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.
Talk About Me )
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Yeah! Ha Ha!
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear niggaz runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
[Verse 1]
50 shot my brother I'm a find that nigga
We don't see his punk ass unless he on TV
Yeah he did my brother dirty but he don't wanna see me
Member Rydell from KP thought he was his man
Put him on the table to bag up he beat him for grams
How you think he got that money for that Chalk Gray Land
That nigga robbin and stealin everything that he can
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear hoes runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
[Verse 2]
Yeah I know Curtis, he used to fuck with my friend
Used to come through my projects pick her up in the Benz
Niggaz from my buildin always used to ask about him
Like she in and out of town right that niggaz get down right
I used to say, all I know, is the nigga get money
And you standin in my way, excuse me dummy
Ronda she told me that nigga a freak
And McDonald's ain't the only thing that he eat
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
[Verse 3]
I love 50 Cent, that's my dad
But even my mom talk about him bad
She says since he blew up, he changed for sure
He's really fascinated with these fancy hoes
I don't know why but there personalities collide
And my dad will swallow blood before he swallows his pride
You know the kids in my class they be sayin he's crazy
They just like him cause he rollin with Dr. Dre and Shady
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear niggaz runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
[Verse 4]
Man 50 fucked up, I mean real fucked up
He left us in the hood we fucked up
Still actin like he in the street tellin niggaz they can't eat
You know this motherfucker went and bought Tyson's crib
Got Bentley's, Ferrari's, and all that shit
He don't even come through to try and help niggaz out
That's the bullshit see what I'm talkin about
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
[Verse 5]
That's my Grand baby I love him I raised that boy right
He ran to me cryin sent him back out to fight
Put a battery in his sock go pick up a rock
You ain't a chump, you want your Grandma to think you a punk
Look at my first Grand baby, he is a big rap star
Bought me a house, diamonds, and a brand new car
I tought him what it takes, to go this far
Boy I'm the reason you are what you are
[Chorus]
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
The lyrics of "Talk About Me" by 50 Cent refers to the various rumors and gossip that surrounds the rapper's life. The song is a response to the different allegations and lies that people have spread about him. The chorus, which is repeated throughout the song, highlights how everywhere the rapper goes, he hears people talking about him behind his back.
The song is divided into different verses where various people share their thoughts and experiences regarding 50 Cent. In the first verse, a man talks about how he wants to find 50 Cent because he allegedly shot his brother. The second verse talks about how people in the singer's building talk about the rapper's promiscuity. In the third verse, the singer talks about how his mother criticizes 50 for changing and becoming obsessed with fame and material possessions. The fourth verse talks about how the rapper abandoned his neighborhood, while in the last verse, the rapper's grandmother praises him for his success and hard work.
In the end, the song showcases the negative and positive aspects of being famous. The rumors and lies that come with celebrity status can be hurtful, but at the same time, the success and accomplishments can lead to admiration and pride.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah! Ha Ha!
The song begins with an expression of excitement and amusement.
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear niggaz runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
The artist hears people talking about him wherever he goes, and the way they talk is disrespectful and unpleasant.
I know Boo Boo I mean 50 he a grimey nigga
50 shot my brother I'm a find that nigga
We don't see his punk ass unless he on TV
Yeah he did my brother dirty but he don't wanna see me
Member Rydell from KP thought he was his man
Put him on the table to bag up he beat him for grams
How you think he got that money for that Chalk Gray Land
That nigga robbin and stealin everything that he can
The singer refers to 50 Cent and accuses him of being violent and criminal in his behavior, including shooting the singer's brother and beating up a mutual acquaintance. The singer suggests that 50 Cent has gained his wealth through illegal means.
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear hoes runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
The artist hears women talking about him everywhere he goes, and the way they talk is disapproving and critical.
Yeah I know Curtis, he used to fuck with my friend
Used to come through my projects pick her up in the Benz
Niggaz from my buildin always used to ask about him
Like she in and out of town right that niggaz get down right
I used to say, all I know, is the nigga get money
And you standin in my way, excuse me dummy
Ronda she told me that nigga a freak
And McDonald's ain't the only thing that he eat
The artist refers to 50 Cent as 'Curtis' and describes his past relationship with a mutual friend. People in the artist's community commented on the friend's relationship with 50 Cent, and the artist is aware that 50 Cent has a reputation for being wealthy. The artist recounts a rumor that 50 Cent is sexually deviant and enjoys eating fast food.
I love 50 Cent, that's my dad
But even my mom talk about him bad
She says since he blew up, he changed for sure
He's really fascinated with these fancy hoes
I don't know why but there personalities collide
And my dad will swallow blood before he swallows his pride
You know the kids in my class they be sayin he's crazy
They just like him cause he rollin with Dr. Dre and Shady
The singer loves 50 Cent and regards him as a father figure. However, even the singer's mother has negative opinions about 50 Cent since he became successful. The singer suggests that 50 Cent is interested in materialistic women, which causes conflict with others. The singer notes that people view 50 Cent as eccentric, and children admire him for his association with famous musicians.
Man 50 fucked up, I mean real fucked up
He left us in the hood we fucked up
Still actin like he in the street tellin niggaz they can't eat
You know this motherfucker went and bought Tyson's crib
Got Bentley's, Ferrari's, and all that shit
He don't even come through to try and help niggaz out
That's the bullshit see what I'm talkin about
The singer criticizes 50 Cent for abandoning his community and behaving like he is still involved in street life, prohibiting others from achieving success. The singer is upset that 50 Cent has acquired luxury items but hasn't used his wealth to help his former neighbors. The singer finds this behavior to be hypocritical and disingenuous.
That's my Grand baby I love him I raised that boy right
He ran to me cryin sent him back out to fight
Put a battery in his sock go pick up a rock
You ain't a chump, you want your Grandma to think you a punk
Look at my first Grand baby, he is a big rap star
Bought me a house, diamonds, and a brand new car
I tought him what it takes, to go this far
Boy I'm the reason you are what you are
The artist is proud of their grandchild, who is revealed to be 50 Cent. The artist recalls 50 Cent coming to them for advice and encouragement before going out to face a challenge. The artist describes a lesson they taught 50 Cent about toughness and the importance of impressing family. The artist claims credit for 50 Cent's success in the music industry and material possessions.
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
Man everywhere I go, I mean like everywhere I be
I hear everybody runnin they mouth, you should hear how they talk 'bout me
The song concludes by repeating the chorus, emphasizing the ubiquity and negativity of the gossip surrounding the artist.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MARK BATSON, MIKE ELIZONDO, CURTIS JAMES JACKSON, CHE POPE, ANDRE YOUNG
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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