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 Jayβs music. After heβd 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 Centβs 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 βGet Rich Or Die Tryinββ 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 Tryinβ 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.
Shot Down
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Over and over I done told ya boy
I'm a G-Unit motherfuckin' soldier boy
And when you gon' get it in your brain?
The gate's wide open and the dog's off the chain
I be that youngin' with that gun that's tellin' ya stop frontin'
In the Bible I read death is of the tongue
And if you talk about death enough, death is gon' come
Jay taught me how to flow, they shot him in the head
Randy ass was there, now he runnin' scared
Some say I'm gangsta, some say I'm crazy
If you ask me, I'll say "I'm what the hood made me"
Now I can stunt 'til my ass dead broke like JD
Or put a hundred grand on every nigga head that play me
See I'm cool with them Haitian mob niggas
That say "Sak pase? N'ap boule" and rob niggas
The media be tryin' to make a nigga look bad, what's up with that?
See my flick next to Preme, Papi and Cat
And Montana, I kill 'em with the grammar
I enhanced in the slammer after bangin' them hammers
X what up? (Aight)
If you don't live that, you shouldn't say that
'Cause what come out your mouth'll get you shot down
Throwin' your money around and we don't play that
Get in our line'll get you shot down (nigga)
We know where you hang, we know where you stay at
That bullshit you on'll get you shot down
Here's a few cliques that you shouldn't play with
G-Unit, Ruff Ryders'll get you shot down
Ay yo, fuck y'all niggas talkin' bout, think you playin' with?
Double R, G-Unit, the same ol' shit (what)
Put the faggots in the ring, watch 'em all quit
All y'all niggas is pussy, suck my dick
Ain't nothin' but a handful of man still standin'
I remember 50 in a cypher when Onyx was "Slammin" (aight?)
Now we meet again, it's all good my nigga
Back to the street again, it's all hood my nigga
Knock on wood my nigga, we both walk the dog
We ain't get to where we at by luck, shit was hard (aight?)
But once we got through the trials it's all smiles
'Til a bitch type nigga all of a sudden get wild
Now why you gotsta go and take me back to where I came from?
I'ma make you remember where you know my name from (yeah)
45th Street and blaow-blaow Ave
I done ran through your crew and only let off half, nigga
If you don't live that, you shouldn't say that
'Cause what come out your mouth'll get you shot down
Throwin' your money around and we don't play that
Get in our line'll get you shot down (nigga)
We know where you hang, we know where you stay at
That bullshit you on'll get you shot down
Here's a few cliques that you shouldn't play with
G-Unit, Ruff Ryders'll get you shot down
If your head ain't off of your shoulders (uh-huh)
You ain't get shot, you got nipped nigga (just nipped)
'Cause if my chrome hit a piece of your bone
It's gon' do more than chip, nigga (a lot more than that)
Yeah, what the fuck is the problem?
The Porsche is red the buckets is armored
30 shot handguns, the gutter is starvin' (yeah)
Niggas like me might rush your apartment (word)
Bloodstains'll fuck up your carpet, brain on the window
I smell murder every time that the wind blow
Tie him to the chair and then knock out his chinbone
I don't want the throne or the crown, I ain't sell enough
You can have the jail or the ground, you ain't in hell enough
I'm the one that flood the gutters
Better tap your man, and let him know P'll love to cut his
And niggas is gettin' shot down, two guns up
Double R, SP holdin' D Block down
If you don't live that, you shouldn't say that
'Cause what come out your mouth'll get you shot down
Throwin' your money around and we don't play that
Get in our line'll get you shot down (nigga)
We know where you hang, we know where you stay at
That bullshit you on'll get you shot down
Here's a few cliques that you shouldn't play with
G-Unit, Ruff Ryders'll get you shot down (down, down, down)
The lyrics of "Shot Down" by 50 Cent, DMX, and Styles P vividly displayed the gangsta culture and lifestyle that they represent. The three rappers assert their street cred and warn others about the consequences of talking big without backing it up. The chorus warns that those who talk big and throw around their money will ultimately get "shot down," which they reiterate throughout the song. The verses are full of references to guns, violence, and the hard times that molded them into the gangstas they are today. 50 Cent talks about his rough upbringing and how he's a product of his environment, while DMX touches on being taught to stand up for himself and knowing how to handle a gun. Styles P, on the other hand, boasts about his success in the rap game and his ability to survive in the face of danger.
