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.
Shooting Guns
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a red one from a beam
Nothing is quite as it seems
Fuck with me and you will see
Shoot your gun I'll make you a believer
Now you better pray for something more
Niggas ain't listening
Get the thumping and the dumping
At your newborn's christening
Tell your homie, tell his homies
He 'gon need more homies ain't this a bitch
I got the extended clip right on me
And my diamonds on my neck
I dare a nigga to scheme on it
The Ruger on deck
It's hard to miss with the beam on it
I'll give your ass a permanent nap
Sing you a lullabye
I got money to run, so fuck a alibi
Shoot your gun I'll make you a believer
Now you better pray for something more
Yeah, I believe you when you say you tough
Nigga all that means is you fucked, nigga
I get the drop I'm on it
Morning, noon or night, I spot ya, I got ya
Wake up cuffed to your bed, cops asking
"who shot ya?"
As the world turns, we live and we learn
The hollow tips burn and I ain't
Concerned if I ain't hit and I ain't hit
So a nigga don't really give a shit
You know who you fucking with
Come through, dump more than a clip
Niggas be on some stupid shit
'Till they get hit, ain't that a bitch?
K-I double, shotgun barrel double
My homies front a couple and I
Move 'em on a double
Racks in the duffel, Mac with the muzzle
Makin' circles in you
All black like a tunnel
I only know how to hustle
Can't stay outta trouble
I got a big gun, muthafuck a scuffle
Kidd Kidd, will you ever change?
Fuck no, Pimp zone, Rida gang
You already fuckin' know
Got my guns and magazines
And a red one from a beam
Nothing is quite as it seems
Fuck with me and you will see
Shoot your gun now make you a believer
Now you better pray for something more
Man these niggas so fake
I call 'em knock-offs
Like Pringles I pop the top off
You ain't hot, dawg
You the fucking Micky Mouse song
I'm on fire like Louisiana hot sauce
Brand new J's cost a buck fifty nigga
You scuff these I’ll scar
Your face, buck fifty, nigga
Been fucking with them pigs, you a guinea
Nigga and you always begging
You's a ''give me'' nigga
I wear my gun like it's trendy, nigga
You pussy and ain't shit, kitty litter
Uh, see where all that bitching get ya
Right in front of this pistol, huh
Got my guns and magazines
And a red one from a beam
Nothing is quite as it seems
Fuck with me and you will see
Shoot your gun now make you a believer
Now you better pray for something more
The lyrics of 50 Cent's song "Shooting Guns" revolve around themes of violence, power, and asserting dominance. The opening lines, "Got my guns and magazines, And a red one from a beam" suggest that the singer is heavily armed and ready to confront any threats. The lyrics emphasize that things are not always what they appear to be, as the singer warns anyone who tries to mess with them that they will face the consequences.
The chorus, "Shoot your gun, I'll make you a believer, Now you better pray for something more," conveys a strong message that the singer is confident in their ability to harm or eliminate those who oppose them. They challenge anyone to test their resolve but also suggest that praying for a way out might be the wiser choice.
Throughout the song, the lyrics continue to emphasize the singer's readiness for violence, their lack of concern for their targets, and their belief in their own power. The lines "Shoot your gun now make you a believer, Now you better pray for something more" are repeated, further emphasizing the singer's confidence.
Overall, "Shooting Guns" reflects a persona that is unapologetically ruthless and intimidating, sending a message of power and dominance to those who may challenge it.
Line by Line Meaning
Got my guns and magazines
I am armed and prepared for any confrontation
And a red one from a beam
I have a powerful weapon with a laser sight
Nothing is quite as it seems
Things may not appear as they really are
Fuck with me and you will see
Don't mess with me or face the consequences
Shoot your gun I'll make you a believer
If you shoot at me, I'll prove my capabilities
Now you better pray for something more
You should hope for something greater because I won't back down
I go to war 'til heart stop
I will fight relentlessly until my last breath
Niggas ain't listening
People aren't paying attention to the danger I pose
Get the thumping and the dumping
I will unleash violence and shoot at my enemies
At your newborn's christening
Even during a peaceful event, I'm willing to cause harm
Tell your homie, tell his homies
Spread the word to your friends that you will need more backup
He 'gon need more homies, ain't this a bitch
You will require additional help, isn't that unfortunate?
