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
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 song "What's Up" by 50 Cent feat. Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo is an anthem for the G-Unit gang where the members boast about their tough personalities and their willingness to confront any challenge that comes their way. In the first verse, 50 Cent starts off by saying that he's ready for any drama to pop off, and he's not afraid to take action. He then uses his signature "What up, Blood?" and "What up, Cuz?" lines which are phrases commonly used by gang members to greet each other. 50 Cent then talks about how he walks around with his semi-automatic weapon and a bulletproof vest, ready to take on anyone who challenges him. He expresses his ability to stay quiet in court but also his willingness to hunt down his enemies.
In the second verse, Lloyd Banks takes over and talks about his ability to make his block feel like summer in December. He boasts about his rap skills and how he's desired by women. He also talks about his independence, with no home to call his own and his confidence to crush anyone who crosses him. The chorus is repeated after each verse where the artists repeat their greetings and end with G-Unit's slogan that they don't play around.
Overall, the lyrics of the song express the tough and gangster persona of the G-Unit members. They are fearless and not afraid to take on anyone who crosses their path. The use of phrases like "What up, Blood?" and "What up, Cuz?" further emphasizes the gang culture and their loyalty towards each other.
Line by Line Meaning
G-Unit (Bo!) We in here (Bo!)
The group known as G-Unit is present and ready for action.
We can get the drama popping, we don't care (Bo! bo! bo!)
We are not afraid of confrontation and are willing to engage in conflict if necessary.
It's going down (Bo!) Cause I'm around (Bo!)
Drama is inevitable because of my presence.
50 Cent, you know how I gets down
I am known for my violent and ruthless behavior.
What up, Blood? (What?)
What's up, friend?
What up, Cuz? (What?)
What's up, cousin?
What up, gangsta?
What's up, tough guy?
They say I walk around like got an S on my chest
People think I am overly confident and invincible.
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
I am heavily armed and protected at all times.
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
I avoid speaking too much as it may be used against me in court by the District Attorney.
But I'll hunt or duck a nigga down, like it's a sport
I will relentlessly pursue or avoid someone, as if it were a game.
Front on me, I'll cut ya gun-butt ya or bump ya
If someone disrespects me or challenges me, I will fight back by hitting them with the butt of my gun or bumping into them.
You getting money? I can't get none with ya, then fuck ya
If you aren't making money with me, I have no use for you and don't want to associate with you.
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I
I am not the type of person to get caught driving under the influence.
I'm the type that'll kill your connect when the coke price rise
I am the type of person who would murder someone who raises the price of cocaine for me.
Gangstas, they bump my shit, them they know me
People who live a criminal lifestyle listen to my music and are familiar with me.
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
I have spent time with people who I am not necessarily friends with.
Hundred G's I stash it (what) the mack I blast it (yeah)
I have a hundred thousand dollars stashed away and I am not afraid to use my gun.
D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid
If the police come, we will dispose of the drugs by pouring diesel fuel and battery acid on them.
This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it
I am skilled at rapping and I like to show off my expensive jewelry.
Jux me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard
If you try to rob me, I will kill you and your mother will be left to bury you.
I'm on the next level, Breitling baguette bezel
I am successful and have a high-quality watch adorned with diamonds.
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood (what)
I drive a fast Mercedes and am dangerous, like boiling water.
We don't play that
We do not tolerate disrespect or disobedience.
We don't play around
We are serious and not to be messed with.
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
I relax and smoke marijuana, contemplating various thoughts.
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When other people who live a criminal lifestyle listen to my music, can they relate to my struggles?
When the 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds like thunder
When a gun is fired, it is very loud and startling.
In December I'll make your block feel like summer
I am capable of causing chaos and violence in any season, even during the winter.
The rap critics say I can rhyme
Reviewers of my music recognize my ability to write and perform well-written lyrics.
The fiends say my dope is a nine, every chick I fuck with is a dime
My drugs are of high quality and the women I have sex with are attractive.
I'm like Patti LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
Like singer Patti LaBelle, I am independent and do not rely on others for success.
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone
I am constantly on the move and do not have one permanent residence.
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
If someone crosses me, even if they do not think I will retaliate, I will harm them.
I'll have your ass using a wheelchair, cane or crutches
If I physically harm someone, they may need to use assistive devices such as a wheelchair, cane, or crutches.
Industry hoes fuck us, in the hood they love us
Women in the music industry have sex with us, while people in our community admire and support us.
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new Chuckers
I will kick someone so hard that I could break a bone while wearing new Converse Chuck Taylors.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Curtis Jackson, Robert 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