In the second verse, DMX targets those who talk about things they don't live and warns them that speaking recklessly will lead to consequences. He urges people to be cautious about who they mess with, citing the G-Unit and Ruff Ryders as groups you don't want to cross. Throughout the song, the rappers make it clear that they are not to be trifled with and that they will go to any length to protect what's theirs.
"Shot Down" is a classic example of the gritty, raw rap that was popular during the early 2000s. It's a testament to the time when the rap scene was dominated by larger-than-life figures who were unafraid to let their true selves show through in their lyrics. The song tells a story of hood life and the struggles that come with it, but also the power and strength that can be found within that environment.
Line by Line Meaning
Grrr, arff arff
Introduction to the song with animalistic growls and barks
Over and over I done told ya boy
Repeatedly warning someone with urgency
I'm a G-Unit motherfuckin' soldier boy
I am a loyal member of G-Unit with no fear of danger
And when you gon' get it in your brain?
Asking when someone will finally understand and take action
The gate's wide open and the dog's off the chain
The opportunity is there for the taking and violence is imminent
I be that youngin' with that gun that's tellin' ya stop frontin'
I am the one with the weapon demanding honesty and respect
I be that youngin' on the run after I pop somethin'
I am the culprit running from the law after committing a violent act
In the Bible I read death is of the tongue
Quoting scripture that words have power and can bring about destruction
And if you talk about death enough, death is gon' come
Continuing the theme that speaking negatively invites violence
Jay taught me how to flow, they shot him in the head
Referencing Jay-Z and how his influence has been a positive despite tragic events
Randy ass was there, now he runnin' scared
Naming someone who witnessed the action and is now afraid of retaliation
Some say I'm gangsta, some say I'm crazy
Admitting to having a reputation that can be perceived as both tough and unstable
If you ask me, I'll say "I'm what the hood made me"
Explaining that upbringing and environment is the reason for my persona
Now I can stunt 'til my ass dead broke like JD
A reference to Jermaine Dupri and how one can maintain an image despite financial struggles
Or put a hundred grand on every nigga head that play me
A threat to anyone who tries to cross me or my crew
See I'm cool with them Haitian mob niggas
Acknowledging a relationship with Haitian gangsters
That say "Sak pase? N'ap boule" and rob niggas
Quoting a Haitian Creole phrase that roughly translates to "What's up? We're good" and acknowledging criminal activity
The media be tryin' to make a nigga look bad, what's up with that?
Expressing frustration with how the media portrays me and my actions
See my flick next to Preme, Papi and Cat
Boasting about being seen with known drug dealers and criminals
And Montana, I kill 'em with the grammar
Proud of lyrical ability and wordplay
I enhanced in the slammer after bangin' them hammers
How imprisonment led to growth and development as a person and artist
X what up? (Aight)
Directly addressing DMX and asking how he's doing
If you don't live that, you shouldn't say that
Warning against speaking on a lifestyle or culture that one is not part of
'Cause what come out your mouth'll get you shot down
Continuation of the theme that negative words invite violence
Throwin' your money around and we don't play that
Expressing disgust with those who flaunt wealth and implying that it can lead to danger
Get in our line'll get you shot down (nigga)
A warning to anyone who aligns with the wrong people or shows disrespect to my crew
We know where you hang, we know where you stay at
Threatening to find someone and do them harm
That bullshit you on'll get you shot down
More threats about negative behavior bringing bad consequences
Here's a few cliques that you shouldn't play with
Naming specific groups or crews who are known to be violent
Double R, G-Unit, Ruff Ryders'll get you shot down
Repeating the warning to stay away from certain crews if you value your safety
Ay yo, fuck y'all niggas talkin' bout, think you playin' with?
Challenging anyone who thinks they can mess with us
Put the faggots in the ring, watch 'em all quit
Disparaging homosexuals and boasting about our toughness
All y'all niggas is pussy, suck my dick
Calling everyone who doubts us weak and expressing aggressive sexual language
Ain't nothin' but a handful of man still standin'
We are the few who have survived and continue to thrive
I remember 50 in a cypher when Onyx was "Slammin" (aight?)
