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.
Sunday Morning
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I mean I'm i'm blessed
Me, I ain't got to send a usher around
With baskets or talk to a choir
But nigga I'm cleaner than your
Motherfucking preacher on sunday morning
Me, I run the streets all week, hustle hard
But bet I be the cleanest motherfucking
In the service on sunday morning
I make so many mistakes, so many corrections
I'm so far from perfect
So many imperfections
But I'm a go getta, I get up and go get it
So if you're preaching prosperity
I wanna hear it i make the hood look good
Turn the base into base line
Punch lines to white lines
Run from the one time
My verse is like a graphic scene
Close your eyes
Now you seen the dope fiend lean
And you seen the pimp pimp hoes
The 4-4 blow and niggas puff dro
Like there's no tomorrow
Hit that pass that, that's the motto
You know jail's like vacation for my friends
They go away
Come home and do the same shit again
You think I'm bad, man they don't give a fuck
They trying do what they gotta
Do to get a buck
Me, I ain't got to send a usher around
With baskets or talk to a choir
But nigga I'm cleaner than your
Motherfucking preacher on sunday morning
Me, I run the streets all week, hustle hard
I do work to get by
But bet I be the cleanest motherfucking
In the service on sunday morning
I take the line out the good
Book an eye for an eye
Shoot me I shoot you back
I don't care if you die
First the sun comes down
Then the sun goes up
And the coke price too when
The D's make a bust it's freeze nigga
Get the fuck on the wall and
Everything you worked for
They come to take it all
Man it's like they don't
Know what they taking
Hit you with the tazer
I'll have you sizzling like bacon
When you pray say a prayer for me
A nigga could use it
Through my pain there's a piece of
Me in all of my music
Go head you can judge me
I'm hoping you love me
I see I got it mastered, muh muh muh magic
Hocus pocus keep the bitches focused
Before we pop up on that ass with toasters
Lord forgive me I'm regressing again
Forgive me for that line and
The rest of my sins
Me, I ain't got to send a usher around
With baskets or talk to a choir
But nigga I'm cleaner than your
Motherfucking preacher on sunday morning
Me, I run the streets all week, hustle hard
I do work to get by
But bet I be the cleanest motherfucking
In the service on sunday morning
In the song "Sunday Morning," 50 Cent is expressing his current state of mind, feeling blessed and grateful for his success. He compares himself to a preacher on Sunday morning, highlighting his cleanliness and moral superiority. Although he doesn't need to rely on the church or its rituals, he believes he is cleaner than a preacher who speaks to the congregation.
He acknowledges that he has made many mistakes and recognizes his imperfections, but he is a go-getter who constantly strives for success. He admires those who preach about prosperity and wants to hear their message. 50 Cent takes pride in representing his community well and transforming it despite its challenges. He mentions turning the "base" (referring to both music and the foundation of the neighborhood) into a "baseline," indicating his ability to elevate and improve his surroundings. He also mentions the realities of the street, including drugs, crime, and prostitution, implicitly criticizing the system that perpetuates these issues.
The second verse focuses more on the harsh realities of urban life. He implies a "life for a life" mentality, emphasizing that he will defend himself by any means necessary. He highlights the cyclical nature of the streets, with the sun setting and rising, symbolizing the continuous struggle. The price of cocaine increases when the authorities make a bust, affecting those involved in the drug trade. The police presence and their actions can be brutal, comparing being hit by a taser to sizzling bacon. He requests prayers from his listeners and acknowledges that his music contains traces of his pain and personal experiences. He understands that he may face judgment but hopes to be loved by his audience. He refers to his art as magic, captivating and controlling his female fans, and warns of retaliation and violence against those who cross him.
In summary, "Sunday Morning" is a reflection of 50 Cent's current mindset and his perspective on success, struggles, and the streets. He expresses his cleanliness in comparison to a preacher, despite not needing the church. He acknowledges his imperfections but remains driven for success. He also sheds light on the harsh realities of urban life, with the accompanying street violence and the persistent struggle to survive. Overall, the song showcases 50 Cent's pride in his accomplishments and reveals his resilience in the face of adversity.
