties
Same attitude, you got it, go 'head smoke
I have the same mentality regardless of your actions, feel free to do as you please
Nigga i'm fucking with a blonde bitch
I am involved with a white woman
I got my own fragrance
I have created my own distinct identity
Powered by 50, goddamn it, I think I made it
With my own strength and influence, I believe I have achieved success
I tried to keep it basic
I have attempted to keep things simple and straightforward
They wanna complicate shit
Others try to make things more complicated than necessary
The feds on my phone
Law enforcement agencies are monitoring my activities
That's why I don't ever say shit
I remain silent and cautious to avoid implicating myself
Portray being a friend to me and
Acting like a friend towards me
I'll make you a memory
I will harm or eliminate those who betray me
That 40 Cali barrel get to
When I use my .40 caliber gun
Smoking like a chimney
It fires rapidly and continuously
Niggas sick of pussy shit and
People are tired of fake and cowardly behavior
Me I'm just the remedy
I am seen as the solution or cure
'03 get rich, nigga, you remember me?
Back in 2003, I became successful; do you still recall?
Shorty rock her hips she get
When a young woman moves her hips
To looking like an entree
She starts becoming enticing or appealing
Bad bitch, fat ass, bouncing it like Beyoncé
She is an attractive woman with a curvy body, dancing sensually like Beyoncé
She saying "I'm a-a diva, I'm a
She proudly claims to be a diva, a confident and talented woman
I'm a-a diva"
I am a diva, too
I'ma fuck her and leave her, nigga
I will have sex with her and then move on, without commitment
I don't need her
I am not dependent on her or anyone else
I was born alone, I die alone
I came into this world alone, and I will leave it alone
I be in the zone
I am in a focused and determined state of mind
Bitches won't leave me alone now
Women constantly seek my attention now
That my money long
Because I have a lot of money
I pull the hammer out and spank niggas
I use my gun to intimidate or harm others
I peep your style, you got
I notice your behavior, you possess
Sugar in your tank, nigga
You are fake or lacking in authenticity
Don't fucking wink at me
Do not flirt or show me false affection
I blend in with the best of them
I can easily fit in and be part of the elite
Shooters and robbers
Associates who engage in criminal activities
I'm on that william shit
I am involved in dangerous and thrilling actions, like William
I black your eye for blogging
I will physically harm you for spreading rumors or talking negatively about me on the internet
What the fuck is the problem?
What is your issue or complaint?
Violence isn't the answer
Using force or aggression is not the solution
I split your fucking head then get jammed up
I will violently attack you and then face legal trouble as a result
Why did you call the cops? Why
Why did you involve the police? Why
Didn't you say I'm hot?
Didn't you acknowledge or recognize my talent and skill?
It's been six years I been here on top
I have maintained my success for the past six years
You act like I'm a average
You treat me like I am ordinary or unremarkable
Nigga spitting a average flow
Rapping with an average or mediocre style
Fucking with average bitches like
Being involved with ordinary or unexceptional women
Everywhere that I go
Regardless of the places I visit
I'm not focused on hoes
I am not preoccupied with women
I'm focusing on the dough
I am directing my attention towards making money
And I won't talk to you
I will not engage in conversation with you
After my next album blow
Once my next album becomes a major success
Rest in peace to Michael Jackson
Expressing condolences to the late Michael Jackson
You niggas need me, man
You guys rely on me, I am important
I might have to start moonwalking
I may need to showcase my dance skills, like the moonwalk
Couple dance moves and shit
Performing various dance routines
Write me some shit
Compose some lyrics for me
Call it ''Billie Jean Is My Lover''
Name it 'Billie Jean Is My Lover'
I'm back, nigga, why so quiet?
I have returned, why is there silence and lack of response?
Niggas know it's summertime, I'm
People are aware that it's summertime, I am
All over the place, nigga
I am present and active in various locations
And you know when you see me I'm strizzapped
When you encounter me, I am armed or carrying a weapon
Oh shit, nigga, y'all know I was
Oh wow, everyone knows that I was
Gonna get on that shit, yeah
Going to engage in that activity
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
iNfAMOUSREMiXES187
This is exactly what we want from 50.
ian kramer
this is why 50 will always be top 10
Derrick Nice
50 went in like a CHAMP! Straight outboxed this beat
theevilg3nius
Till this day , I really don’t understand how fif is not on people’s top 5! Lyrics, hooks, song intro’s/outride, flow, voice, beat selection, longevity, navigation, creativity, and never backing down. And still gully .....
Larisu Yvy
50 Cent`s tribute to Michael Jackson - THE KING! "I tried to keep it basic, they wanna complicate shit [...]/ I was born alone I die alone! - I be in the zone/ Bitches won't leave me 'lone, now that my money long!" R.E.S.P.E.C.T!
Class!ck
As I was reading this comment, He was literally saying it. That's crazy lol.
Mexsie Jenkins
Underrated track
Tydria Perry
I just found out about this song last week. I know it’s old, but it’s new to me. And I’ve been playing it so friggin much. This is 🔥💯🔥
Twon
2018 still 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #GUNIT
Kanhek
he"s killing it