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.
What Up Gangsta
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
We can get the drama popping, we don't care (bah-bah-bah)
It's goin' down (bah), 'cause I'm around (bah)
50 Cent, you know how I gets down
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, gangsta?
They say I walk around like got an S on my chest
Nah, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
But I'll hunt a duck nigga down, like it's a sport
Front on me, I'll cut ya gun-butt ya or bump ya
You gettin' money? I can't get none wit' ya, then fuck ya
I'm not the type to get knocked for DWI
I'm the type that kill your connect when the coke price rise
Gangstas, they bump my shit, them they know me
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
Hundred G's I stash it (what?), the MAC I blast it (yeah)
D's come, we dump the diesel and battery acid
This flow's been mastered, the ice, I flash it
Jux me, I'll have your mama pickin' out your casket, bastard
I'm on the next level, Breitling baguette bezel
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood (what)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, gangsta?
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, gangsta?
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that
G-Unit, we don't play around
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When the fifth kick, duck quick, it sound like thunder
In December, I'll make your block feel like summer
The rap critics say I can rhyme
The fiends say my dope is a nine, every chick I fuck with is a dime
I'm like Patti LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
Where I lay my hat's my home, I'm a rolling stone
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinkin' I won't touch ya
I'll have your ass usin' a wheelchair, cane or crutches
Industry hoes fuck us, in the hood they love us
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new Chukkas
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, gangsta?
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What up, Blood? (What?)
What up, gangsta?
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We don't play around
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We don't play around
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We don't play around
We don't play that
We don't play that
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We don't play around
The lyrics to 50 Cent's "What Up Gangsta" are a reflection of the rapper's tough upbringing and his ability to thrive in a dangerous neighborhood. The song is a tribute to gangsta culture and a reflection of the violence and poverty that many people face. The chorus includes references to gangsta slang, such as "Blood" and "Cuz," which are terms used by members of the Bloods and Crips, respectively. The verses are full of violent imagery, with references to guns, drug dealing, and murder.
In the opening verse, 50 Cent sets the tone for the song by proclaiming himself a member of G-Unit, a group of rappers with a reputation for toughness. He boasts that they can handle any sort of conflict and that he personally is always ready for action. Throughout the song, 50 Cent emphasizes his own power and the fact that he is not to be messed with. He uses extreme language and vivid imagery to illustrate his point, even referencing the fact that he carries a semi-automatic weapon and a bulletproof vest.
50 Cent's lyrics portray a world that is often violent, hopeless, and dangerous. The song reflects the rapper's determination to succeed despite these difficult circumstances. While the language and imagery may be shocking to some listeners, they provide a powerful insight into the mindset of those who have grown up in poverty and faced real threats to their safety and security.
Line by Line Meaning
G-Unit (bah), we in here (bah)
We, the gangster unit called G-Unit, are here and ready to take action.
We can get the drama popping, we don't care (bah-bah-bah)
We are willing to start trouble and don't give a damn about the consequences.
It's goin' down (bah), 'cause I'm around (bah)
Things are going down and getting serious because I, 50 Cent, am present.
50 Cent, you know how I gets down
I am 50 Cent, and you already know that I am a dangerous gangster who is not to be messed with.
What up, Blood? (What?)
What's good, fellow gangster?
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What's up, cousin?
They say I walk around like got an S on my chest
People think I act like a superhero, but in reality, I always have a semi-automatic gun and a bulletproof vest on me.
Nah, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
I am always armed with a semi-automatic gun and a bulletproof vest to protect myself from harm.
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
I keep quiet because the district attorney might try to use my words against me in court.
But I'll hunt a duck nigga down, like it's a sport
I will track down and take out anyone who crosses me like it's a game.
Front on me, I'll cut ya gun-butt ya or bump ya
If you mess with me, I will either hit you with the butt of my gun or run into you at high speed to hurt you physically.
You gettin' money? I can't get none wit' ya, then fuck ya
If you are making money and not sharing it with me, then I have no use for you and you can go to hell.
I'm not the type to get knocked for DWI
I am a careful gangster who avoids getting caught for drunk driving.
I'm the type that kill your connect when the coke price rise
I am the type of dangerous gangster who will eliminate anyone who affects the price of cocaine that I sell.
Gangstas, they bump my shit, them they know me
Other gangsters listen to my music and know who I am and what I stand for.
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
I had a tough upbringing in which I was exposed to violent people who were not my friends.
Hundred G's I stash it (what?), the MAC I blast it (yeah)
I stash a hundred thousand dollars in cash and will use my MAC-10 submachine gun to shoot anyone who threatens me.
D's come, we dump the diesel and battery acid
When the police arrive, we will dispose of our drugs and drug-making ingredients by dumping them in diesel fuel mixed with battery acid to destroy the evidence.
This flow's been mastered, the ice, I flash it
I have perfected my rap flow and will show off my expensive jewelry to flaunt my wealth and success.
Jux me, I'll have your mama pickin' out your casket, bastard
If you try to rob or steal from me, I will kill you and your mother will have to choose your casket to bury you in.
I'm on the next level, Breitling baguette bezel
I am at a higher level than other gangsters, with expensive and flashy jewelry like my diamond-encrusted Breitling watch.
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood (what)
I drive my Benz sports car at high speeds and am always ready for action like a boiling tea kettle. (Blood is a term used to address another gangster.)
We don't play that
We do not tolerate disrespect or any challenges to our gangster lifestyle.
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
I relax and smoke the best marijuana, pondering my life as a dangerous gangster.
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When other gangsters listen to my music, can they sense my intense passion for the gangster lifestyle?
When the fifth kick, duck quick, it sound like thunder
When I shoot my gun, it sounds like a loud thunderclap, so you better get out of the way fast.
In December, I'll make your block feel like summer
I will bring so much heat and violence to your neighborhood that even in the winter, it will feel like a hot summer day.
The rap critics say I can rhyme
Even music critics acknowledge that I am a skilled rapper.
The fiends say my dope is a nine, every chick I fuck with is a dime
My drug customers praise my product as a perfect 10, and all the women I sleep with are beautiful and desirable.
I'm like Patti LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
Like the famous singer Patti LaBelle, I am successful and independent on my own as a dangerous gangster.
Where I lay my hat's my home, I'm a rolling stone
As a gangster, I move around a lot and wherever I am is my home, like a rolling stone that gathers no moss.
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinkin' I won't touch ya
If you cross me or disrespect me, I will hurt you without hesitation.
I'll have your ass usin' a wheelchair, cane or crutches
If I injure you, you will need a wheelchair, cane or crutches to walk again.
Industry hoes fuck us, in the hood they love us
Female celebrities in the music industry sleep with us, but in the neighborhood, we are respected and loved as dangerous gangsters.
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new Chukkas
I will beat you up so badly that even the bones in your ass will be crushed, using my brand-new Chukka boots.
We don't play that (G-Unit)
We, the G-Unit gang, do not tolerate disrespect or any challenges to our gangster lifestyle.
We don't play around
We are serious and dangerous gangsters who do not joke around.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Curtis Jackson, Robert Tewlow
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
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