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.
We Up
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm used to the bullshit, it don't matter, boy
Corporate acquisitions, accumulations of wealth
Build with the gods and double knowledge of self
Entrepreneur visions, Moulin Rouge religion
That pussy make a weak nigga break down
So what you want, the cheese or the chicks'
You want the chicks but you want the cheese
I'm havin' the epiphany you niggas ain't shit to me
Worse than the scum in the slum I'm from
I'm a southside nigga, yeah I'm 'bout mine
You be that next nigga coroners come and outline
You ain't made of what I'm made of
You a bum nigga with a bum bitch
Your shoes come from Vegas
Counterfeit, fraudulent fakers
What kind of rich nigga bitch look like that
You all know when we pullin' off the lot
Brake, hit the button, then we pullin' down the top
Shine's on stuntin' and I'm pullin' out a knot
Strapped with the Glock, won't pull it out a lot
But front, I'll make it pop
Y'all don't do it how we do
Niggas ain't on the shit we on
Everything new
Spikes on the Louis Vuittons
We up, nigga
Visualize everything I needed and dream (uh-huh)
Penalized every ho nigga that have a scheme (what else?)
Guns in your video get you locked in a bing
Yeah, I kill a nigga quick, no worries, my record clean
Murder one become manslaughter as soon as they brought up
Charity work, parking tickets and no charges
Fuck nigga you fucked over your father when he gave you a dick
Should have been a bitch in pajamas
I made my first million fucking dollars
Bought a Bible, oh yeah, God got me
Made my second million dollars, bought a chopper and a binocular
I'm scared, this shit don't happen to everybody
I'm on Instagram looking at your favorite singer
Debating on should I fuck her or jump on her single
20 thou, she got a hell of a adlib
I'm in her mouth like I knew I could have kids, K-Dot
You all know when we pullin' off the lot
Brake, hit the button, then we pullin' down the top
Shine's on stuntin' and I'm pullin' out a knot
Strapped with the Glock, won't pull it out a lot
But front, I'll make it pop
Y'all don't do it how we do
Niggas ain't on the shit we on
Everything new
Spikes on the Louis Vuittons
We up, nigga
Good pussy for dinner, bomb kush for breakfast
Deep-colored VS stones around my neck bitch
It feels like a nigga dreamin'
Seat back, music bumpin', niggas leanin'
Bulls eye, that's what we came for
The bread, now a nigga run the game boy
I should've sent the broad to report what's in the yard
Aloof livin', I came up so hard
No pain, no gain, it's embedded in the brain
I'm in it for the grip, motherfuck the fame
You all know when we pullin' off the lot
Brake, hit the button, then we pullin' down the top
Shine's on stuntin' and I'm pullin' out a knot
Strapped with the Glock, won't pull it out a lot
But front, I'll make it pop
Y'all don't do it how we do
Niggas ain't on the shit we on
Everything new
Spikes on the Louis Vuittons
We up, nigga
In "We Up," 50 Cent raps about his success and confidence in the music industry. The lyrics describe him as being unfazed by the "bullshit" and drama that can come with fame, as he's already "used to the bullshit." He boasts about his wealth and knowledge, and his ability to attract beautiful women. The chorus emphasizes his luxurious lifestyle and feeling of being on top of the game.
The first verse also delves into his entrepreneurial ventures, outlining his vision for success and desire to build wealth. He warns listeners not to mess with him, as he's a self-made man who's come from humble beginnings. The second verse boasts about his record of success and the freedom that it brings, while also referencing the dangers of the industry and the need for caution. Finally, the last verse references his material possessions and the pleasure that they bring, while also acknowledging that fame and fortune are not everything.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm around the bullshit like a matador
I am accustomed to dealing with the problems and drama in life.
I'm used to the bullshit, it don't matter, boy
I am unfazed by the obstacles that come my way.
Corporate acquisitions, accumulations of wealth
I am successful in business and have amassed a great deal of wealth.
Build with the gods and double knowledge of self
I associate with powerful people and have a strong sense of self-awareness.
Entrepreneur visions, Moulin Rouge religion
I have a strong business sense and a unique way of looking at the world.
That pussy make a weak nigga break down
Sex can make some people lose their composure and act irrationally.
So what you want, the cheese or the chicks'
Do you want money or women?
You want the chicks but you want the cheese
You want both money and women.
A bitch gotta eat
Women need to take care of themselves and their needs.
I'm havin' the epiphany you niggas ain't shit to me
I have come to the realization that you are nothing to me.
Worse than the scum in the slum I'm from
You are worse than the lowest of the low in my hometown.
I'm a southside nigga, yeah I'm 'bout mine
I come from the south side of town and I am focused on making money.
You be that next nigga coroners come and outline
You will end up dead and outlined by the coroner's office.
You ain't made of what I'm made of
You do not have the same strength and resilience that I have.
You a bum nigga with a bum bitch
You are a worthless man with a worthless woman.
Your shoes come from Vegas
Your shoes are counterfeit and come from a dishonest source in Las Vegas.
Counterfeit, fraudulent fakers
You are fake and not genuine in your actions and behavior.
What kind of rich nigga bitch look like that
Why does a wealthy woman look unattractive and poorly dressed?
You all know when we pullin' off the lot
Everyone knows when we are leaving the parking lot.
