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 (Bo! bo! bo!)
It's going down (Bo!) Cause I'm around (Bo!)
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
Naw, 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 or duck a nigga down, like it's a sport
Front on me, I'll cut ya gun-butt ya or bump ya
You getting money? I can't get none with ya, then fuck ya
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I
I'm the type that'll 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 mack 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 picking 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, 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 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds 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 is my home, I'm a rolling stone
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
I'll have your ass using 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 Chuckers
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
"What Up Gangsta" by 50 Cent is a hip-hop song that reflects the rapper's aggressive and street attitude. The song starts with 50 Cent introducing himself and his label, G-Unit, and stating that they are ready to take on any conflict or situation. The catchy hook of the song is "What up, Blood? What up, Cuz? What up, gangsta?" which signifies that the rapper is addressing anyone who is a part of street life and always ready for a fight.
50 Cent's lyrics in the song reflect his tough image and his readiness to face any challenge. He talks about carrying a gun and wearing a bulletproof vest for his protection. He also mentions his killing intent towards anyone who comes in his way or tries to interfere with his illegal activities. He boasts of his strength and capability and displays a disregard for the law and its consequences.
The song also draws attention to 50 Cent's pride in his roots and upbringing in the streets. He talks about his financial status, including the amount of money he has stashed and the luxury items he owns. The lyrics in the song combined with the beats complement each other to create an overall aura of toughness and street style.
Line by Line Meaning
G-Unit (Bo!) We in here (Bo!)
The rap group G-Unit is present and ready for anything.
We can get the drama popping, we don't care (Bo! bo! bo!)
We're willing to start trouble and won't back down.
It's going down (Bo!) Cause I'm around (Bo!)
Something is happening because of my presence.
50 Cent, you know how I gets down
I have a reputation for being tough and fearless.
What up, Blood? (What?)
Hello, friend from a Blood gang.
What up, Cuz? (What?)
Hello, friend from a Crip gang.
What up, gangsta?
Hello, fellow gang member or tough person.
They say I walk around like got an S on my chest
People think I have an invincibility or superhero complex.
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
Actually, I have a gun and protective clothing to keep me safe.
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
I try to keep quiet because anything I say can be used against me in court.
But I'll hunt or duck a nigga down, like it's a sport
I have no problem finding or avoiding someone who's looking for trouble.
Front on me, I'll cut ya gun-butt ya or bump ya
If someone confronts me, I'm ready to physically fight or even use their own weapon against them.
You getting money? I can't get none with ya, then fuck ya
If you're not willing to share your wealth, I don't want anything to do with you.
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I
I don't drink and drive to avoid getting in trouble with the law.
I'm the type that'll kill your connect when the coke price rise
Instead, I would rather resort to violence and eliminate my drug connection when prices get too high.
Gangstas, they bump my shit, them they know me
Other gang members like and relate to my music, they understand me.
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
I had friends growing up that were not in my gang.
Hundred G's I stash it (what) the mack I blast it (yeah)
I have a lot of money and a powerful gun to defend myself.
D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid
If the police come around, we'll get rid of any evidence by disposing of drugs and chemicals.
This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it
I'm a skilled rapper and I like to show off my fancy jewelry.
Jux me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard
If you try to steal from me, you'll end up dead and your mother will be making funeral arrangements for you.
I'm on the next level, Breitling baguette bezel
I'm ahead of the game and flashing a fancy watch.
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood (what)
I'm driving my Benz fast and furious, as hot as boiling water.
We don't play that
We don't tolerate disrespect or foolishness.
We don't play around
We're always serious and ready for action.
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
I relax and smoke weed, contemplating things.
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When other gang members listen to my music, can they understand and relate to my struggles?
When the 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds like thunder
When my gun shoots, it's loud and scary like a thunderclap.
In December I'll make your block feel like summer
I'll bring so much heat and chaos to your neighborhood that it'll feel like summer even in winter.
The rap critics say I can rhyme
I have received praise for my rapping skills from music critics.
The fiends say my dope is a nine,
Drug users think my drugs are high quality.
Every chick I fuck with is a dime
All the women I have sex with are very attractive.
I'm like Patti LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
I'm a unique individual and don't need anyone's help or approval.
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone
I'm always on the move and don't need a permanent home to feel comfortable.
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
If you cross me, I'll hurt you even if you don't think I will.
I'll have your ass using a wheelchair, cane or crutches
I'll cause you significant harm to the point where you'll need assistance to walk.
Industry hoes fuck us, in the hood they love us
People in the music industry use and take advantage of us, but our neighborhood supports us.
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new Chuckers
I'll kick you so hard that even your bones will hurt, while wearing a new pair of Converse shoes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: CURTIS JAMES JACKSON, ROBERT F. TEWLOW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@retallions
You can literally listen to this all day and not get tired of it
@Sophie-bp7vp
True
@mookiestewart3776
Bro just straight repeat
@russellally9016
✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾
@timc9773
CLASSIC
@herbertscott9575
That's the routine 😎
@cecilhosein4387
50 Cent was miles ahead of his time. A legend in my book.
@360StyleDetailing
Cecil Hosein true asf 💯
@klejdibytyci2380
Cecil Hosein g
@YoungViz
jeez there are rappers like Big Pun, Big L, Kool G Rap and you call this nigga a legend because of 1 fucking album. This shows how dumb some people are and how little they know about hip hop. Start diggin in the crates or use fucking google and search REAL HIP HOP