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.
Unbelievable
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
50 Cent (Biggie Smalls) is the illest
For sure, for sure, haha
50 Cent (Biggie Smalls) is the illest
50 Cent-50-50-50 Cent
50-50-50-50 Cent is the illest
50-50-50 Cent is the illest
Representin’ NY to the fullest
Gats I pull it
You bastards duckin' cause 50 buckin'
In my bathroom fuckin’, it ain't nothin'
These hoes got a thing for the kid
I hit it once then roll a blunt
A bitch'll give me keys to the crib
So you know it's likewhere I lay
My hat is my home
Break time man the bitch is on her own
Got all types of bills of my own
If you lookin' for a nigga to
Pay your bills ya dead wrong
I ain't no trick bitch, I'm a ma-fuckin’ pimp
No Cadillac, no jheri curl, no cane
And no limp 2003, PIMP, G-Unit sneakers
Matchin’ the throwback, bitch ya know that
Be a witness to this
Tell everyone you seen this
Every freestyle's a commercial
I’m a marketing genius
It's unbelievable 50-50 Cent is the illest
It's unbelievable 50-50 Cent is the illest
I wanna give a shoutout to Justo
Aye, you know Whoo Kid supposed to be
The number one DJ this year
Just wanna put that bug in your ear man
So you know
Selling those tapes, that don't count?
50-50 Cent is the illest
In these lyrics, 50 Cent expresses his confidence in his skills and asserts himself as the most talented and respected rapper. He begins by emphasizing that he is the illest (meaning the best) and uses the name Biggie Smalls, a legendary rapper, to emphasize his position. This shows his admiration for Biggie and his desire to be considered on the same level of greatness.
He then mentions that he is live from Southside, representing New York City to the fullest. This line not only showcases his pride in his city but also suggests that he is the most authentic and genuine representative of New York's rap scene. He mentions that he carries guns and is not afraid to use them, causing his enemies to flee and hide. This further adds to his image as a powerful figure who commands respect.
Additionally, 50 Cent boasts about his relationships with women, stating that they are attracted to him and willingly give him access to their homes. This implies that he is able to dominate and control women, portraying himself as a powerful and influential figure in their lives. He also asserts that he is not a pushover and will not financially support women who are looking for someone to pay their bills.
He then takes a moment to address his appearance, contrasting himself with the stereotypical image of a pimp. He states that he doesn't have the flashy accessories typically associated with a pimp, like a Cadillac or a cane. Instead, he wears G-Unit sneakers and a matching throwback jersey, showcasing his unique style and branding. He further emphasizes his marketing prowess, claiming that every freestyle he delivers is like a commercial, highlighting his ability to promote himself effectively.
In the chorus, 50 Cent repeats the phrase "It's unbelievable 50-50 Cent is the illest." This serves as a reaffirmation of his confidence and status as the best rapper. He also mentions fellow DJ Justo and questions the legitimacy of selling mixtapes as a measure of success. This suggests that he believes his talent surpasses mere commercial success and is recognized by his peers and fans alike.
Overall, these lyrics depict 50 Cent's unwavering self-belief, his assertiveness in asserting his dominance, and his ability to market himself effectively. They showcase his confidence, skill, and ambition, solidifying his claim as the "illest" in the rap game.
