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 Rotten Apple
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm with my gun, I get full coporation
I tell you "Take it off" no hesitation
Nigga you play around, I lay you down, that's how it's going down
Don't play with me, I don't have patience
My head aching, and I need my medication
Niggas be hating, they don't know what they facing
Nigga you play around, I lay you down, that's how it's going down
Nigga witness against me, I'mma erase 'em
If they try an runaway, I'mma chase 'em
Now with the pound, and I'mma lay 'em down, that's how it's going down
Better watch how you talk, better watch where you walk
On the streets of New York, that's how we get down
22's on the jeep, something deep in the seat
When we creep with the heat, that's how we get down
Wise men listen and laugh while fools talk
Stick up kids don't live long in New York
Fuck around and catch the wrong jukes on the street
Get caught slipping, then get hit with like three
In every hood in the US, I'm that nigga they feeling
Rap full of good guys, 50 Cent is the villain
I play the bar with eight bottles all night getting right
Teaching the hoodrats what Cristal taste like
I put 60 on wrist, 12 on my fist, 100 on my neck
We in the hood nigga scheming, what you expect?
My S on 22's leave ya hoes confused
On the track ready to choose, like "Daddy, we want you"
My love live ain't change, the shorties still hug me
Bullet wound in my face, and bitches still love me
Now Nelly told you how them country boys talk
I came to teach you how we put it down in New York, that's how we get down
Better watch how you talk, better watch where you walk
On the streets of New York, that's how we get down
22's on the jeep, something deep in the seat
When we creep with the heat, that's how we get down
In the city, a young buck'll tell you how the mac spit
O.G. give 'em the word, you gonna get your ass hit
I don't know why niggas like to talk bad about me
I'm the richest nigga they know without a G.E.D
Man it could be the money, it could be the ice
It could be they'd like to be me and can't live my life
You should hear they be saying man "50 be flipping"
"Shot my man over seven grams, that nigga be tripping"
I know death is promised, I don't fear getting murked
It's when a nigga half-way killa ya homie, it hurts
Now we can hit the club and get it crunked
Or you could start some shit, and I could hit you with the pump
You can have it how you want, but I know you like my style
Uh-huh, you like how I break it down
Wanna get rich? I'll show you how
Take this pack, pump these pieces, that's how we get down
Better watch how you talk, better watch where you walk
On the streets of New York, that's how we get down
22's on the jeep, something deep in the seat
When we creep with the heat, that's how we get down
The lyrics to 50 Cent's "Rotten Apple" depict the dangerous and sometimes violent lifestyle of living in the streets of New York. Throughout the song, 50 Cent talks about his past experiences with the law and how his reputation as a dangerous man has caused people to fear and respect him. He also explains the consequences of crossing him or getting on his bad side. The chorus emphasizes the importance of being cautious and aware of one's surroundings in order to survive in the harsh environment of the city.
The verses convey 50 Cent’s personal experiences of being in the “game” of drug dealing in New York City. He talks about the police officers who are trying to catch him, the rivals who are trying to kill him, and the women who are still attracted to him despite his violent reputation. He also touches on his own fears and his need for self-medication to cope with the stresses of his life.
Overall, the lyrics of "Rotten Apple" show the darker, more violent side of 50 Cent's past and the realities of living in a place like New York City. The song sheds light on the struggles of individuals who have to resort to street tactics to survive.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on parole, I used to be on probation
I'm still on thin ice with the law, but I'm not as restricted as before
I'm with my gun, I get full coporation
When I have my gun, people respect me and follow my lead
I tell you "Take it off" no hesitation
I demand immediate compliance without any hesitation
Nigga you play around, I lay you down, that's how it's going down
If you mess with me, you'll end up getting killed
Don't play with me, I don't have patience
I have a short fuse, so don't push me
My head aching, and I need my medication
I have a headache and need to take my medication
Niggas be hating, they don't know what they facing
Some people underestimate me and don't realize the danger they're in
I be in court throwing signs like I'm a mason
I use hand signals in court like a Freemason to communicate with my associates
Nigga witness against me, I'mma erase 'em
If someone testifies against me, they'll end up dead
If they try an runaway, I'mma chase 'em
If someone tries to run away from me, I'll pursue them
Now with the pound, and I'mma lay 'em down, that's how it's going down
I have a gun, and I'll use it to take out my enemies
Better watch how you talk, better watch where you walk
Be careful about what you say and where you go, especially in New York City
On the streets of New York, that's how we get down
This is how we operate and survive in New York City
22's on the jeep, something deep in the seat
The car has 22-inch rims and a hidden stash of weapons
When we creep with the heat, that's how we get down
When we move stealthily with our weapons, that's how we survive on the streets
Wise men listen and laugh while fools talk
Smart people pay attention and laugh at foolish talk
Stick up kids don't live long in New York
People who rob others at gunpoint don't last long in New York City's dangerous environment
Fuck around and catch the wrong jukes on the street
If you act recklessly, you may become a victim of street crime
Get caught slipping, then get hit with like three
If you let your guard down and become vulnerable, you'll likely get attacked by multiple people
In every hood in the US, I'm that nigga they feeling
People in every neighborhood across the country relate to me and my music
Rap full of good guys, 50 Cent is the villain
The rap industry is full of good guys, but people see me as the bad guy
I play the bar with eight bottles all night getting right
I party hard at the bar and drink a lot of expensive alcohol
Teaching the hoodrats what Cristal taste like
I'm introducing people from poor neighborhoods to the taste of expensive champagne
I put 60 on wrist, 12 on my fist, 100 on my neck
I wear expensive jewelry worth a lot of money
We in the hood nigga scheming, what you expect?
