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.
Slow Doe
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Huh uh, huh uh, yea
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
Put me through any test I bet ya I'll pass cause I'm a cheater
Broke niggas, smoke niggas, rich niggas smoke Cohiba's
My team been puffing chiba and packing heaters since the days of shell toe Adidas
And ain't shit come between us
Look I'm winning now and I'ma keep on winning
I see with you ain't nothing changed same ginen same linen
Fuck the don shit, nigga I'm an armed convict
I live wild beat cases before a trial
Grand jury style I'm foul
You wondering why I don't smile
I'm schemeing to stick you up now
Son I be the first to blast the gun, the last to run
While you hit the pavement son I mash you, ugh
If you don't know you better go and ask someone
50 Cent is my symbol and my name
Symbolizing the change that I'm bringing to this game
Things'll never be the same (never the same baby)
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
Yo nowadays niggas talk like they wanna get shot
Like I won't grab the glock and run up in your spot
Six double O drop I'll put two in your knot
And stick around and get every motherfucking thing you've got
Here I stand on the alley on godrule
Same spot where rob got shot
The block's high
Warrent squad flashing my mug shot
Everybody know I'm loco, kill the popo, blast the fo fo, rode dolo
Rock solo, I should be old T on the low yo
Pump the six and push the volvo
I hear they go kuku and go puff loco
I sell llelo and price up and down like yo yo
But keep that on the low do, nobody's supposed to know, yo
I make 16 hundred off of every ho do
Fucking with the cash flow that'll get you blast yo (haha)
I always get the last laugh yo
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
I rap a muthafucking house around my my wrist for wreck
While you niggas race neck to neck
While niggas who live from cheque to tech
I ain't even going to front I ain't working with a full deck
Life in the hood so hard I done lost some of my cards
Instead of praying before I sleep I put my hands on my heat
As soon as I start dreaming I'm right back on the street
Any nigga in this game flowing they think they can see me
Gotta be, fucked up in the head and smoking hemee
Believe me if you thought like me you could be me
But you ain't been through what I been through and this shit ain't that easy (one)
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
The lyrics to 50 Cent's song Slow Doe (from his 1999 mixtape 50 Cent Is the Future) are about the value of money and the dangers of getting caught up in illegal activities to earn a living. The chorus emphasizes that "slow dough" (earning money gradually) is better than "no dough," and that getting caught talking to the police will result in them "hitting you with the fofo" (shooting you with a gun). 50 Cent boasts about his toughness and willingness to engage in criminal activities to make money, but also acknowledges the risks involved. He brags about his wealth, his ability to cheat and pass tests, and his readiness to use a gun to protect himself. He also mentions his love for marijuana, and his history with the law, including beating cases before they go to trial.
Overall, Slow Doe reflects the violent and street-oriented themes that dominated early gangsta rap and 50 Cent's own career before he shifted to more pop-friendly music in the mid-2000s. The song also illustrates the intersection of poverty, racism, and criminal justice that contributes to cycles of violence and crime in many urban communities. By blending violent imagery and crude language with a message about the value of money, 50 Cent creates a portrait of a world where desperation and greed often outweigh the risks of getting caught.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Making money slowly is still better than not making any money at all.
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
If you get caught talking to the police, they will retaliate.
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
The police will shoot you with a gun if you talk to them.
My niggas is loco (loco)
My friends are crazy and unpredictable.
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Don't disrespect me or else there will be consequences.
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
You guys are mediocre and not successful.
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
That's why you don't have any money.
Put me through any test I bet ya I'll pass cause I'm a cheater
I am confident that I can beat any test because I cheat.
Broke niggas, smoke niggas, rich niggas smoke Cohiba's
No matter what your financial status is, everyone smokes cigarettes.
My team been puffing chiba and packing heaters since the days of shell toe Adidas
My crew has been smoking weed and carrying guns since we were young and wearing Adidas sneakers.
And ain't shit come between us
Nothing will ever tear us apart.
Look I'm winning now and I'ma keep on winning
I am currently successful and plan to continue being successful.
I see with you ain't nothing changed same ginen same linen
You haven't made any improvements or advancements, you're in the same position as before.
Fuck the don shit, nigga I'm an armed convict
I don't care about being the boss, I am a convicted criminal with weapons.
I live wild beat cases before a trial
I live recklessly and have gotten away with crimes without even going to trial.
Grand jury style I'm foul
I am involved in shady and unethical activities during the investigation process.
You wondering why I don't smile
You might be curious why I don't seem happy, but I am always scheming.
I'm schemeing to stick you up now
I am currently planning how to rob you.
Son I be the first to blast the gun, the last to run
I am always the first to use violence and the last to retreat.
While you hit the pavement son I mash you, ugh
I will overpower you and use violence against you.
If you don't know you better go and ask someone
If you aren't sure about who I am, ask someone who knows me.
50 Cent is my symbol and my name
My stage name is 50 Cent and it is symbolic of the change I am bringing to the music industry.
Symbolizing the change that I'm bringing to this game
My name represents the positive transformation I am bringing to the music industry.