Line by Line Meaning
Live from Southside, son's the livest one
I am representing Southside and I am the most energetic and skilled rapper in the game
Representin’ NY to the fullest
I am representing New York City with full dedication and pride
Gats I pull it
I carry and use guns without hesitation
You bastards duckin' cause 50 buckin'
People fear me because I am known for shooting and taking revenge
In my bathroom fuckin’, it ain't nothin'
I have casual sexual encounters in my bathroom without attaching any importance to it
These hoes got a thing for the kid
Women are attracted to me
I hit it once then roll a blunt
After having sex once, I immediately start smoking marijuana
A bitch'll give me keys to the crib
Women trust me enough to give me access to their homes
So you know it's like where I lay
I have a comfortable and familiar place to rest
My hat is my home
I always wear a hat as a symbol of my personal identity
Break time man the bitch is on her own
When it's break time, the woman I'm with is left to entertain herself
Got all types of bills of my own
I have various financial responsibilities to take care of
If you lookin' for a nigga to pay your bills ya dead wrong
I am not willing to financially support someone else, so don't ask
I ain't no trick bitch, I'm a ma-fuckin’ pimp
I am not a fool who spends money on others, I control and profit from them
No Cadillac, no jheri curl, no cane and no limp
I don't conform to stereotypical flashy styles and behaviors
2003, PIMP, G-Unit sneakers
In 2003, I am known as a pimp and I wear G-Unit sneakers
Matchin’ the throwback, bitch ya know that
I wear throwback outfits that perfectly match my style
Be a witness to this
I want everyone to see and acknowledge my success
Tell everyone you seen this
Spread the word about what you have witnessed
Every freestyle's a commercial
Even in my improvised raps, I promote myself like a commercial
I’m a marketing genius
I am exceptionally skilled at promoting and branding myself
I wanna give a shoutout to Justo
I want to acknowledge and show appreciation to Justo
Aye, you know Whoo Kid supposed to be
Hey, you are aware that Whoo Kid is expected to be
The number one DJ this year
Considered the top DJ of the year
Just wanna put that bug in your ear man
I just want to bring this information to your attention
So you know
I want you to be aware and informed
Selling those tapes, that don't count?
Doesn't selling those mixtapes contribute to my success?
50-50 Cent is the illest
I am the most skilled and talented rapper
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lilfreckles8924
[Hook: Olivia]
Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall
I'll be around to catch your call
Cuz you're my baby (you're my baby)
And I adore you
You always brighten up my day
I'll never ever let you wait
Cuz you're my baby (you're my baby)
And you're amazing (so amazing)
[50 Cent]
I'm from, city to city, to show to show
See me I been grinding across the globe
I hustle hard to get the grip fa'sho
So when I make time to call you, you should pick up the phone
Tell me, what's on your mind when you alone
I have you touching on yaself, girl all in the zone
Now if I turned you on
With things I say, would I be wrong?
Then I don't wanna be right
Matter of fact, I'd be on the next flight
Trying to get it on with you tonight
Do the things you like
Touch the right spot, have ya piping hot
While the wind blow through ya hair in the drop
Just lay back, relax to the sounds of the sex
And let me do what I do until you climax
You can go straight to sleep after it's all over
In the morning, roll over and we can start over
[Hook: Olivia] Summer, Winter, Spring and Fall I'll be around to catch your call Cuz you're my baby (you're my baby) And I adore you You always brighten up my day I'll never ever let you wait Cuz you're my baby (you're my baby) And you're amazing (so amazing)
[50 Cent]
Yeah, I called just to say
"Hope you're having a nice day"
You're special, I'd get into you
Oops, I mean I'm into you
Every chance I get, I find time to spend with you
Jet to bring you to me, just to watch a movie
Better yet, to watch you climb into the jacuzzi
Yeah, Bubbles in the bath, Don in the glass
Funny how time flies when you full of laughs
It's fun, but before long, a nigga gotta dash
For the lifestyle I live, a nigga need cash
To come quick, so I don't fuck with the stash
I know you like pumps and boots, I like Jeeps and Coupes
So I grind all the time to save me some loot
I put a spell on ya, I like to call it a spell
In the bedroom working it well, I don't kiss and tell
But I don't care if you kiss and tell
You can tell ya girlfriend the details
[Hook] - repeat 2X
@JrRyder44
The summer of 05 when this Album dropped. What a year everything seem so different now i'd give anything to go back
@Takedown-Tate
Facts 💯
@startraveler1221
You & Me both 😁
@beninagonzales4036
Same 🙏🙌
@OldSchoolGaming4Life
Jr Ryder This dropped the first week of March 05’. Are you thinking the of the CD/DVD edition? That dropped early September of 05’. I bought both on release day.
@brandondetroitfanmichaels4325
Actually the Spring of 2005,
@whoishec7615
This shit still hits in 23’
@marisol509
I wish I could go back to 2005, what an amazing year.
@davidwashington9794
My daughter was born 05 right when I already had this album
@AKGaming3
This track should have been way bigger