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.
Watch What U Say
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Ima tell y'all niggas who I got beef with
I got beef wit any nigga I can't make no money wit
If I can't make no money wit you, fuck you nigga
G-Unit nigga, thats whatsup cause I said thats whatsup
I get money, money I got
So its a 100 grams or better when I'm going to cop
And my down bitch as a holster, like I'm supposed to
Heavy pistol sales for living
My gun rip through lungs and tear through tissue
While I'm out for the ends, you out for a rep
Thats the same thing that have yo mama in a black dress
See me in a black lex, hard-top
My mink drop-top, fresh out the carlot
I got the gift of raw pugilist speeches
So I'm gon sell like the box office features
Niggas in the hood can't see G-UNIT!
But deep in they heart they wanna be G-UNIT!
Cause we got them three b's: benzes, burners and bitches
And plus we on the road to the riches
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
Lately I been going through a phase
Hope they ain't tap the phones
'Cause we got pumps the size of saxophones
Therefore I'm on the move with the squad
I'm stingy as ever, known to trick fast food on a broad
Picture me putting jewels on a broad
I'd rather put shoes on the car
A pool in the yard
You don't really wanna fool with the god
Nigga my front line long enough to fill two boulevards
In this game, you only make it far if you loyal
And if you grew up with your mother and your father you spoiled
Why swing, you gotta be strapped to get rid of me
Ill leave you in water like the statute of liberty
Tryin to be cool
Blowin' green that strong enough to make a white boy open fire on a school
Keep rappin for your hood, I'm rappin for benzes
And long assault rifles with straps on the lenses
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
What I learned from Gotta Rock and Spank G (Un-Huh)
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
What I learned from watching Brucie B
Look, I shot the sheriff
And nigga if you get too close yo punk ass getting shot
Here's the plan, I'm a keep stackin' my ends
Till I'm on airplane seats in the Maebach benz
I'm all about the chips
I done took them trips
22's on the 6
26 on the bricks
And them outta town niggas, I'm chargin' yall more
I tapdance on the shit I ain't servin' it raw
You sell smoke, look nigga I got what you need
But it ain't goin cheap I got mouths to feed
Niggas always sayin' damn 50 you bugged
'Cause I got hoes giving niggas the date rape drug
Gimme his watch and his chain
We not the same, he a lame
He want pussy I'm bout my money man
Crap table in Vegas had his bitch on my dick
Threw a 7 so many times they thought the dice was fixed
Yo its 50, when your mindframe change and start to rearrange
I'll see you another day motherfucker it's 50
Shots 'til your heart drop and freeze up, ease up motherfucker
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
You can say what you want about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
'Cause all that talking shit to me played out
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
In "Say What You Want," 50 Cent is defiant and unapologetic. He declares that he has beef with anyone who he can't make money with, while also boldly stating that his crew, G-Unit, will always come first. The chorus echoes this message, stating that people can say whatever they want about him as long as they don't get in the way of his money. The first verse talks about 50's wealth and success, stating that his gun is his best protection as a criminal, and that he has all the material possessions he could want. He takes pride in the fact that people in the hood want to be like G-Unit, with their cars, weapons, and women, while also acknowledging that he has had to navigate difficult situations to get where he is.
The second verse is similarly boastful, but with more of a focus on 50's criminal behavior. He's paranoid, thinks his phone is tapped, and always on the move with his squad. He's relentless in his pursuit of money, but also smarter about it than he used to be. He's willing to use violence to get what he wants, but also has learned how to talk his way out of situations. He sees himself as distinct from others in the game who are more loyal to their "hood" than to their own monetary gain. The bridge links 50's tough guy antics with his hard-earned wisdom, assuring his enemies that they won't be able to get too close without him pulling his gun.
Overall, "Say What You Want" is a typical 50 Cent track: defiant, unapologetic, and focused on material success. It's a statement of purpose, declaring that 50 won't let anyone get in the way of his wealth and power.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, niggas be asking me "Yo 50 who you got beef with?"
People often inquire about the conflicts I have, and here I will disclose my issues
Ima tell y'all niggas who I got beef with
I'll make it clear who my opponents are
I got beef wit any nigga I can't make no money wit
I only have disputes with those with whom I can't earn any profit
If I can't make no money wit you, fuck you nigga
If we cannot be business partners, then I have no respect or interest in you
G-Unit nigga, thats whatsup cause I said thats whatsup
G-Unit is my crew because I declared it to be
I get money, money I got
I've got lots of cash
So its a 100 grams or better when I'm going to cop
Whenever I buy something, I always go for the best quality
I never hold the toaster cause I use my little soldier
I don't need to carry a gun because I have someone else to do it for me
And my down bitch as a holster, like I'm supposed to
My female companion carries the gun for me, and this is how it's meant to be
Heavy pistol sales for living
Selling firearms is my livelihood
My gun rip through lungs and tear through tissue
My weapon penetrates the body with ease
While I'm out for the ends, you out for a rep
I'm out making money, while you're trying to build your reputation
Thats the same thing that have yo mama in a black dress
This is what got your mother dressed in black at a funeral
See me in a black lex, hard-top
I'm often seen driving in a black Lexus with a hard top
My mink drop-top, fresh out the carlot
I'm driving a new mink convertible that I just bought from the dealership
I got the gift of raw pugilist speeches
I'm gifted in making raw, punch-packing speeches
So I'm gon sell like the box office features
My speeches will sell, just like blockbuster movies
Niggas in the hood can't see G-UNIT!
