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.
U Dont Know
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run it, you do know but you actin' like you don't know
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run it, you do know but you actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
You do know but actin' like you don't know
Now homie I say I run (it run) it 'cause I'm in control
Hypnotic, Hennessey, a couple shots of Patron
I have you feelin' aight, I get you high as a kite
Party poppin' shorty said she's comin' with me tonight
I ain't shoulder leanin', I ain't snappin' and poppin'
Either I'm bobbin' my head or I'm just standin' there watchin'
I'm a hustler, I hustle, you can tell that I'm paid
And I protect what I got, I'm in the house with my blade
Nigga you front you gon' get it, ok now maybe I said it
'cause I want you triddip, yeah I be on that shiddit
You should see when I'm stuntin' I flash the stones that be wantin'
Push the whip see me rollin', you can tell that I'm holdin'
I'm just doin' my thang, you know The Units the game
I got my grimy Shady with me
You front you'll have to get me off your ass
I pay the lawsuit and laugh, it's not a big deal
It's nuttin' but some cash
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
When me and Fif' got together to do this music then move it
We became enveloped we just developed a fellowship through it
It's no pretend shit, it's friendship, me nemisis is su nemisis
The same for him, it's just media, see to them it's just images
But this shit is no gimmicks, this is blood in and blood out
When it's beef you just gotta know when to butt in and butt out
If there's a problem we solve it, if we don't resolve it
It usually just evolves into one big brawl and we all get involved in it
We should all get a merit, this much beef we inherit
And wear it like a badge with honour, pass it around and share it
And let it go to whoevers holdin' the most current beef on their shoulders
And their soldiers got their backs till it's over
But tonight, we ain't comin' here to beef with nobody
We came to party, Banks, Cashis and Mr. Ferrari
So it's Shady After-mizz-ath back in that ass, you izz-ass
Come hizzon what kinda fizz-uckin' position is that
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
Pistol play, ricochet, see where the victim lay
Slumped over bleedin', JFK
HK to your chest plate
Cave out and ride till the death, do you rep that way?
Forever I'm a be a Shady 7-4 Gangster
Plus I survived everything you got in that chamber
I thrived off of danger, jumpin' in all beef
You keep talkin' shit, now the squad called me
Enough holdin' back the steam, Em let off a magazine
Dappadon Cappa-queens, mixed in with Cashis creams
Started off with half a dream, developed into what you see
Tellin' ain't my cup of tea, can't tell I'm a fuckin" G
I'm a hold a 'matic, when I'm at it, start static and you splattered
Shit shattered, I'm a walkin' bitch magnet
Spit it how I live it, live it all the way to the limit
And I'm always on my pivot for my digits, you dig it
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know, you actin' like you don't know
I tear the club up fo' sho
This flow is gon' bring more dough
You do know but actin' like you don't know
You know what this is
Shady, G-Unit, Aftermath,
Lloyd Banks, Cashis, Marshall Mathers, Ferrari F-50,
It's a movement, you can't stop it
Talk of Tony Yayo, go
The song "You Don't Know" by 50 Cent/Cashi$/Eminem/Lloyd Banks is a braggadocious and gritty rap track that features the artists boasting about their wealth, power, and status in the music industry. They proclaim themselves as the "runners" of the game and question why anyone would dare to act like they do not know their influence. The chorus repeats this question of "You do know but acting like you don't know" in a taunting and confident tone.
Each of the verses delves into the individual artist's persona and lyrical style. 50 Cent raps about his hustling credentials and his willingness to defend his possessions with a blade. Lloyd Banks talks about how he and his fellow artists have a genuine camaraderie and brotherhood, and they are not just pretending for the media's sake. Cashis focuses on his rough upbringing and his desire to make it in the rap game, no matter the cost. Finally, Eminem's verse is characteristically clever and confrontational, with references to JFK's assassination and his own reputation as a volatile and controversial figure.
The song ultimately showcases each artist's unique style and their collective dominance in the rap world. The music video for the song features the artists performing in various locations, including a club and a car garage.
