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.
You Not Like Me
50 Cent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (that's your motherfuckin' clique, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (you a motherfuckin' snitch, huh?)
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
Niggas wanna shine like me (me)
Rhyme like me (me)
But they don't walk around with a .9 like me (me)
And they ain't strong enough to take nine like me
Ayo, you thinkin' 'bout shittin' on 50, save it
My songs belong in the Bible with King David's
I teach niggas sign language, that ain't deaf, son
You heard that? That mean run
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stunt on, pa
Pull through, I'll throw a fuckin' cocktail at ya car
From the last shootout I got a dimple on my face
It's nothin', I can go after Mase fan base (haha)
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
Hit my wisdom tooth, spit it out
I don't smile a lot 'cause ain't nothin' pretty
Got a purple heart for war and I ain't never left the city
Hoes be like, "Fiddy, you so witty"
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P. Diddy
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn (uh-huh)
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
Won't learn
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
Mama said everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
So at night when I talk to him I got my gun in my hand
Don't think I'm crazy 'cause I don't fear man
'Cause I fear when I kill a man God won't understand
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan?
I been could've killed these niggas, I'm still waitin'
In the telly with two whores, Benz with two doors
Thirty-two karats in the cross, no flaws (woo)
You see me in the hood, I got at least two guns
I carry the Glock, Tony carry my M-1
Hold me down, nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me (yeah)
D's waitin' for my response to lock me (yeah)
This is my hustle, nigga, don't knock me
You need some shit with a banana clip to try and stop me
I'm the one
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
Good die young, I ain't eligible for that
I shot niggas, I been shot, sold crack in the street
My attitude is gangsta, so I stay in some beef
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
From three-point range with a Glock, I shoot better then Kobe (yeah)
See a nigga standin' next to me, he probably my Co-D
See a bitch gettin' in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
See the flow is like a .38, it's special y'all
A country boy tell ya, "I'm finna blow"
I'm more like a pimp than a trick, you know
You see I'm in this for the paper, I don't love the hoes
Niggas broke in the hood worryin' 'bout mines
Grown ass men wearin' starter kit shines
Know them little pieces with the little stones
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phone
When the gossipin' start I'm always the topic
You too old for that shit, dog, won't you stop it?
Shorty, I been watchin' you watchin' me
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me? Haha
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
It's hot and you ain't got no drop, you not like me
Like me, dude, you not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn
We ain't got nothin' in common
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, you not like me
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn
Uhn-uhn, uhn-uhn, you not like me
In "U Not Like Me", 50 Cent is dissing other rappers who try to emulate him and his gangster approach to life. He calls out those who run to the police after getting shot, those who don't have a street hustle and those who don't have a flashy car. He argues that he is the real deal, and that his life is a reflection of his hustle and fearlessness in the face of danger. 50 Cent boasts about his success, his ability to be a ghostwriter for P. Diddy, his resilience in the face of danger and his purple heart for war despite never leaving the city. He ironizes on the fact that he is more like a pimp than a trick, and that he is in it for the money, not the hoes. This song is a classic example of 50 Cent's gangsta rap.
Line by Line Meaning
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (When it's on that's who you get, huh?)
When trouble arises, you call the police for safety without hesitation.
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (That's your motherfucking clique, huh?)
You constantly associate yourself with law enforcement or snitch on others to feel secure.
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD (You a motherfucking snitch, huh?)
You have a reputation of being a snitch, and nobody wants to associate with you.
NYPD, LAPD, NYPD
The police are always present, and it can be challenging to do anything illegal without getting caught.
Niggas wanna shine like me (me), rhyme like me (me)
People aspire to have the same level of success as me in the music industry and mimic my style.
Then walk around with a 9 like me (me)
People also want to carry a gun as a symbol of power and fear, like I do.
They want to do it 3 to 9 like me
People aspire to sell drugs like I do, from three in the afternoon to nine in the evening.
And they ain't strong enough to take 9 like me
People can't handle the consequences of their actions like I can; specifically, getting shot nine times.
Ayo, you think about shitting on 50, save it
If you're thinking about disrespecting me or trying to outdo me, don't bother.
My songs belong in the Bible with King David
My music is iconic and classic and should be praised in the same vein as the writings of King David in the Bible.
I teach niggas sign language, that ain’t deaf, son
I communicate a message with my music that only the real ones will understand.
*click* *click* you heard that? That mean run
I make gun sounds with my mouth, and if you're smart, you'll know that you need to flee from danger when you hear them.
Ask around, I ain't the one you wanna stunt on, pa
I have a reputation and achievements that make it unwise to challenge or disrespect me.
Pull through, I'll throw a fucking cocktail at ya car
If you drive through my neighborhood, I won't hesitate to throw a Molotov cocktail at your car to protect my turf.
From the last shootout I got a dimple on my face
I have a physical scar from the last time I was involved in a gunfight.
It’s nothing, I can go after Mase’s fan base
My fan base is loyal and supportive, and I could even compete with Mase, who is known for having devout followers.
Shell hit my jaw, I ain't wait for doctor to get it out
When I got shot, the bullet hit my jaw, and I didn't wait for medical attention; I removed it myself.
Hit my wisdom tooth *huck-too* spit it out
I even removed a bullet from my wisdom tooth by spitting it out.
I don't smile a lot cause ain't nothing pretty
I don't smile often because life is tough, and it's not always easy to find joy in it.
