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 Jayโs music. After heโd 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 Centโs 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 โGet Rich Or Die Tryinโโ 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 Tryinโ 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.
Ryder Music
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah we can ride to this
Just lay back and cruise
Here's a taste of my life, it's bitter and sweet
I pour my heart out to the sounds of the drums and the beat
I put my life on the line when I'm out on the street
Put my Teflon on, and roll with my heat
In the race for the cheese I run laps around niggas
Soon as I step on stage, the crowd applauds
Soon as my sneaker went in stores, Reebok stock soared
I ain't gotta say I'm a boss, niggas could tell
The East coast crib the size of a small hotel
The shit journalists write about me leave me confused
Have me feelin' like the heavyweight champ when he lose
I read somewhere, I'm homophobic, shit
Go through the hood, there's mad niggas on my dick
Now we can get hostile, or we can do this smooth
TNT around, I can still make blow move
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go
Last year I woke up with good luck, damn it feels good
On the low, I done fucked like half of Hollywood
Had yo favorite actress, from yo favorite shows
In my favorite position, you know how it goes
And my Bentley bumpin' Prince shit, this is "When Doves Cry"
This is what it sounds like when hollow-tip slugs fly
Homie this is somethin' you can ride and smoke to
Stay on point, 'cause niggas will ride and smoke you
Jealousy's for women, but some niggas is bitch made
They make you wanna run across they head with a switchblade
They point the finger at me, sayin' I'm bugged
My flow's crack, you listen, your fuckin' brain's on drugs
Look ice drippin' on my neck, hands grippin' on a TEC
Fool trippin' threw a set, you can get yo ass wet
Cards messin' up my deck, screws loose show respect
You try to come at me kid yo ass better come correct
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go
My mama gave birth to a winner, I gotta win
Pray the Lord forgive me for my sins (uh-huh) I'm still thuggin'
Cruisin', rims gleaming like the stones on my wrist
Zonin', guess this is how it feels to be rich
Homie, you hustlin' backwards if you chasin' a bitch
Stupid, chase the paper they come with the shit
I'm fallin', in love with success
Entrepeneur, conniseur, I maneuver the best
Rollin', Ruger on my lap, rubber grip on the handle
Stunner have your homies burnin', rest in peace candles
As wise men speak I listen and learn
A man dies, a baby's born, my nigga the world turns
Rappers I make 'em sick, when I say I'm the shit
They mistake my confidence for arrogance, they hate on the kid
In '99 I had a vision and made a decision
Being broke is against my religion
Now I'm caked up, what?
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
This is what you call rider music
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
I can show you how we do it
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
"Ryder Music" is a song by American rapper 50 Cent, released in 2005. In the lyrics, 50 Cent introduces the listener to his life as a gangster, sharing his thoughts and experiences on the streets. He reflects on the bitter and sweet aspects of his life, sharing that he puts his life on the line with his Teflon and heat when he is out on the street. He keeps his circle tight but enjoys the accolades he receives from the crowd when he is on stage. He addresses rumors about himself as the "shit journalists write about me leave me confused." 50 Cent also raps about his sexual encounters, his success, and his wealth.