Line by Line Meaning
Who run it? You know, you actin' like you don't know
We run this game and you know it, but you're pretending not to
I tear the club up fo' sho
My performance is so hype, it will make the entire club go wild
This flow is gon' bring more dough
My rapping style is so good that it will bring in more financial success
Now homie I say I run (it run) it 'cause I'm in control
I'm the boss in charge, and I call the shots
Hypnotic, Hennessey, a couple shots of Patron
I drink Hypnotic, Hennessy, and a few shots of Patron to feel good
I ain't shoulder leanin', I ain't snappin' and poppin'
I'm not following the latest dance trends, I'm just standing here
Either I'm bobbin' my head or I'm just standin' there watchin'
If I'm not nodding my head to the beat, I'm just standing still observing
I'm a hustler, I hustle, you can tell that I'm paid
I'm a hard worker, and my wealth is evident
And I protect what I got, I'm in the house with my blade
I value my possessions and carry a knife to defend them
Nigga you front, you gon' get it, ok now maybe I said it
If you act out of line, you'll face the consequences
'Cause I want you triddip, yeah I be on that shiddit
I want to provoke a response from you, because I'm always ready for action
You should see when I'm stuntin' I flash the stones that be wantin'
I show off my impressive jewelry to attract attention and admiration
Push the whip see me rollin', you can tell that I'm holdin'
I'm driving my impressive car and you can see that I'm armed
I'm just doin' my thang, you know The Units the game
I'm just doing what I do best, and the G-Unit is dominating the music industry
We came to party, Banks, Cashis and Mr. Ferrari
We're here to enjoy ourselves with Lloyd Banks, Cashis, and Mr. Ferrari
So it's Shady After-mizz-ath back in that ass, you izz-ass
It's the Shady, Aftermath, and G-Unit crew back in action, you fool
Come hizzon what kinda fizz-uckin' position is that
What kind of ridiculous and uncomfortable position are you in?
Pistol play, ricochet, see where the victim lay
I use my gun to shoot and the bullets ricochet, causing the victim to fall
Slumped over bleedin', JFK
The victim is bleeding and slumped over like JFK after being shot
HK to your chest plate
I shoot you with an HK firearm right in your chest
Cave out and ride till the death, do you rep that way?
Are you willing to fight and die for the cause you represent?
Started off with half a dream, developed into what you see
I started with little and worked my way up to create the success you see now
Tellin' ain't my cup of tea, can't tell I'm a fuckin' G
I don't like to brag, but you can see that I'm a true gangster
I'm a hold a 'matic, when I'm at it, start static and you splattered
I carry a gun and if provoked, I will use it to inflict harm on my enemies
Shit shattered, I'm a walkin' bitch magnet
My fame and success attracts women
Spit it how I live it, live it all the way to the limit
I rap about my life and experiences, living it to the fullest
And I'm always on my pivot for my digits, you dig it
I'm always on the lookout for making more money, do you understand?
But tonight, we ain't comin' here to beef with nobody
We're not here to start any problems or rivalries tonight
We came to party, Banks, Cashis and Mr. Ferrari
We're here to have fun with our friends and enjoy the night
Talk of Tony Yayo, go
Let's change the subject and talk about Tony Yayo
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Marshall B Mathers, Luis Edgardo Resto, Christopher Lloyd, Curtis James Jackson, Ramone Johnson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@arjunvijay7016
Em’s verse “We became enveloped we just developed a fellowship through it
It's no pretend shit, it's friendship, me nemisis is su nemisis
The same for him, it's just media, see to them it's just images
But this shit is no gimmicks, this is blood in and blood out
When it's beef you just gotta know when to butt in and butt out
If there's a problem we solve it, if we don't resolve it
It usually just evolves into one big brawl and we all get involved in it
We should all get a merit, this much beef we inherit
And wear it like a badge with honour, pass it around and share it”
Still highlights how they got each others back for more than 2 decades.
@chicken
Its February 2024, let's see how many legends are listening to this incredible song💜
@lukas_jennith
Ofc I’m listening bruh
@veky
Every day 🔥
@matematicacomigo.4993
Tmj
@yushanramsing2793
🎉
@Fuadmamedov7168
🇦🇿✋Azerbaijan
@Vivaldo_NJR
Bringing this song into 2024!!!💪🏿 And i'm still loving it, we need back this era.
We don't look for old songs, we look for the memories!!❤
@rojocorazon6208
2024 aquí estamos los reales 😮🎉
@AshleySchmidt-yd2jc
🎉 I totally agree
@lalteilaltei3465
Lit as hell!!