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.
Say What U Want
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ima tell y'all niggas who I got beef with
I got beef wit any nigga I can't make no money wit
If I can't make no money wit you, fuck you nigga
G-Unit nigga, thats whatsup cause I said thats whatsup
I get money, money I got
So its a 100 grams or better when I'm going to cop
And my down bitch as a holster, like I'm supposed to
Heavy pistol sales for living
My gun rip through lungs and tear through tissue
While I'm out for the ends, you out for a rep
Thats the same thing that have yo mama in a black dress
See me in a black lex, hard-top
My mink drop-top, fresh out the carlot
I got the gift of raw pugilist speeches
So I'm gon sell like the box office features
Niggas in the hood can't see G-UNIT!
But deep in they heart they wanna be G-UNIT!
Cause we got them three b's: benzes, burners and bitches
And plus we on the road to the riches
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
Lately I been going through a phase
Hope they ain't tap the phones
'Cause we got pumps the size of saxophones
Therefore I'm on the move with the squad
I'm stingy as ever, known to trick fast food on a broad
Picture me putting jewels on a broad
I'd rather put shoes on the car
A pool in the yard
You don't really wanna fool with the god
Nigga my front line long enough to fill two boulevards
In this game, you only make it far if you loyal
And if you grew up with your mother and your father you spoiled
Why swing, you gotta be strapped to get rid of me
Ill leave you in water like the statute of liberty
Tryin to be cool
Blowin' green that strong enough to make a white boy open fire on a school
Keep rappin for your hood, I'm rappin for benzes
And long assault rifles with straps on the lenses
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
What I learned from Gotta Rock and Spank G (Un-Huh)
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
What I learned from watching Brucie B
Look, I shot the sheriff
And nigga if you get too close yo punk ass getting shot
Here's the plan, I'm a keep stackin' my ends
Till I'm on airplane seats in the Maebach benz
I'm all about the chips
I done took them trips
22's on the 6
26 on the bricks
And them outta town niggas, I'm chargin' yall more
I tapdance on the shit I ain't servin' it raw
You sell smoke, look nigga I got what you need
But it ain't goin cheap I got mouths to feed
Niggas always sayin' damn 50 you bugged
'Cause I got hoes giving niggas the date rape drug
Gimme his watch and his chain
We not the same, he a lame
He want pussy I'm bout my money man
Crap table in Vegas had his bitch on my dick
Threw a 7 so many times they thought the dice was fixed
Yo its 50, when your mindframe change and start to rearrange
I'll see you another day motherfucker it's 50
Shots 'til your heart drop and freeze up, ease up motherfucker
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
In the song, "Say What You Want" by 50 Cent, the artist talks about how he has beef with anyone who he cannot make money with. He insists that he is all about the money and does not have time to deal with people who cannot add value to him financially. 50 Cent boasts about his weapon (a heavy pistol) that can easily rip through lungs and tear through tissue. He also prides himself on his expensive possessions like a black Lexus, benzes, burners, and bitches.
The lyrics of the song are a portrayal of how 50 Cent perceives life. He sees life as a competition for wealth and success, and to achieve that, he has to eliminate people who do not help him grow financially. According to him, loyalty is key, and if someone does not have his back, he will leave them hanging. The lyrics are also aggressive and sometimes vulgar, and he portrays himself as a gangster who knows how to handle his foes.
Overall, "Say What You Want" is about 50 Cent's obsession with making money at all costs. Many people believe that the song reflects the rapper's tough background, which has influenced his brusque character and hardcore lyrics.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, niggas be asking me "Yo 50 who you got beef with?"
People often want to know who I have conflicts with.
Ima tell y'all niggas who I got beef with
I have problems with anyone who can't help me make money.
I got beef wit any nigga I can't make no money wit
I will only have conflict with people who do not help me make money.
If I can't make no money wit you, fuck you nigga
If you do not help me earn money, then I do not want anything to do with you.
G-Unit nigga, thats whatsup cause I said thats whatsup
I am associated with G-Unit and their business is good, so that's what matters.
I get money, money I got
I am wealthy because I earn a lot of money.
So its a 100 grams or better when I'm going to cop
When buying illegal substances, I only go for the best quality possible.
I never hold the toaster cause I use my little soldier
I do not carry guns myself since I can use my followers to do that for me.
And my down bitch as a holster, like I'm supposed to
My female companion carries my firearm, which is what is expected in my world.
Heavy pistol sales for living
Selling guns is one of the ways I make my living.
My gun rip through lungs and tear through tissue
My firearm is lethal and can cause serious damage.
While I'm out for the ends, you out for a rep
I am focused on making money, while you are more interested in your reputation.
Thats the same thing that have yo mama in a black dress
If you are too concerned with your reputation, it may lead to your mother's funeral.
See me in a black lex, hard-top
I can frequently be seen driving a black Lexus with a hard top.
My mink drop-top, fresh out the carlot
I recently purchased and am enjoying my new mink fur coat.
I got the gift of raw pugilist speeches
I have a talent for giving powerful, persuasive speeches.
So I'm gon sell like the box office features
My speeches will be popular and successful like blockbuster films.
Niggas in the hood can't see G-UNIT!
People in my neighborhood do not understand the power and wealth of G-Unit.
But deep in they heart they wanna be G-UNIT!