Got a purple heart for war and I ain't never left the city
I've earned a figurative 'purple heart' for the wars I've fought in my city and haven't ever left it behind.
Hoes be like 'Fiddy, you so witty'
Women are attracted to my sense of humor and charisma.
On the dick like they heard I ghostwrite for P.Diddy
Women are also attracted to the rumors that I ghostwrite for P. Diddy and that I'm connected to the upper echelon of the music industry.
You got fat while we starve, it's my turn
While others around me seem to have gotten comfortable, I'm driven to succeed and climb to the top of the industry.
I done felt how the shells burn, I still won't learn
I've been shot before and still don't learn to stay out of trouble; it's almost as if I'm drawn to it.
Won't learn
I refuse to learn from my past mistakes and continue living my life recklessly.
If you get shot and run to the cops you not like me
If you get shot and turn to the police for help or are known for snitching, you're not like me.
You ain't got no work on the block, you not like me
If you don't have a presence or role in the drug trade in our neighborhood, you're not like me.
It's hot, you ain't got no drop, you not like me
If you don't drive a fancy car in the summer heat, you're not living like me.
Like me dude, you not like me
Overall, there are few like me, and if you're not like me, you're not living life to the fullest in the same way I am.
Mama said everything that happened to us, was part of God's plan
My mother taught me that everything that happens to us, good or bad, is part of God's master plan.
So at night when I talk to him I got my gun in my hand
When I pray to God at night, I do so with a gun in hand because I know that life is unpredictable and dangerous.
Don't think I'm crazy cause I don't fear man
Even though I don't fear other humans, it doesn't mean I'm crazy; it just means I'm prepared for whatever comes my way.
Cause I fear when I kill a man God won't understand
Although I'm not afraid of killing someone, I fear that God may not forgive me for taking a life.
I got a head full of evil thoughts, am I Satan?
I have many sinister thoughts, which makes me question if I am evil or even Satan himself.
I been could've killed these niggas, I'm still waitin'
Even though I've had many opportunities to kill people, I'm biding my time and waiting for the perfect moment.
In the telly with two whores, Benz with two doors
I'm living the high life, staying in a fancy hotel room with two women and driving a two-door Benz.
32 karats in the cross, no flaws
I'm also wearing a cross necklace with 32 karats, which is perfect and flawless.
You see me in the hood, I got at least two guns
If you ever see me in my neighborhood, I'll have at least two guns on me for protection.
I carry the Glock, Tony carry my M-1
I carry a Glock handgun, and my associate Tony carries an M-1 rifle.
Hold me down, nigga, OGs tryin' to rock me
Sometimes I need my friends to have my back because older gangsters are trying to come after me.
D's waiting for my response to lock me
The police are waiting for a reason to arrest me.
This is my hustle, nigga, don't knock me
This is how I make my money, so don't judge me for it.
You need some shit with a banana clip to try and stop me
If you want to stop me or try to compete with me, you'll need to bring some heavy firepower to the table.
See, I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back
I've come close to death and even been to Heaven's gates, but I was sent back to finish what I started.
The good die young, I ain't eligible for that
Despite coming close to death, I'm not someone who will die young because I'm destined for greatness.
I shot niggas, I been shot, sold crack in the street
I've been involved in gang activity, previously shooting others and also getting shot, and selling illegal drugs on the street.
My attitude is gangsta so I stand some beef
I have a gangster mentality and will defend myself and my reputation if somebody tries to start a beef with me.
You wanna get acquainted with me, you wanna know me
If you want to know me personally, it likely means you're looking for trouble or want to be part of my inner circle.
From 3 point range with a Glock, I shoot better than Kobe
I'm an excellent shooter and could even hit a target from far away like a basketball player taking a shot from three-point range.
See a nigga standing next to me, he probably my Co-D
If you see somebody standing next to me, they're likely my associate, or Co-D, meaning we're partners in crime.
See a bitch getting in my whip, she probably gon' blow me
If you see a woman getting into my car, it's likely that we're going to engage in sexual activity.
See the flow is like a .38, it’s special y'all
My rapping style is unique and distinctive, like the caliber of a .38 special firearm.
Country boy tell ya, I’m finna blow
I'm a country boy making it big in the music industry and will soon become even more successful.
I’m more like a pimp than a trick, you know
I see myself more as a pimp than a customer, meaning I'm in charge and have control over situations.
See, I’m in this for the paper, but I don’t love the hoes
I'm in the music industry to make money, but I don't attach myself to romantic relationships or prostitutes.
Niggas broke in the hood worried about mines
People in my neighborhood are financially struggling and only worrying about themselves and their possessions.
Grown ass men wearing starter piece shines
Even grown men are still wearing cheap jewelry from Starter, demonstrating their lack of success and sense of style.
You know them little pieces with the little stones
These cheap jewelry pieces have small, fake stones that don't have any value or significance.
Got little clientele fiends call your cell phones
With a small customer base, the only people calling your phone are drug addicts looking for a fix.
When the gossip starts I'm always the topic
People are always talking about me or spreading rumors about me because of my fame and reputation.
You too old for that shit, dawg, won’t you stop it?
If you're an older person, you need to stop gossiping and act your age.
Shorty, I been watching you watching me
I've noticed a woman watching my every move and am interested in her.
Now tell me what you like more, my watch or me?
I'm flaunting my wealth and success, asking the woman if she's more interested in my material possessions or me as a person.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Andy Thelusma, Curtis James Jackson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ahmed El Sayed
on If I Can't
good