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 Not Like Me
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (that's your motherfuckin' clique, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (you a motherfuckin' snitch, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
Niggas wanna shine like me (me)
Rhyme like me (me)
But they don't walk around with a .9 like me (me)
And they ain't strong enough to take nine like me
Ayo, you thinkin' 'bout shittin' on 50, save it
My songs belong in the Bible with King David's
I teach niggas sign language, that ain't deaf, son
You heard that? That mean run
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stunt on, pa
Pull through, I'll throw a fuckin' cocktail at ya car
From the last shootout I got a dimple on my face
It's nothin', I can go after Mase fan base (haha)
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
Hit my wisdom tooth, spit it out
I don't smile a lot 'cause ain't nothin' pretty
Got a purple heart for war and I ain't never left the city
Hoes be like, "Fiddy, you so witty"
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P. Diddy
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn (uh-huh)
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
Won't learn
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
Mama said everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
So at night when I talk to him I got my gun in my hand
Don't think I'm crazy 'cause I don't fear man
'Cause I fear when I kill a man God won't understand
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan?
I been could've killed these niggas, I'm still waitin'
In the telly with two whores, Benz with two doors
Thirty-two karats in the cross, no flaws (woo)
You see me in the hood, I got at least two guns
I carry the Glock, Tony carry my M-1
Hold me down, nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me (yeah)
D's waitin' for my response to lock me (yeah)
This is my hustle, nigga, don't knock me
You need some shit with a banana clip to try and stop me
I'm the one
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
Good die young, I ain't eligible for that
I shot niggas, I been shot, sold crack in the street
My attitude is gangsta, so I stay in some beef
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
From three-point range with a Glock, I shoot better then Kobe (yeah)
See a nigga standin' next to me, he probably my Co-D
See a bitch gettin' in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
See the flow is like a .38, it's special y'all
A country boy tell ya, "I'm finna blow"
I'm more like a pimp than a trick, you know
You see I'm in this for the paper, I don't love the hoes
Niggas broke in the hood worryin' 'bout mines
Grown ass men wearin' starter kit shines
Know them little pieces with the little stones
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phone
When the gossipin' start I'm always the topic
You too old for that shit, dog, won't you stop it?
Shorty, I been watchin' you watchin' me
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me? Haha
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn
We ain't got nothin' in common
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, you not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, you not like me
The lyrics to 50 Cent's song "U Not Like Me" are a reflection on the rapper's tough upbringing in Queens and his current status as a powerful figure in the music industry. He addresses the disparities between himself and others who try to emulate his lifestyle and toughness but come up short. He highlights that he carries a .9 and is strong enough to take nine bullets if it comes to that. He also acknowledges the contrast between his lavish lifestyle and the dangers he faces in the streets, including carrying weapons and the potential for being shot.
In the second verse, 50 Cent delves deeper into the darker side of his persona. He acknowledges that he has evil thoughts and questions if he is Satan. He talks about his willingness to kill but also his fear of God's judgment. The lyrics in the chorus reinforce the main message of the song: those who cannot do what he does are not like him, and he is not like them.
Overall, "U Not Like Me" is a representation of the tough persona that 50 Cent is known for. The lyrics touch on themes of violence, fear, and toughness, showing that even with success, he remains connected to his past and the dangers that come with it.
Line by Line Meaning
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (when it's on that's who you get, huh?)
When there's trouble, you're the type to run to the cops
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (that's your motherfuckin' clique, huh?)
You're always snitching and hanging around the cops like they're your crew
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (you a motherfuckin' snitch, huh?)