Things'll never be the same (never the same baby)
My goal is to revolutionize the music industry and create a lasting impact.
Yo nowadays niggas talk like they wanna get shot
People are talking recklessly and putting themselves in danger.
Like I won't grab the glock and run up in your spot
Don't underestimate me, I will use my gun and invade your space.
Six double O drop I'll put two in your knot
I have a high-end car and will shoot you in the head.
And stick around and get every motherfucking thing you've got
I'll stay and take everything you own after I shoot you.
Here I stand on the alley on godrule
I am standing in the alleyway, feeling powerful and in control.
Same spot where rob got shot
This is where someone was previously shot and killed in a robbery.
The block's high
The crime rate in this area is high.
Warrent squad flashing my mug shot
The police are aggressively targeting me and have my mugshot on file.
Rock solo, I should be old T on the low yo
I am living and operating individually, but should be part of a powerful team.
Pump the six and push the volvo
I have a powerful gun and also drive a Volvo car.
I hear they go kuku and go puff loco
I hear rumors that people are going crazy and using drugs.
I sell llelo and price up and down like yo yo
I sell drugs and the prices fluctuate frequently.
But keep that on the low do, nobody's supposed to know, yo
Don't tell anyone about my illegal activities, it's a secret.
I make 16 hundred off of every ho do
I earn $1,600 from every prostitute I manage.
Fucking with the cash flow that'll get you blast yo (haha)
If you interfere with my ability to make money, I will retaliate with violence.
I always get the last laugh yo
I always come out on top and find humor in my enemies' failures.
I rap a muthafucking house around my my wrist for wreck
I have an extremely expensive watch that looks like a house on my wrist.
While you niggas race neck to neck
While you guys are trying to compete with each other, I am focused on myself.
While niggas who live from cheque to tech
People who live paycheck to paycheck are struggling.
I ain't even going to front I ain't working with a full deck
I admit that I am not mentally stable.
Life in the hood so hard I done lost some of my cards
Growing up in the ghetto was difficult and I have lost some of my sanity.
Instead of praying before I sleep I put my hands on my heat
I feel the need to be armed even while sleeping.
As soon as I start dreaming I'm right back on the street
Even in my dreams, I am subconsciously aware of violence and the streets.
Any nigga in this game flowing they think they can see me
Other rappers may think they are better than me, but they can't compare.
Gotta be, fucked up in the head and smoking hemee
They must be crazy and smoking weed.
Believe me if you thought like me you could be me
If you had the same mindset and experiences as me, you could be in my position.
But you ain't been through what I been through and this shit ain't that easy (one)
You haven't experienced the same struggles as me and it's not easy to be successful.
Lyrics © Royalty Network
Written by: QURAN GOODMAN, UNKNOWN NO WRITER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Norman Hell
Trackmasters, 99 shit
Huh uh, huh uh, yea
[Chorus]
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
Put me through any test I bet ya I'll pass cause I'm a cheater
Broke niggas, smoke niggas, rich niggas smoke Cohiba's
My team been puffing chiba and packing heaters since the days of shell toe Adidas
And ain't shit come between us
Look I'm winning now and I'ma keep on winning
I see with you ain't nothing changed same ginen same linen
Fuck the don shit, nigga I'm an armed convict
I live wild beat cases before a trial
Grand jury style I'm foul
You wondering why I don't smile
I'm schemeing to stick you up now
Son I be the first to blast the gun, the last to run
While you hit the pavement son I mash you, ugh
If you don't know you better go and ask someone
50 Cent is my symbol and my name
Symbolizing the change that I'm bringing to this game
Things'll never be the same (never the same baby)
[Chorus]
Yo nowadays niggas talk like they wanna get shot
Like I won't grab the glock and run up in your spot
Six double O drop I'll put two in your knot
And stick around and get every motherfucking thing you've got
Here I stand on the alley on godrule
Same spot where rob got shot
The block's high
Warrent squad flashing my mug shot
Everybody know I'm loco, kill the popo, blast the fo fo, rode dolo
Rock solo, I should be old T on the low yo
Pump the six and push the volvo
I hear they go kuku and go puff loco
I sell llelo and price up and down like yo yo
But keep that on the low do, nobody's supposed to know, yo
I make 16 hundred off of every ho do
Fucking with the cash flow that'll get you blast yo (haha)
I always get the last laugh yo
[Chorus]
I rap a muthafucking house around my my wrist for wreck
While you niggas race neck to neck
While niggas who live from cheque to tech
I ain't even going to front I ain't working with a full deck
Life in the hood so hard I done lost some of my cards
Instead of praying before I sleep I put my hands on my heat
As soon as I start dreaming I'm right back on the street
Any nigga in this game flowing they think they can see me
Gotta be, fucked up in the head and smoking hemee
Believe me if you thought like me you could be me
But you ain't been through what I been through and this shit ain't that easy (one)
[Chorus]
MIRE
Lyrics (those who need to hear what 50 is saying)