Line by Line Meaning
This is how I'm feeling right now
I am currently in a certain emotional state
I mean I'm i'm blessed
I feel fortunate and grateful
Me, I ain't got to send a usher around
I don't have to ask for help or seek assistance
With baskets or talk to a choir
I don't need to make contributions or participate in religious rituals
But nigga I'm cleaner than your Motherfucking preacher on sunday morning
I am morally upright and righteous, even more so than a religious leader
Me, I run the streets all week, hustle hard
I dedicate my time and effort to street life and hustling
I do work to get by
I engage in various activities to survive financially
But bet I be the cleanest motherfucking In the service on sunday morning
Still, I would be seen as the most virtuous and righteous person during religious services
I make so many mistakes, so many corrections
I frequently make errors and have to fix them
I'm so far from perfect
I am far from being flawless
So many imperfections
I have numerous flaws
But I'm a go getta, I get up and go get it
Nevertheless, I am determined and ambitious, always striving for success
So if you're preaching prosperity I wanna hear it
If someone is advocating for financial well-being, I am interested in listening
I make the hood look good
I present the neighborhood in a positive light
Turn the base into base line
I elevate the fundamentals of the community
Punch lines to white lines
I transition from delivering impactful lyrics to drug-related activities
Run from the one time
I evade law enforcement
My verse is like a graphic scene Close your eyes
My lyrics depict intense and vivid images, so it's advised to visualize them with closed eyes
Now you seen the dope fiend lean
You have witnessed the drug addict's physical lean
And you seen the pimp pimp hoes The 4-4 blow and niggas puff dro
You have observed the presence of pimps, prostitutes, gunshots, and people smoking marijuana
Like there's no tomorrow
They engage in these activities as if there is no future consequence
Hit that pass that, that's the motto
Pass the joint and keep sharing it, that's the motto
You know jail's like vacation for my friends
My friends consider jail as a break, a temporary escape
They go away Come home and do the same shit again
They leave prison, only to return to their previous criminal activities
You think I'm bad, man they don't give a fuck
You might think I'm morally wrong, but they are indifferent and unaffected
They trying do what they gotta Do to get a buck
They are doing whatever it takes to make money and survive
I take the line out the good Book an eye for an eye
I interpret the Bible's concept of retaliation, seeking revenge
Shoot me I shoot you back I don't care if you die
If someone attacks me, I will retaliate and not care if they are killed
First the sun comes down Then the sun goes up
There are cycles of both good and bad times
And the coke price too when The D's make a bust it's freeze nigga
When the police make a drug raid, the price of cocaine increases and everyone becomes cautious
Get the fuck on the wall and Everything you worked for They come to take it all
Everyone is ordered to assume a submissive position, while the police confiscate their belongings
Man it's like they don't Know what they taking
The police seem oblivious to the significance and value of the items they confiscate
Hit you with the tazer I'll have you sizzling like bacon
If the police use a taser on you, it will cause a burning sensation like sizzling bacon
When you pray say a prayer for me A nigga could use it
If you pray, please include a prayer for me, as I could benefit from it
Through my pain there's a piece of Me in all of my music
Within my music, you can find a part of me, reflecting my experiences and struggles
Go head you can judge me I'm hoping you love me
Feel free to pass judgment on me, but I hope you also develop affection for me
I see I got it mastered, muh muh muh magic
I recognize that I have acquired great skill and ability, like magic
Hocus pocus keep the bitches focused
Using tricks and deception, I maintain the attention and loyalty of women
Before we pop up on that ass with toasters
Before we unexpectedly appear with guns ready for action
Lord forgive me I'm regressing again
I ask for forgiveness, as I find myself falling back into old habits
Forgive me for that line and The rest of my sins
I seek forgiveness for my actions and behaviors, as well as my lyrical content
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
ColdCorner
Wasn't this for Before I Self Destruct tho? before i self destruct had this kind of tracklist first 01 Intro
02 Came to Win [produced by Red Spyda]
03 Get Up [produced by Scott Storch]
04 Need Your Hate [Produced by Dr. Dre]
05 Here for a Reason [ft. Nate Dogg] [produced by tha Bizness]
06 Good to Be a Gangsta [produced by Ty Fyffe & Sha Money XL]
07 Don't Mess With 50 [produced by Don Cannon]
08 Trust in Me [produced by J.R. Rotem]
09 Norman Bates Motel [ft. Eminem] [produced by Dr. Dre]
10 Bitch I'm Sorry [produced by Needlz]
11 All for You [produced by Hi-Tek]
12 No Time to Lose [ft. Swizz Beatz] [produced by the Individuals]
13 Lonely at the Top [produced by Play-N-Skillz]
14 You Need Us [ft. Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo] [produced by DJ Khalil]
15 Different Path [ft. Dave Young] [produced by Havoc]
16 I Get It In [produced by Dr. Dre]
17 Somebody Forgive Me [produced by Jake One]
18 My Reign [produced by Eminem]
19 Ready for War [ft. Dr. Dre] [produced by Dr. Dre)
SOUL SEEKER
Such a gem, no idea why he didn't keep it on the album
Agent Situation
Probably couldn't clear the sample
Shawn Hudson
@Agent Situation was just about to say that womder if anyone has this without the skips
ColdCorner
Wasn't this for Before I Self Destruct tho? before i self destruct had this kind of tracklist first 01 Intro
02 Came to Win [produced by Red Spyda]
03 Get Up [produced by Scott Storch]
04 Need Your Hate [Produced by Dr. Dre]
05 Here for a Reason [ft. Nate Dogg] [produced by tha Bizness]
06 Good to Be a Gangsta [produced by Ty Fyffe & Sha Money XL]
07 Don't Mess With 50 [produced by Don Cannon]
08 Trust in Me [produced by J.R. Rotem]
09 Norman Bates Motel [ft. Eminem] [produced by Dr. Dre]
10 Bitch I'm Sorry [produced by Needlz]
11 All for You [produced by Hi-Tek]
12 No Time to Lose [ft. Swizz Beatz] [produced by the Individuals]
13 Lonely at the Top [produced by Play-N-Skillz]
14 You Need Us [ft. Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo] [produced by DJ Khalil]
15 Different Path [ft. Dave Young] [produced by Havoc]
16 I Get It In [produced by Dr. Dre]
17 Somebody Forgive Me [produced by Jake One]
18 My Reign [produced by Eminem]
19 Ready for War [ft. Dr. Dre] [produced by Dr. Dre)
ColdCorner
Does any of you know what kind of the original Curtis tracklist was then?
Tharsan Jeyachandran
@ColdCorner yeah before i self destruct was supposed to come out first back in 2007
G-Unit .Dogg
50 should get out of his comfort zone and release an album over soulful beats. He really has a great flow over these, voice and beats go hand in hand
VRNCLR
Like Sincerely Yours, Southside?
Eazy J92
I can’t believe this got scrapped. This is crazy fire. If he dropped this now it would pop
Milkers777
50 should’ve def did a whole entire soul album and just have Dre,Em & Timberland do the whole entire Curtis album this track should’ve been on the album PERIOD!🤦🏽♂️🐐🔥🔥🔥