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 King Of New York
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The highest ever flyest ever
Bitch I'm third degree
And when you see me I be
Right where I'm suppose be
At the top spot ain't nobody close to me
I walk around like I'm the King Of New York
I don't fuck with the pork
Niggas think they competition fuck
Around and get torched
I done did a lot of shit
And I ain't never get caught
I'm a 1 of 1 nigga I can never be bought
Man this bitch go fast when I put it in sport
Man it's quick fast like I'm Dame
Dash wit that big bag
Niggas big mad take that I'm the shit fam
City cutthroat all these niggas
Do is sell hope i just sell dope got you
Stuck like it's velcro masturbation flow
Only fuckin with myself tho
Its lonely at the top
Rather that than be fuckin broke
Get rich or die tryin
I'd be lyin if I said I did
Like I'm celibate cuz nobody
Fuckin with the kid
Push full throttle that's
My mothafuckin motto
And I always been a leader
Never settle never follow, biacchh
I'm ill nigga
I don't want my face on ya snapchat
I blackjack You could fuck around
And get clapped at
No iPhone, No go pro no no
Footage of the bullshit when I'm on go mode
My man dope spot got hit
Right now the strip club lit
By next week they gon feel that shit
You think I'm old I think
Im young and I'm sexy
That young bitch could get it and
Her momma could check me
Niggas know the drill get to running
When we drillin at em
M1 bitch blow the stock and
Knock the feeling out me
God type of nigga I moving around correctly
Why you think none of niggas
Will try and check me
Niggas pieces is hitting they
Paying half price so if they eating
I'm eating nigga I'm that nice
Niggas know wassup when it come to me
The highest ever flyest ever
Bitch I'm third degree
And when you see me I be
Right where I'm suppose be
At the top spot ain't nobody close to me
In these lyrics, 50 Cent asserts his dominance and superiority over his competitors in the rap game. He claims to be the highest and flyest ever, boasting about his status as a third degree (a clever play on his affiliation with the notorious street gang, the Bloods). Whenever anyone encounters him, he is always where he is expected to be - at the top spot, with nobody else even coming close to his level.
He compares himself to the King of New York, drawing inspiration from his Muslim faith by greeting with "As-Salaam-Alaikum" and emphasizing that he does not associate with anything that goes against his beliefs, such as pork. He warns his competition that they are no match for him, as they may end up getting "torched" or burned. Despite engaging in various illegal activities, 50 Cent boasts about never getting caught, highlighting his cunning and ability to navigate the streets without repercussions. He proudly proclaims himself as an irreplaceable individual who cannot be bought, comparing himself to a fast sports car and the legendary entrepreneur Damon Dash.
He addresses the hustle and cutthroat nature of the city, claiming that while others offer false hope, he deals in a more tangible product - drugs. He acknowledges that his lifestyle may be isolating, but he prefers it to being broke. He references his debut album title, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," acknowledging the challenge he faced to achieve success and the fact that he cannot deny his wealth and status. He asserts himself as a leader who never settles or follows others.
In the next verse, 50 Cent emphasizes his ferocity and dangerous nature. He doesn't want his face on anyone's Snapchat because he doesn't want to be associated with frivolous activities. He warns that those who cross him may face dire consequences, as he is willing to resort to violence to protect himself. He humorously dismisses the need for documenting his actions on iPhones or GoPros, as the real action happens when he is in "go mode."
He mentions a drug spot being targeted, implying that his criminal activities continue to thrive. He predicts that the strip clubs will soon be experiencing the effects of his success, indicating that his influence and wealth will extend beyond the streets. He addresses those who may perceive him as past his prime, confidently asserting that he is still young and desirable, even attracting the attention of young women and their mothers.
He concludes the lyrics by reiterating his invincibility, stating that others are aware not to attempt challenging him. He suggests that those who settle for less are only receiving a fraction of what he is capable of obtaining. 50 Cent solidifies his position as the highest and flyest in the game, emphasizing that nobody comes close to his greatness.
Line by Line Meaning
Niggas know wassup when it come to me
People are aware of my reputation and know what I'm capable of.
The highest ever flyest ever
I am considered the best and most stylish in everything I do.
Bitch I'm third degree
I am exceptionally talented and skilled, reaching the highest level of excellence.
And when you see me I be
Whenever you encounter me, I am
Right where I'm suppose be
Exactly where I am expected and meant to be, achieving success.
At the top spot ain't nobody close to me
I am at the highest position, greatly surpassing anyone else in my field.
I walk around like I'm the King Of New York
I carry myself with such confidence and power, as if I rule over the entire city of New York.
Bitch it's As-Salaam-Alaikum
I greet with the Muslim salutation 'peace be upon you.'
I don't fuck with the pork
I avoid engaging with things that are considered negative or harmful.