The song is an ode to gangster lifestyles, with its beat and melody capturing the essence of a rider music genre. The beat is distinct from other songs, relying on a smooth flow of rhymes that are accentuated by 50's signature voice. The lyrics are also laced with clever wordplay, as 50 Cent masterfully weaves lines between his experiences as a gangster and his successes in the music industry.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah
Affirming readiness to get started
Yeah we can ride to this
Agreeing to enjoy the beat
Just lay back and cruise
Enjoying the leisure and the beat
Here's a taste of my life, it's bitter and sweet
Sharing the ups and downs of life
I pour my heart out to the sounds of the drums and the beat
The beat brings out the emotions and feelings
I put my life on the line when I'm out on the street
Risking life and limb daily
Put my Teflon on, and roll with my heat
Wearing bulletproof vests and packing guns for protection
I keep my circle nice and small, I don't fuck with these clown niggas
Keeping trustworthy people close and avoiding fake friends
In the race for the cheese I run laps around niggas
Being ahead of the competition
Soon as I step on stage, the crowd applauds
Receiving love and appreciation from fans
Soon as my sneaker went in stores, Reebok stock soared
Having success and contributing to a company's financial success
I ain't gotta say I'm a boss, niggas could tell
Having an air of confidence and being in charge
The East coast crib the size of a small hotel
Living in a mansion on the East coast
The shit journalists write about me leave me confused
Media coverage is often inaccurate and misleading
Have me feelin' like the heavyweight champ when he lose
Feeling like a champion despite setbacks
I read somewhere, I'm homophobic, shit
Misinformation spread about personal beliefs
Go through the hood, there's mad niggas on my dick
Attention and admiration from people in the community
Now we can get hostile, or we can do this smooth
Offering the choice of peaceful or violent resolutions
TNT around, I can still make blow move
Having high energy despite potential danger
This is what you call rider music
Describing the style and feel of the song
All the gangsters are ridin' to it (c'mon, let's roll)
Emphasizing the appeal to the intended audience
I can show you how we do it
Offering to demonstrate a lifestyle or technique
When we ride to that rider music, let's go (let's go)
Encouraging listeners to join in on the fun and excitement
Last year I woke up with good luck, damn it feels good
Being grateful for recent success and prosperity
On the low, I done fucked like half of Hollywood
Engaging in sexual activity with celebrities on the down-low
Had yo favorite actress, from yo favorite shows
Boasting about sexual conquests
In my favorite position, you know how it goes
Imagery of sexual activity
And my Bentley bumpin' Prince shit, this is "When Doves Cry"
Enjoying music and cruising in a luxury car
This is what it sounds like when hollow-tip slugs fly
Describing the sound of gunfire
Homie this is somethin' you can ride and smoke to
Describing the atmosphere of the song
Stay on point, 'cause niggas will ride and smoke you
Remaining vigilant and cautious in dangerous environments
Jealousy's for women, but some niggas is bitch made
Thinking jealousy is a feminine trait, but acknowledging men can also be petty
They make you wanna run across they head with a switchblade
Expressing frustration with aggravating behavior
They point the finger at me, sayin' I'm bugged
Being falsely accused or criticized
My flow's crack, you listen, your fuckin' brain's on drugs
Boasting about his skill and ability to create addictive music
Look ice drippin' on my neck, hands grippin' on a TEC
Displaying wealth and a willingness to use firearms
Fool trippin' threw a set, you can get yo ass wet
Suggesting that engaging in gang activity can lead to violence
Cards messin' up my deck, screws loose show respect
Dealing with challenges and imperfections while asking for respect
You try to come at me kid yo ass better come correct
Warning others to not mess with him
My mama gave birth to a winner, I gotta win
Having a drive to succeed and fulfill family expectations
Pray the Lord forgive me for my sins (uh-huh) I'm still thuggin'
Acknowledging personal flaws but remaining true to oneself and one's lifestyle
Cruisin', rims gleaming like the stones on my wrist
Enjoying the experience of cruising and showing off his flashy possessions
Zonin', guess this is how it feels to be rich
Feeling good about earning wealth and status
Homie, you hustlin' backwards if you chasin' a bitch
Advising listeners to focus on financial success rather than chasing women
Stupid, chase the paper they come with the shit
Encouraging listeners to prioritize financial gain
I'm fallin', in love with success
Being addicted to the feeling of success
Entrepeneur, conniseur, I maneuver the best
Identifying as a savvy businessman and expert in his field
Rollin', Ruger on my lap, rubber grip on the handle
Packing a gun and being prepared for any situation
Stunner have your homies burnin', rest in peace candles
Threatening those who try to harm him or his allies
As wise men speak I listen and learn
Acknowledging the value of learning from others
A man dies, a baby's born, my nigga the world turns
Reflecting on the cycles of life and death
Rappers I make 'em sick, when I say I'm the shit
Boasting about his superiority in the rap game
They mistake my confidence for arrogance, they hate on the kid
Receiving criticism and hate for being confident
In '99 I had a vision and made a decision
Making an important decision and following through with it
Being broke is against my religion
Being driven to succeed and avoiding poverty
Now I'm caked up, what?
Celebrating financial success
Lyrics ยฉ BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, Tony Cottrell
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good