Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, New Y… Read Full Bio ↴Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975 in South Jamaica, Queens, New York), better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is a Grammy award nominated rapper, actor, singer, entrepreneur, author and founder of the hip hop group and label G-Unit.

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.

The Hit
50 Cent Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Uh uh uh uh uh uh

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this

The only thing hotter than my flow is the block, inhale and exhale
That's why I left this snow biz and got into show biz

Let's get this clear, it ain't on 'til I say it's on, pause, it's on
I'm eatin', y'all niggas fastin' like it's Rimadon

Bowlish way in Lebanon, know 50 the bomb
I be at the edge of the bar, sippin' a Don
I keep the bottle just in case, you never know when it's on
This worries bump, I can't go wrong, my team's too strong

You want war? I take you to war, now that my money long
Why you broke? Cat's buy the by lines and fantasize
The way I'm spittin', put TV's in everything I'm sittin'
While I'm hot to death, I'm gonna say this to all you playa haters
Y'all should hate the game, not the playas, c'mon

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

Everyday is bugged, niggas'll come to a club
To try to show you they a thug, instead of showing some love
Now, what you think you chump me, if I let you bump me
When I'm about to make a mill, faster than you make a G, ha ha

I know I lie, it's a habit, I vow to clean the city like the mayor
And in the crack game, I'm a franchise player
Niggas be thinkin' I be out to lunch with mines
Then in crunch time, I start hittin' 'em hard with punch lines

You cats got to be sick to think 50 can't spit
Better check my batting average, I always make hits
My flows leave these rap cats ketro, ketro all across the metro, metro
Plus I pack a cannon, up under my marple cannon

They fake, they look like money but ain't worth half the cake
Have me runnin' from Jake, in a GS with bad brakes
They want to knock me take for Christ sakes

50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this
I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

Yo son, remember them fake playas
Who try to play us at The Shark Club in Vegas
Had them tight linen blazers and beat up gators
Lookin' like last year's playas, pause

Yeah, I could tell they dough was low
When we came through the do'
I copped a case of Cristal and copped one bottle of Mo
From the looking through face and the bulge in his waist, he holdin'

Yeah he's packin', I can see his rack
The one in the middle, he a big man, I dealt with him son
Yeah, so I expect look like they ain't had a run since ' 81
They ain't here on a hunt for food

So they could catch you, some cash and expensive jewels
I'm gonna crash 'em with this bottle if he move
I ain't the one son, my shit ain't come easy
It won't go easy, believe me

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces
This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
Races in the faces, hall at you laces

This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
50 Cent, let's see if homicide trace this

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of 50 Cent's "The Hit" speak to his past life as a drug dealer and how he's now transitioned into the music industry. He talks about changing his location frequently to avoid being caught by law enforcement, dealing with rival gangs and their dangerous tactics, and his resolve to stay on top, even in the face of adversity. Throughout the song, he maintains his self-assuredness and emphasizes his resilience in the face of any challenges.

In the first few lines, 50 Cent mentions how he changes locations frequently to avoid being caught by the police. He also talks about the risks he faces while dealing with different races, hence the reference to "races in the faces." 50 Cent then declares that the song is a hit and challenges the police to try and trace it. He emphasizes his status and power in both the drug and music industry and takes pride in his ability to live a successful life despite his past mistakes.

Overall, "The Hit" is a song of confidence and bravado. 50 Cent's lyrics speak to his experiences in the drug dealing world and how those experiences have shaped the person he is today. The lyrics emphasize his determination to succeed, even when faced with obstacles and the constant threat of danger.