Brake, hit the button, then we pullin' down the top
We hit the brakes, press the button, and lower the convertible's roof.
Shine's on stuntin' and I'm pullin' out a knot
We draw attention by showing off our wealth and pulling out large amounts of cash.
Strapped with the Glock, won't pull it out a lot
We carry guns for protection but we do not use them often.
But front, I'll make it pop
But if necessary, I will use my gun to make a point.
Y'all don't do it how we do
You cannot do things the way we do them.
Niggas ain't on the shit we on
Other people do not understand or operate at our level.
Everything new
We always have the latest and greatest possessions.
Spikes on the Louis Vuittons
Our designer shoes have spikes to show off our wealth and status.
We up, nigga
We are successful and on top of the game.
Visualize everything I needed and dream (uh-huh)
I envision and dream about everything I need to achieve my goals.
Penalized every ho nigga that have a scheme (what else?)
I punish and hold accountable any man who tries to deceive or scheme their way to success.
Guns in your video get you locked in a bing
If you showcase weapons in your music videos, you could end up in jail.
Yeah, I kill a nigga quick, no worries, my record clean
I am not afraid to kill someone, and I have no criminal record or history of being caught.
Murder one become manslaughter as soon as they brought up
A murder charge will usually become a lesser charge such as manslaughter once it goes to court.
Charity work, parking tickets and no charges
I do charity work and get parking tickets, but I have no other legal trouble.
Fuck nigga you fucked over your father when he gave you a dick
You disrespect your father and everything he has given you.
Should have been a bitch in pajamas
You would be better off as a woman at home, wearing pajamas.
I made my first million fucking dollars
I earned my first million dollars through hard work and success.
Bought a Bible, oh yeah, God got me
In addition to wealth, I also have faith and trust in God.
Made my second million dollars, bought a chopper and a binocular
After making more money, I purchased a helicopter and binoculars for recreation and luxury.
I'm scared, this shit don't happen to everybody
I am afraid of losing my wealth and success, which I know not everyone gets to experience.
I'm on Instagram looking at your favorite singer
I am browsing social media and checking out your favorite musician.
Debating on should I fuck her or jump on her single
I am considering whether to sleep with her or collaborate on a song with her.
20 thou, she got a hell of a adlib
If I do collaborate with her, she has an impressive ad-lib in her music.
I'm in her mouth like I knew I could have kids, K-Dot
I am sleeping with her so much that the idea of having kids with her is not far-fetched.
Good pussy for dinner, bomb kush for breakfast
I enjoy having sex and smoking marijuana as part of my daily routine.
Deep-colored VS stones around my neck bitch
I wear high-quality, expensive diamond necklaces.
It feels like a nigga dreamin'
It is hard to believe or grasp my level of success and wealth.
Seat back, music bumpin', niggas leanin'
We are chilling in the car with the music playing and people relaxing and enjoying themselves.
Bulls eye, that's what we came for
We are focused on our targets and achieving our goals.
The bread, now a nigga run the game boy
I have made a lot of money and am now in charge of the rap game.
I should've sent the broad to report what's in the yard
I should have sent someone to check out what is happening in the area outside my house.
Aloof livin', I came up so hard
I am living a comfortable, luxury lifestyle even though I started off with nothing.
No pain, no gain, it's embedded in the brain
The idea that hard work leads to success is deeply ingrained in my mind.
I'm in it for the grip, motherfuck the fame
I am in it for the money, and I do not care about attention or fame.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: KENDRICK LAMAR, JAMES DAVAUGHN IV LENNARD, CURTIS JACKSON, THOMAS BANGALTER, GUY-MANUEL DE HOMEM-CHRISTO
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@ConnoRJCOOK
NathanTheLlama Sincere Echevarria My top rappers atm are Eminem, Kendrick & J. Cole.
To me I like Eminem because well as you said he's a 'Monster Lyricist' no matter what he raps about he doesn't disappoint lyrically even if the topic is wack.
I also like Kendrick Lamar because he does something Eminem also does, he focuses on the beat and merges he's voice with it and makes it sound dope. He also has that one line in a song which kinda acts like an ad-lib and every loves to say for example in this song it's, "I made my first million fucking dollars, bought a Bible, uhh yeah God got me" also there's "She eyeing me like a nigga don't exist, Girl, I know you want this dick"-FuckinProblems.
That's pretty much why I like Kendrick Lamar, oh yeah & occasionally he does have some dope puches & wordplay.
& finally I like J.Cole because he's so clever with he's flow, the meaning behind he's songs are pure genius & he doesn't rap about pointless shit 24/7 unlike Lil Wayne & most Young Money artists. I also like J. Cole because he's structure & story telling is spectacular & he is overall a humble true to himself artist. He is also a dope ass producer!
What's your top 3 & why?
Ever want to talk straight music, hit me up on twitter @connorcookk
@aniketrairai201
Who is listening to this masterpiece in 2024
@lore2587
💯
@elvissejoaquim9613
Myself
@Thestarvinstudent
Most overrated song, eva!
@uscoop468
We her😭
@killuaindamnesia1349
Every weekend
@andreworeilly5676
We need another 50 and Kendrick collab 🔥
@bobas217
No
@ducatarina8310
Kendrick is Trap Artist
@alexmicha9957
POWER