Remembering the early days of rap and how we came up in the scene
Now we meet again, it's all good my nigga
Reconnecting with an old acquaintance and expressing positivity
Back to the street again, it's all hood my nigga
Returning to the streets and embracing a rough lifestyle
Knock on wood my nigga, we both walk the dog
Acknowledging that we have both been lucky to survive and overcome adversity
We ain't get to where we at by luck, shit was hard (aight?)
Reflecting on the struggle to reach success and how it was not easy or guaranteed
But once we got through the trials it's all smiles
Despite the difficulties, we have overcome and can now enjoy our success
'Til a bitch type nigga all of a sudden get wild
Expressing frustration with someone who is changing their behavior and causing problems
Now why you gotsta go and take me back to where I came from?
Complaining about someone bringing up past struggles or negativity
I'ma make you remember where you know my name from (yeah)
Threatening to remind someone of my reputation if they continue to antagonize me
45th Street and blaow-blaow Ave
Naming a specific location where violence has occurred
I done ran through your crew and only let off half, nigga
Boasting about defeating an enemy and implying that there could be more damage done
If your head ain't off of your shoulders (uh-huh)
Implying that a fight is not finished until someone is completely defeated
You ain't get shot, you got nipped nigga (just nipped)
Boasting about causing bodily harm, even if it wasn't fatal
'Cause if my chrome hit a piece of your bone
Continuing to brag about causing harm with a weapon
It's gon' do more than chip, nigga (a lot more than that)
Implying that it takes much more force to shatter bone
Yeah, what the fuck is the problem?
Demanding to know what the issue is that is causing conflict
The Porsche is red the buckets is armored
Talking about owning a fancy car that is equipped for safety
30 shot handguns, the gutter is starvin' (yeah)
Boasting about the dangerous weapons we possess and our readiness to use them
Niggas like me might rush your apartment (word)
Threatening to invade someone's personal space if they don't comply with our demands
Bloodstains'll fuck up your carpet, brain on the window
Describing the violent aftermath of an altercation
I smell murder every time that the wind blow
Casually referring to the constant threat of violence in our environment
Tie him to the chair and then knock out his chinbone
Suggesting a brutal punishment for someone who has crossed us
I don't want the throne or the crown, I ain't sell enough
Acknowledging that despite success, there is still a long way to go before reaching ultimate goals
You can have the jail or the ground, you ain't in hell enough
Contemplating the idea of death or imprisonment and feeling like neither is enough punishment for enemies
I'm the one that flood the gutters
Claiming responsibility for the violence and drug activity in the area
Better tap your man, and let him know P'll love to cut his
A warning to get someone in line before I hurt them
And niggas is gettin' shot down, two guns up
Referencing the recurring theme of violence and how it is used to maintain power
Double R, SP holdin' D Block down
Referencing the Ruff Ryders crew and Styles P's affiliation with D Block
G-Unit, Ruff Ryders'll get you shot down (down, down, down)
Repeating the warning about associating with certain groups and how it can have deadly consequences
Lyrics Β© Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Curtis James Jackson, David Styles, Earl Simmons, Salam E. Nassar
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adamgordon2572
Came back to listen to this as Styles P. said them first couple of bars were for 50 on Math Hoffa π―
@claritywithteekay
Same
@marcosgarcia25
Same over here
@miguelhargrave7405
"I can't have the throne or the crown I ain sell enough - you can't have the dirt or the ground: you ain in hell enough" π₯Άπ₯Ά I always thought Styles smoked 50 up here n on Math podcast he confirmed it lol
@dontplay3088
Hahaha g shit
@mseembangtv4482
I guess I wasnβt the only like let look this up
@iprodigy6723
This song bout to blow again lol.
Gotta relive it after the SP interview with hoffa. It's still Double R for life.
@Dreweybaby
That brought me here π€£ππ€£
@iprodigy6723
@@Dreweybaby π gotta love SP he's def a gem and gives jewels. And his story telling is one of the best.
@Dreweybaby
@@iprodigy6723 i watch it everyday faithfully