Niggas think they competition fuck
People who believe they can compete with me are delusional.
Around and get torched
They will face severe consequences and be overwhelmed by my superiority.
I done did a lot of shit
I have accomplished numerous remarkable feats.
And I ain't never get caught
Despite my actions, I have managed to avoid being caught or punished.
I'm a 1 of 1 nigga I can never be bought
I am truly unique and cannot be influenced or manipulated.
Man this bitch go fast when I put it in sport
This car accelerates quickly when I switch it to sports mode.
Man it's quick fast like I'm Dame
It moves swiftly and rapidly, comparable to the speed of Dame Dash.
Dash wit that big bag
Like Dame Dash, I possess significant wealth and success.
Niggas big mad take that I'm the shit fam
People become highly frustrated and envious when they realize how exceptional I am.
City cutthroat all these niggas
The urban environment is ruthless and filled with people
Do is sell hope i just sell dope got you
Who only sell false dreams, while I sell drugs that trap and manipulate you.
Stuck like it's velcro masturbation flow
I am trapped in a repetitive cycle of self-indulgence and self-gratification in my music.
Only fuckin with myself tho
I only trust and rely on myself in my endeavors.
Its lonely at the top
Being at the pinnacle of success can be isolating and lack companionship.
Rather that than be fuckin broke
I would prefer the solitude of success than the struggles and poverty of being broke.
Get rich or die tryin
I am determined to achieve financial wealth and success, even if it means risking my life.
I'd be lyin if I said I did
I would be dishonest if I claimed I have already achieved everything I desire.
Like I'm celibate cuz nobody
Similar to being celibate, nobody
Fuckin with the kid
Engages or has sexual relations with me.
Push full throttle that's
I push forward with great intensity and determination,
My mothafuckin motto
It is my personal philosophy and motto.
And I always been a leader
Throughout my life, I have always taken the lead and never followed others.
Never settle never follow, biacchh
I never accept mediocrity and never imitate or conform to others, emphasizing my dominance.
I'm ill nigga
I am extraordinarily talented and exceptional, my abilities exceed the norm.
I don't want my face on ya snapchat
I am not interested in becoming a temporary trend or gaining superficial attention.
I blackjack You could fuck around
I deceive and manipulate, so you should be cautious
And get clapped at
Or else you may face severe consequences or retaliation.
No iPhone, No go pro no no
I don't need fancy gadgets like an iPhone or GoPro, no no
Footage of the bullshit when I'm on go mode
There is no evidence or footage capturing the chaos and trouble I cause when I am in my active state.
My man dope spot got hit
The location where my associates sell drugs was raided by the authorities.
Right now the strip club lit
Currently, the atmosphere at the strip club is vibrant and exciting.
By next week they gon feel that shit
Within the upcoming week, the consequences and impacts of my actions will be widely felt.
You think I'm old I think
Even though you may perceive me as old or past my prime, I believe
Im young and I'm sexy
That I am still young and attractive, full of vitality and appeal.
That young bitch could get it and
I am sexually desirable and capable of attracting and engaging with younger women.
Her momma could check me
Even their mothers would acknowledge and appreciate my charm and desirability.
Niggas know the drill get to running
People are familiar with the routine and instinctively start running
When we drillin at em
When we initiate our attack or confrontation against them.
M1 bitch blow the stock and
Using a powerful firearm, we shoot rapidly and violently,
Knock the feeling out me
Suppressing any emotions or fear that may arise within me.
God type of nigga I moving around correctly
I possess god-like qualities and navigate through life with precision and righteousness.
Why you think none of niggas
The reason why no one dares
Will try and check me
To challenge or confront me.
Niggas pieces is hitting they
Others are only achieving partial success
Paying half price so if they eating
While settling for less, but if they are content with that level of success,
I'm eating nigga I'm that nice
I am surpassing their achievements and enjoying great success, illustrating my exceptional abilities.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
DJ ICEK'
KINGS!!! I RUN NEW YORK!!
DreadXplayZS
Always looked at this song as a alternate universe if tekashi came out the same time 50 cent came out and did mash posey music.
SAM SAM
LOL LABALANCE TAKES IT HARD YET HE TALKED SO QUICKLY TO THE COMMISSARIART THE 6X BALANCE JAI HARD FOR HIM HIS LIFE NE T & qua & fil aparament
RedfireBonus
@Allstaraq212 that ain’t 50?
Natali Cruz
i like your remix bro
Natali Cruz
yeah
Levi Roth
And I wondered why it wasn't on Spotify damn which ever fan made this remix deserves a Grammy
DreadXplayZS
Always looked at this song as a alternate universe if tekashi came out the same time 50 cent came out and did mash posey music.
weed🍃🍃
Fax🔥
levia thaniel
song doesnt even exist and its still hot af lol