I got the extended clip right on me
I have a magazine with more bullets readily available
And my diamonds on my neck
I flaunt my wealth and expensive jewelry
I dare a nigga to scheme on it
I challenge anyone to try and plan a robbery against me
The Ruger on deck
I keep a Ruger handgun prepared and easily accessible
It's hard to miss with the beam on it
With the laser sight, my shots are highly accurate
I'll give your ass a permanent nap
I will shoot you and ensure you never wake up again
Sing you a lullabye
I will symbolically sing you a soothing song as I harm you
I got money to run, so fuck an alibi
I have enough resources to escape any consequences, so I don't need an excuse
Yeah, I believe you when you say you tough
I am sarcastically agreeing with someone claiming to be tough
Nigga all that means is you fucked, nigga
Actually, it implies that you are in a bad situation
I get the drop, I'm on it
I am always aware of my surroundings and ready to take action
Morning, noon or night, I spot ya, I got ya
At any time, I can detect and target you
Wake up cuffed to your bed, cops asking 'who shot ya?'
You will wake up restrained and the police will investigate my involvement in shooting you
As the world turns, we live and we learn
We gain knowledge and experiences as time goes on
The hollow tips burn and I ain't concerned
The bullets cause severe damage and I am not worried about the consequences
If I ain't hit and I ain't hit
Even if I miss my target
So a nigga don't really give a shit
I do not care about the outcome
You know who you fucking with
You are aware of the dangerous person you are dealing with
Come through, dump more than a clip
When I confront you, I will fire more than one magazine
Niggas be on some stupid shit
People engage in foolish and reckless behavior
'Til they get hit, ain't that a bitch?
Until they face the consequences, isn't it ironic?
K-I double, shotgun barrel double
Referring to the letter 'K' in his stage name, and emphasizing the double barrels of his shotgun
My homies front a couple and I move 'em on a double
His friends supply him with drugs and he sells them quickly for profit
Racks in the duffel, Mac with the muzzle
Large amounts of money stored in a bag, and his Mac (firearm) equipped with a silencer
Makin' circles in you, all black like a tunnel
He will shoot you repeatedly, leaving circular wounds, and his presence is stealthy like a dark tunnel
I only know how to hustle
He is skilled in the art of making money through illegal activities
Can't stay outta trouble
He constantly finds himself in problematic situations
I got a big gun, muthafuck a scuffle
His large firearm ensures that physical fights are unnecessary
Kidd Kidd, will you ever change?
Addressing Kidd Kidd and questioning if he will ever alter his behavior
Fuck no, Pimp zone, Rida gang
No, he will not change, and he is associated with the Pimp zone and the Rida gang
You already fuckin' know
You are already aware of the situation
Man these niggas so fake
These individuals are extremely dishonest
I call them knock-offs
He considers them to be cheap imitations
Like Pringles I pop the top off
Similar to opening a can of Pringles, he easily exposes their true nature
You ain't hot, dawg
They are not impressive or respected
You the fucking Micky Mouse song
They are comparable to a silly and insignificant song
I'm on fire like Louisiana hot sauce
He is currently on fire and unstoppable, similar to a spicy hot sauce from Louisiana
Brand new J's cost a buck fifty nigga
His new Jordans (sneakers) are expensive, costing $150
You scuff these I'll scar your face, buck fifty nigga
If they damage his new sneakers, he will retaliate by harming their face, leaving a scar with a blade
Been fucking with them pigs, you a guinea
They have been collaborating with the police, making them an informant
Nigga and you always begging
They are constantly asking for favors or assistance
You's a 'give me' nigga
They have the mindset of always asking for things
I wear my gun like it's trendy, nigga
He carries his firearm with style and as if it's a fashionable accessory
You pussy and ain't shit, kitty litter
They are weak and insignificant, like cat litter
See where all that bitching get ya
They witness the negative consequences of their constant complaining
Right in front of this pistol, huh
They will face the consequences directly in front of his gun
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: KHALIL ABDUL-RAHMAN, DANIEL TANNENBAUM, CURTIS JAMES JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@50eathaters
Flow, lyrics, and overall 50 on a track, legendary
@HarrisClifford
Damn this beat deserves an oscar, dope verses too. 50 cent still tha king
@MostInterestingManInTheWrld
You mean Grammy? Oscars are for movies.
@DYLANJJK94
Oscar for the video then lol
@howarddominick3789
a tip: you can watch movies on instaflixxer. Me and my gf have been using them for watching a lot of movies lately.
@arlonathan9294
@Howard Dominick yup, been using InstaFlixxer for since december myself =)
@finncallan1087
@Howard Dominick Yup, been watching on InstaFlixxer for since december myself :)
@EliTheMadeMan
50's improvement in lyricism and wordplay is obvious in this song. Love it.
@Nicklemacskiinooskii
Killerrrrrrrrrrr beat! Lyrics to match! 50..U never cease to AMAZE me! U are a lyrical genuis :) PLEASEEEE keep bringin this shit out, music is dead without it! x
@kickstand801
50 always comes up with the best beats.