I'm from the hood, so of course I'm always planning and scheming
My S on 22's leave ya hoes confused
My car with 22-inch rims confuses people
On the track ready to choose, like "Daddy, we want you"
Women are attracted to me and want to be with me
My love live ain't change, the shorties still hug me
Despite my fame and wealth, younger women still show me affection
Bullet wound in my face, and bitches still love me
Even after surviving a gunshot wound to the face, women still want to be with me
Now Nelly told you how them country boys talk
Nelly explained how people from rural areas speak
I came to teach you how we put it down in New York, that's how we get down
I'm here to explain how people in New York City operate and survive
In the city, a young buck'll tell you how the mac spit
In the urban environment, young guys will talk about how their guns can fire
O.G. give 'em the word, you gonna get your ass hit
If an OG tells someone to attack you, you'll likely get beat up or killed
I don't know why niggas like to talk bad about me
I don't understand why people like to say negative things about me
I'm the richest nigga they know without a G.E.D
I'm very wealthy despite not having a high school diploma
Man it could be the money, it could be the ice
People may dislike me due to my wealth or flashy jewelry
It could be they'd like to be me and can't live my life
Some people may covet my lifestyle but can't attain it
You should hear they be saying man "50 be flipping"
People talk about how I'm always changing up my style or persona
"Shot my man over seven grams, that nigga be tripping"
Someone is spreading rumors that I killed someone over a small amount of drugs
I know death is promised, I don't fear getting murked
I'm aware that death is inevitable, but I'm not afraid of being killed
It's when a nigga half-way killa ya homie, it hurts
When someone injures your friend but doesn't kill them, it's still painful
Now we can hit the club and get it crunked
We can go to the club and party hard
Or you could start some shit, and I could hit you with the pump
If you cause trouble, I'll attack you with my shotgun
You can have it how you want, but I know you like my style
You can choose how you want to interact with me, but I know you're attracted to my personality
Uh-huh, you like how I break it down
You enjoy how I explain things
Wanna get rich? I'll show you how
If you want to become wealthy, I can teach you how
Take this pack, pump these pieces, that's how we get down
Carry this package of drugs and sell them with this gun, that's how we survive on the streets
Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: KEJUAN WALIEK MUCHITA, ALBERT JOHNSON, CHRISTOPHER CHARLES LLOYD, MICHAEL J. CLERVOIX, CURTIS JAMES JACKSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ziggzter5547
"Bullet wound in my face and bitches still love" my boy was cold asf rizznation😂
@trentyates418
Back when NY hip hop had that sound you couldn’t get out of ya head.
@chacheesanchez4845
50 based a lot of the south. Hence young buck. It was huge influence in is song writing.
@krzysztof4607
@@chacheesanchez4845 he had that songwriting skills way before buck joined g unit...
@JGreen-tz6km
@@chacheesanchez4845 he sounds more NY than anything.
@chacheesanchez4845
@@JGreen-tz6km for sure he has the accent in his voice and a lot of east coast beats but he definitely has that twang. Check out the song by No Limits on the album "Young Bleed" called "Times So Hard". you gotta admit it, I can find music from the south all day. Its the style the flow the beats IMO.
@Tastaalex
Yeah, 50 Cent had lots of southern influences in his music
@AdeshMahabir1985
For years I've been singing this chorus randomly, never knew the name, great song.
@louiiviable
Same lol
@bornpower5948
When this cd was in circulation my hood was on fire😂😂😂😂