Trackmasters, 99 shit
Huh uh, huh uh, yea
[Hook]
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
[Verse]
Put me through any test I bet ya I'll pass cause I'm a cheater
Broke niggas, smoke niggas, rich niggas smoke Cohiba's
My team been puffing chiba and packing heaters since the days of shell toe Adidas
And ain't shit come between us
Look I'm winning now and I'ma keep on winning
I see with you ain't nothing changed same ginen same linen
Fuck the don shit, nigga I'm an armed convict
I live wild beat cases before a trial
Grand jury style I'm foul
You wondering why I don't smile
I'm schemeing to stick you up now
Son I be the first to blast the gun, the last to run
While you hit the pavement son I mash you, ugh
If you don't know you better go and ask someone
50 Cent is my symbol and my name
Symbolizing the change that I'm bringing to this game
Things'll never be the same (never the same baby)
[Hook]
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
[Verse 2]
Yo nowadays niggas talk like they wanna get shot
Like I won't grab the glock and run up in your spot
Six double O drop I'll put two in your knot
And stick around and get every motherfucking thing you've got
Here I stand on the alley on godrule
Same spot where rob got shot
The block's high
Warrent squad flashing my mug shot
Everybody know I'm loco, kill the popo, blast the fo fo, rode dolo
Rock solo, I should be old T on the low yo
Pump the six and push the volvo
I hear they go kuku and go puff loco
I sell llelo and price up and down like yo yo
But keep that on the low do, nobody's supposed to know, yo
I make 16 hundred off of every ho do
Fucking with the cash flow that'll get you blast yo (haha)
I always get the last laugh yo
[Hook]
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
[Verse 3]
I rap a muthafucking house around my my wrist for wreck
While you niggas race neck to neck
While niggas who live from cheque to tech
I ain't even going to front I ain't working with a full deck
Life in the hood so hard I done lost some of my cards
Instead of praying before I sleep I put my hands on my heat
As soon as I start dreaming I'm right back on the street
Any nigga in this game flowing they think they can see me
Gotta be, fucked up in the head and smoking hemee
Believe me if you thought like me you could be me
But you ain't been through what I been through and this shit ain't that easy (one)
[Hook]
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
Dave West
Slow dough, is better than no dough (fa sho)
Get caught talking to popo (what you say to him son?)
They hit you with the fofo (blaow, that's right)
My niggas is loco (loco)
Yo to diss me that's a no-no (no-no)
Y'all niggas is so-so (so-so)
That's why you ain't got no dough (broke ass niggas)
Put me through any test I bet ya I'll pass cause I'm a cheater
Broke niggas, smoke niggas, rich niggas smoke Cohiba's
My team been puffing chiba and packing heaters since the days of shell toe Adidas
And ain't shit come between us
Look I'm winning now and I'ma keep on winning
I see with you ain't nothing changed same ginen same linen
Fuck the don shit, nigga I'm an armed convict
I live wild beat cases before a trial
Grand jury style I'm foul
You wondering why I don't smile
I'm schemeing to stick you up now
Son I be the first to blast the gun, the last to run
While you hit the pavement son I mash you, ugh
If you don't know you better go and ask someone
50 Cent is my symbol and my name
Symbolizing the change that I'm bringing to this game
Things'll never be the same (never the same baby)
[Chorus]
Yo nowadays niggas talk like they wanna get shot
Like I won't grab the glock and run up in your spot
Six double O drop I'll put two in your knot
And stick around and get every motherfucking thing you've got
Here I stand on the alley on godrule
Same spot where rob got shot
The block's high
Warrent squad flashing my mug shot
Everybody know I'm loco, kill the popo, blast the fo fo, rode dolo
Rock solo, I should be old T on the low yo
Pump the six and push the volvo
I hear they go kuku and go puff loco
I sell llelo and price up and down like yo yo
But keep that on the low do, nobody's supposed to know, yo
I make 16 hundred off of every ho do
Fucking with the cash flow that'll get you blast yo (haha)
I always get the last laugh yo
[Chorus]
I rap a muthafucking house around my my wrist for wreck
While you niggas race neck to neck
While niggas who live from cheque to tech
I ain't even going to front I ain't working with a full deck
Life in the hood so hard I done lost some of my cards
Instead of praying before I sleep I put my hands on my heat
As soon as I start dreaming I'm right back on the street
Any nigga in this game flowing they think they can see me
Gotta be, fucked up in the head and smoking hemee
Believe me if you thought like me you could be me
But you ain't been through what I been through and this shit ain't that easy (one)
Fredo Santana
"Believe me, if you thought like me you could be me but you ain't been through what I been through and shit ain't that easy". Damn 50
Krzysztof
Thats some of my favourite bars ever
Gino the Nose
@Krzysztof classic album
Rolla Jay
that's what i said that came before he got shot
Melissa Acevedo
I remember I was 14 years old bumpin this - long live #50cent
Ty From The City 💯
🧢 you had benzino
Danny Mudd
Good ol days
LS3_LaFlare
Damn... You just don't hear music like this anymore smh
Z French
LS3_LaFlare you made me wanna cry just now, gave me flashbacks of the good old time lol
Freddmixx
NEVER.....