Line by Line Meaning

I change places to prevent catchin' the cases
I switch up my location to avoid getting caught by law enforcement

Races in the faces, hall at you laces
I confront and intimidate my enemies, making sure they know who's in charge

This is a hit, let's see if homicide trace this
I am confident in my ability to commit a successful crime and challenge law enforcement to try and catch me

The only thing hotter than my flow is the block, inhale and exhale
The streets are on fire because of me, everyone is talking about me and my music

That's why I left this snow biz and got into show biz
I left the drug game to pursue a career in music and entertainment

Let's get this clear, it ain't on 'til I say it's on, pause, it's on
I am the one in control and nothing will happen until I give the go-ahead

I'm eatin', y'all niggas fastin' like it's Rimadon
I am enjoying success and wealth while my competitors are struggling and failing

Bowlish way in Lebanon, know 50 the bomb
I am well-known and respected in international circles

I be at the edge of the bar, sippin' a Don
I am a VIP and enjoy the finer things in life

I keep the bottle just in case, you never know when it's on
I am always prepared for any situation, including a potential conflict

This worries bump, I can't go wrong, my team's too strong
My crew is powerful and dependable, and we are destined for success

You want war? I take you to war, now that my money long
I am willing to engage in conflict and my wealth gives me an advantage

Why you broke? Cat's buy the by lines and fantasize
My competitors are unsuccessful and only pretend to be wealthy and successful

The way I'm spittin', put TV's in everything I'm sittin'
My music is so popular that it is played everywhere, including in places like cars and clubs

While I'm hot to death, I'm gonna say this to all you playa haters
I am extremely popular and successful, and I don't care about those who don't like me

Y'all should hate the game, not the playas, c'mon
Instead of hating on successful people, focus on improving your own situation and succeeding in your own way

Everyday is bugged, niggas'll come to a club
Everywhere I go, I have to be cautious and aware of potential threats

To try to show you they a thug, instead of showing some love
Many people try to act tough and show off instead of being friendly and supportive

Now, what you think you chump me, if I let you bump me
If someone tries to disrespect me, I won't let them get away with it

When I'm about to make a mill, faster than you make a G, ha ha
I am making a lot of money quickly and easily, while others are struggling

I know I lie, it's a habit, I vow to clean the city like the mayor
I admit to being dishonest, but I promise to do good and make positive changes in my community

And in the crack game, I'm a franchise player
I was successful in the drug game and considered one of the best

Niggas be thinkin' I be out to lunch with mines
Some people underestimate me and don't take me seriously

Then in crunch time, I start hittin' 'em hard with punch lines
When it matters most, I excel and prove my worth

You cats got to be sick to think 50 can't spit
Anyone who doubts my musical ability must be crazy

Better check my batting average, I always make hits
My track record proves that I am consistently successful

My flows leave these rap cats ketro, ketro all across the metro, metro
My music is so popular that it is played all over the city, and everyone knows my rhymes

Plus I pack a cannon, up under my marple cannon
I carry a gun for protection

They fake, they look like money but ain't worth half the cake
My rivals pretend to be wealthy, but they aren't actually successful

Have me runnin' from Jake, in a GS with bad brakes
I have to run from the police in a car that isn't even reliable

They want to knock me take for Christ sakes
My enemies are envious of my success and want to harm me

Yo son, remember them fake playas
Hey, remember those guys who pretended to be successful and cool?

Who try to play us at The Shark Club in Vegas
They challenged us to a confrontation at a particular club in Las Vegas

Had them tight linen blazers and beat up gators
They were trying to look fancy, but their clothes were old and worn

Lookin' like last year's playas, pause
They looked outdated and out of style

Yeah, I could tell they dough was low
I knew that they weren't actually successful because of how they looked

When we came through the do'
When we arrived at the club

I copped a case of Cristal and copped one bottle of Mo
I bought expensive bottles of champagne

From the looking through face and the bulge in his waist, he holdin'
I could tell that one of them was carrying a weapon

Yeah he's packin', I can see his rack
He is definitely carrying a gun

The one in the middle, he a big man, I dealt with him son
One of them was particularly intimidating, but I was able to handle him

Yeah, so I expect look like they ain't had a run since ' 81
They looked like they hadn't been successful or accomplished anything in years

They ain't here on a hunt for food
They are here to cause trouble and start a fight

So they could catch you, some cash and expensive jewels
They want to rob me of my money and possessions

I'm gonna crash 'em with this bottle if he move
I am ready to defend myself and won't hesitate to use force if necessary

I ain't the one son, my shit ain't come easy
I worked hard to achieve my success

It won't go easy, believe me
My rivals won't give up easily, but I am ready for the challenge

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: CURTIS JAMES JACKSON, KEITH EVERETTE HORNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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