You're a coward who rats out others to protect yourself
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
You're too weak to handle your own problems, you need the police to solve them for you
Niggas wanna shine like me (me)
Other people want fame and fortune like me
Rhyme like me (me)
They try to copy my style and flow
But they don't walk around with a .9 like me (me)
But they're not armed and street-smart like me
They don't want to do it three to nine like me
They're not tough enough to survive incarceration like me
And they ain't strong enough to take nine like me
They can't endure getting shot nine times and still come out on top like me
Ayo, you thinkin' 'bout shittin' on 50, save it
Don't even think about trying to disrespect or challenge me
My songs belong in the Bible with King David's
My music is so influential and iconic that it deserves to be considered scripture
I teach niggas sign language, that ain't deaf, son
I communicate my disrespect and threats through body language that even non-deaf people can understand
You heard that? That mean run
If you hear my threat, you better run for your life
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stunt on, pa
Don't try to show off in front of me, you'll regret it
Pull through, I'll throw a fuckin' cocktail at ya car
If you come by my hood, I'll throw a Molotov cocktail at your car
From the last shootout I got a dimple on my face
I got shot in the face during a previous gunfight and now have a scar
It's nothin', I can go after Mase fan base (haha)
I don't care about small things like facial scars, I can still attract more fans than Mase
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
I got shot in the face and didn't wait for medical help to remove the bullet shell from my jaw
Hit my wisdom tooth, spit it out
The bullet went through my jaw and extracted my wisdom tooth
I don't smile a lot 'cause ain't nothin' pretty
I don't smile often because my life and experiences aren't pleasant or beautiful
Got a purple heart for war and I ain't never left the city
I got wounded and honored for my bravery even though I never left my hometown where war-like conditions exist
Hoes be like, "Fiddy, you so witty"
Women find me charming and clever
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P. Diddy
Women are sexually attracted to me and my rumored ghostwriting for P. Diddy
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn (uh-huh)
While others struggle to survive, you got rich and lazy, now it's my turn to get rich
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
I've been shot before and felt the pain, but I won't change my ways or stop living dangerously
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
If you don't handle your problems on your own and snitch on others, you're not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
If you don't hustle and sell drugs like me, you're not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
If you don't have a fancy car and ride in the heat like me, you're not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
You'll never be like me, no matter how hard you try
Mama said everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
My mother taught me that everything in life happens for a reason and is ordained by God
So at night when I talk to him I got my gun in my hand
When I pray at night, I hold my gun for protection and ask for God's guidance
Don't think I'm crazy 'cause I don't fear man
I'm not afraid of people, but it doesn't make me insane
'Cause I fear when I kill a man God won't understand
I'm afraid of taking someone's life and not having God approve of my actions
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan?
I have disturbing and dark thoughts, and I question my own morality and humanity
I been could've killed these niggas, I'm still waitin'
I could have killed my enemies already, but I'm biding my time and waiting for the right moment
In the telly with two whores, Benz with two doors
I'm in a hotel room with two prostitutes, and I have a Mercedes Benz with two doors
Thirty-two karats in the cross, no flaws (woo)
I'm wearing a cross necklace with 32 high-quality diamonds, with no imperfections or blemishes
You see me in the hood, I got at least two guns
Whenever I'm in my neighborhood, I carry at least two firearms for protection
I carry the Glock, Tony carry my M-1
I carry a powerful handgun, while my associate Tony carries a military-grade rifle
Hold me down, nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me (yeah)
Help me out, my enemies are trying to harm me and challenge my authority
D's waitin' for my response to lock me (yeah)
The police are watching and waiting for me to mess up so they can arrest me again
This is my hustle, nigga, don't knock me
This is how I make money, so don't criticize or judge me
You need some shit with a banana clip to try and stop me
You'll need a high-capacity weapon to even try to stop me
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
I have experienced near-death situations but was returned to life
Good die young, I ain't eligible for that
I'm not a good person, so I won't die young from natural causes
I shot niggas, I been shot, sold crack in the street
I've been involved in violent crimes, both as a shooter and a victim, and I've been a drug dealer
My attitude is gangsta, so I stay in some beef
I have a tough and rebellious attitude, so I always find myself in confrontations
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
You're curious about me and want to get to know me better
From three-point range with a Glock, I shoot better then Kobe (yeah)
I have excellent shooting skills and can even score better than Kobe Bryant from long range
See a nigga standin' next to me, he probably my Co-D
If you see someone standing next to me, he's probably my close associate or accomplice
See a bitch gettin' in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
If you see a woman getting in my car, she's likely going to perform oral sex on me
See the flow is like a .38, it's special y'all
My rap style and delivery is unique and powerful, like a .38 caliber gun
A country boy tell ya, "I'm finna blow"
I'm a Southern boy, and I'm about to become a major star
I'm more like a pimp than a trick, you know
Rather than being a gullible fool, I'm more like a street-smart and confident pimp
You see I'm in this for the paper, I don't love the hoes
I'm in the music industry for the money, not for the love of women
Niggas broke in the hood worryin' 'bout mines
Other people in the hood are poor and struggling, but they're jealous and envious of my wealth and success
Grown ass men wearin' starter kit shines
Some adults are wearing inexpensive jewelry that looks like it belongs to beginners or amateurs
Know them little pieces with the little stones
They're wearing small and low-quality diamonds and gemstones
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phone
They have very few customers, and only drug addicts call their phone
When the gossipin' start I'm always the topic
When people start talking behind each other's back, they always bring up my name and reputation
You too old for that shit, dog, won't you stop it?
You're too old to be engaging in petty drama and rumors, why don't you stop it?
Shorty, I been watchin' you watchin' me
I've noticed that a woman has been observing and admiring me
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me? Haha
Now that you're intrigued by me, would you rather have my expensive watch or me? It's a joke, but also a test
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, not like me
No one is like me, and I'm proud of it
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn
No, no
We ain't got nothin' in common
We're different in many ways and have nothing in common
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, you not like me
You'll never be like me, and it's your loss
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andy Thelusma, Curtis James Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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