People in the neighborhood cannot compete with G-UNIT
But deep in they heart they wanna be G-UNIT!
However, they secretly aspire to join G-UNIT
Cause we got them three b's: benzes, burners and bitches
We have everything we need: luxury cars, guns, and women
And plus we on the road to the riches
We are on our way to making tons of money
You can say what you want about me
You're free to share your opinions about me
As long as you don't get in the way of my money
Just don't interfere with my ability to make money
Cause all that talking shit to me played out
All the attempts to disrespect or insult me are pointless
Nigga keep bumping your gums you get laid out
If you keep running your mouth, you'll get knocked out
Lately I been going through a phase
I've recently been experiencing a period of change
Hope they ain't tap the phones
I hope nobody has wiretapped my phones
'Cause we got pumps the size of saxophones
Because we have guns that are as big as saxophones
Therefore I'm on the move with the squad
So, I'm always on the go with my squad
I'm stingy as ever, known to trick fast food on a broad
I'm still a penny-pincher, and I like to take inexpensive dates to fast-food joints
Picture me putting jewels on a broad
How absurd it would be for me to buy jewelry for a date
I'd rather put shoes on the car
I'd prefer to buy fancy cars than to shower women with jewelry
A pool in the yard
The only amenity my house needs is a pool
You don't really wanna fool with the god
You don't want to mess around with me
Nigga my front line long enough to fill two boulevards
I've got enough people in my front line to fill an entire street
In this game, you only make it far if you loyal
Loyalty is the key to success in this game
And if you grew up with your mother and your father you spoiled
If you had both parents growing up, then you had it easy
Why swing, you gotta be strapped to get rid of me
If you want to take me down, you'll need to be armed
Ill leave you in water like the statute of liberty
I'll leave you in a state of stillness, just like the Statue of Liberty
Tryin to be cool
Trying to act tough
Blowin' green that strong enough to make a white boy open fire on a school
Smoking weed that's potent enough to make a white boy commit a school shooting
Keep rappin for your hood, I'm rappin for benzes
You're representing your neighborhood, but I'm rapping for luxury cars
And long assault rifles with straps on the lenses
And also high-powered rifles with optics on them
Y'all niggas gotta learn from me (Yeah!!)
You all need to take lessons from me
What I learned from Gotta Rock and Spank G (Un-Huh)
I've picked up valuable knowledge from my associates, Gotta Rock and Spank G
What I learned from watching Brucie B
I've gained insights by observing Brucie B
Look, I shot the sheriff
Listen up, I've killed a law enforcement officer
And nigga if you get too close yo punk ass getting shot
And if you get too close to me, you'll get shot too, fool
Here's the plan, I'm a keep stackin' my ends
My plan is to keep stacking my money
Till I'm on airplane seats in the Maebach benz
Until I can afford to fly first-class in a Maybach Benz
I'm all about the chips
I'm entirely focused on making money
I done took them trips
I've been on been on plenty of journeys
22's on the 6
I've equipped my car with 22-inch wheels
26 on the bricks
And I've got 26-inch rims on another car that I own
And them outta town niggas, I'm chargin' yall more
I'm charging higher prices to people from out of town
I tapdance on the shit I ain't servin' it raw
I don't sell drugs directly, I just dance around the issue
You sell smoke, look nigga I got what you need
You're just a small-time drug dealer, I've got the real goods
But it ain't goin cheap I got mouths to feed
But my products aren't cheap, because I have people to support
Niggas always sayin' damn 50 you bugged
People always comment about how I'm crazy
'Cause I got hoes giving niggas the date rape drug
That's because I have women under my control who are slipping drugs in people's drinks
Gimme his watch and his chain
Hand over his jewelry
We not the same, he a lame
I'm not ordinary, but he is
He want pussy I'm bout my money man
He's interested in women, while I'm only interested in making money
Crap table in Vegas had his bitch on my dick
While gambling in Vegas, I won someone's woman over
Threw a 7 so many times they thought the dice was fixed
I won so frequently that people questioned if the dice were rigged
Yo its 50, when your mindframe change and start to rearrange
This is 50, when you alter your mindset and begin to reconsider things
I'll see you another day motherfucker it's 50
I'll catch you on another day, you MF, because this is 50
Shots 'til your heart drop and freeze up, ease up motherfucker
I'll keep firing shots at you until your heart stops and you're immobile, so back off, you MF
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ezzydric
Don’t care what anyone says, yayo had some mean verses.
@QUNYC7
Say it again for the heads in the back!💯
@Bgl-fz3cs
Mfs be fronting on Yayo
@bummydavis6530
Straight Facts!!!!!!
@beatslikedre23
Especially the mixtape series & this time
@thediaz07
Yayo was a beast back in the day
@theadvocate466
50 is one of the greatest man. People just don't understand.
@seancoonery2559
The Advocate they don’t
@illuminickiblanco
🎯🎯🎯🎯
@sandwichsquad74
Crazy how your avi is pimp and we talking bout 50 being a goat. My two favorite rappers of all time, you sir are a true hip hop fan🤝🔥