Secretly, many people in my neighborhood aspire to be a part of G-Unit.
Cause we got them three b's: benzes, burners and bitches
G-Unit is successful because of the luxurious lifestyle they lead: with expensive cars, guns, and women.
And plus we on the road to the riches
We are still making moves to become even richer and more successful.
You can say what you want about me
People are entitled to their opinions about me.
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
I am willing to tolerate people's opinions as long as they do not interfere with my business.
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
If someone talks too much, I will have them physically harmed.
Lately I been going through a phase
I have been experiencing some changes in my life recently.
Hope they ain't tap the phones
I am hoping that my phones are not being monitored or recorded.
'Cause we got pumps the size of saxophones
We have large guns that are comparable in size to saxophones.
Therefore I'm on the move with the squad
I am always traveling with my team.
I'm stingy as ever, known to trick fast food on a broad
I am still cheap and do not spend much money, even when with women.
Picture me putting jewels on a broad
I do not waste my money on buying jewelry for my female companions.
I'd rather put shoes on the car
I prefer to spend my money on expensive cars and other items than on jewelry.
A pool in the yard
One of the things I would rather spend my money on is having a nice swimming pool.
You don't really wanna fool with the god
It is not wise to cross me since I am powerful.
Nigga my front line long enough to fill two boulevards
I have a lot of loyal followers who will back me up and join me in battle.
In this game, you only make it far if you loyal
Being loyal is crucial to success in this business.
And if you grew up with your mother and your father you spoiled
If you were raised in a stable, loving household, you may not be as tough or resourceful as those raised differently.
Why swing, you gotta be strapped to get rid of me
It will be difficult to defeat me in a fight since I always carry a weapon.
Ill leave you in water like the statute of liberty
I will kill you and throw your corpse in the water, leaving you as a reference to the Statue of Liberty.
Tryin to be cool
Some people are trying to act cool around me.
Blowin' green that strong enough to make a white boy open fire on a school
They are smoking a strong type of marijuana that could cause them to do something foolish or harmful.
Keep rappin for your hood, I'm rappin for benzes
Other artists are rapping for their community, whereas I am rapping for the wealth and luxury cars like Benzes.
And long assault rifles with straps on the lenses
In addition to fancy cars, I am also known to own long guns with straps around their lenses.
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
Others should pay attention and learn valuable lessons from me.
What I learned from Gotta Rock and Spank G (Un-Huh)
My mentors, Gotta Rock and Spank G, taught me important lessons and helped shape who I am.
What I learned from watching Brucie B
Another person who aided my development is the DJ Brucie B.
Look, I shot the sheriff
I am confessing that I shot a law enforcement officer.
And nigga if you get too close yo punk ass getting shot
If anyone tries to get too close to me, I will shoot them.
Here's the plan, I'm a keep stackin' my ends
My goal is to continue to accumulate wealth.
Till I'm on airplane seats in the Maebach benz
When I have enough money, I will be able to afford luxurious airplane seats and a Maybach car.
I'm all about the chips
I am entirely focused on accumulating wealth and money.
I done took them trips
I have traveled to many places and accomplished many things.
22's on the 6
I have 22-inch wheels on my car.
26 on the bricks
I have 26-inch wheels on my expensive jewelry.
And them outta town niggas, I'm chargin' yall more
I charge more money to people from outside of town.
I tapdance on the shit I ain't servin' it raw
I have enough power and money to manipulate my business dealings to my advantage.
You sell smoke, look nigga I got what you need
I am capable of selling you drugs, not the other way around.
But it ain't goin cheap I got mouths to feed
Despite my abilities, I still have people to take care of and must earn enough money to support them.
Niggas always sayin' damn 50 you bugged
Some people call me crazy since I have an unconventional and bold personality.
'Cause I got hoes giving niggas the date rape drug
I have women who work with me by drugging men and stealing from them.
Gimme his watch and his chain
I demand that you give me your expensive jewelry.
We not the same, he a lame
I am not similar to these other people who have no power or status.
He want pussy I'm bout my money man
While others may be preoccupied with women, I am concerned with making and profiting from money.
Crap table in Vegas had his bitch on my dick
I have a woman with me in Vegas and am winning big at the craps table.
Threw a 7 so many times they thought the dice was fixed
I am so skilled at gambling that other people think the game has been rigged in my favor.
Yo its 50, when your mindframe change and start to rearrange
When you change your perspective and open your mind up, everything changes.
I'll see you another day motherfucker it's 50
I will see you again another day since I am 50 Cent.
Shots 'til your heart drop and freeze up, ease up motherfucker
I will keep shooting at someone until they are dead or incapacitated, so they should back off.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ezzydric
Don’t care what anyone says, yayo had some mean verses.
@QUNYC7
Say it again for the heads in the back!💯
@Bgl-fz3cs
Mfs be fronting on Yayo
@bummydavis6530
Straight Facts!!!!!!
@beatslikedre23
Especially the mixtape series & this time
@thediaz07
Yayo was a beast back in the day
@theadvocate466
50 is one of the greatest man. People just don't understand.
@seancoonery2559
The Advocate they don’t
@illuminickiblanco
🎯🎯🎯🎯
@sandwichsquad74
Crazy how your avi is pimp and we talking bout 50 being a goat. My two favorite rappers of all time, you sir are a true hip hop fan🤝🔥