G-Unit was founded shortly after 50 Cent left Columbia Records. The original members were: 50 Cent, Bang Em Smurf, Domination, Lloyd Banks, Sha Money XL & Tony Yayo. These rappers collectively established the group as a whole in 2000; however, after Yayo got a prison sentence 50 Cent signed Young Buck and along with himself and Banks became the three faces of G-Unit. Smurf and Domination left the group due to some problems with the General, 50 Cent.
After being shot, 50 Cent signed to Interscope Records. Due to the success of his commercial debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', he was granted his own record label. This was when 50 and Sha Money XL founded G-Unit Records.
The group continued to work hard and released several mixtape series which earned them a lot of attention in the rap industry. The most prominent of these being 50 Cent Is the Future, God's Plan, No Mercy, No Fear and Automatic Gunfire. G-Unit have also started a mixtape series with their DJ, DJ Whoo Kid, called G-Unit Radio.
These mixtapes gave them a gigantic buzz throughout New York City, which eventually led to 50's first solo album Get Rich or Die Tryin' selling over 12 million copies.
Before the group had a chance to record its debut album, Tony Yayo was sentenced to prison for a gun-possession charge as well as bail-jumping. During Tony Yayo's prison sentence, the group signed Nashville rapper, Young Buck. They continued their activity, working on yet more mixtape recordings. In particular, their 'G-Unit Remix' to 50 Cent's "P.I.M.P." was successful.
During Tony Yayo's prison sentence, G-Unit recorded their debut album, Beg for Mercy. The album was quickly released on November 14, 2003 to combat bootlegging and had significant commercial success. Tony Yayo made only two appearances on the album, both on songs that were recorded before his arrest. The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts and sold over 4 million units.
50 Cent later went on to sign The Game, Mobb Deep, M.O.P., Olivia, Spider Loc andMase. The Game was asked to be put in the group by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine. 50 Cent agreed, and gave 7 of his records which was supposed to go on his second LP The Massacre. After The Game went on the radio and said that he had no problems with some rappers 50 Cent had issues with, 50 felt that Game was disloyal and kicked him out of the group, which lead to the infamous G-Unit vs. The Game/Black Wallstreet meet and beat off.
2. Poppin' Them Thangs
G-Unit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
After the VMA's my baby momma cussed my ass out
I kicked her ass, we back friends like Puffy and Steve Stoute
Cut the grass around my crib so I could see these snakes
You see 'em back in the hood, it's cause I see they're fake
I preach a sermon βbout the paper like I'm Creflo Dollar
I pop you punk niggas like I pop my collar
I'm confused, I like Megan, Monica and Mya
Missy's freaky and Brandy's shy (uh)
Now take a look at how my lifestyle changed up
I'm on now, God damnit, I done came up (what?)
Now you can find me with the finest hoes
Choosin which whip to drive by what match my clothes
I got a fetish for the stones, I'm heavy on the ice man
If I ain't got a pistol on me, sure I got a knife fam
Get out of line and I'm lightin yo' ass up
Semi-automatic's spray I tighten yo' ass up - what?
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Slow down punk nigga, don't exceed your speed
Cause I will put G's on your fitted like the Negro League
I got connects, I don't need no weed
I been in L.A. for a year now, so I don't see no seeds
After I'm done you: clappin the crew
Hell yeah I fuck fans, guess what, your favorite rapper does too
In a minute I'mma have the jeweler makin my rims spin
My crew run wild like the Jamaicans in Kingston
Nuttin but bling bling in your face boy, that's why my neck
Shine like one of the shirts that Puffy and Mase wore
I done found a nympho as soon as I pop a broad
She at my balls, head first like a soccer star
You can only stand next to the man if you proper
I take care of birds like an animal doctor
I been out and buzzin, niggas just slept on me
So I'm out for revenge like one of Bin Laden cousins
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Read the paper, look at the news, we on the front page
Yeah we in the Bahamas with AK's on the stage
The ice in the Jacob watch'll make a broke nigga take somethin
So I gotta keep the fo'-fifth with no safety button
G-Unit get that money, I know some artists is starvin
But play the game like they rich, to me the shit funny
I know you see me comin; cause on the front of the Maybach
It say payback for those that hated on me
I hate when niggas claim they bangin a gang
You ain't a Crip like Snoop, you ain't no Blood like Game
See I been havin beef, I got my own bulletproof vest
Most of my enemies dead, I got about two left
Until my last breath, I'm sendin niggas bulletholes
Innocent bystanders get hit tryin to be heroes
You know how we roll, everywhere that we go
It's fo-fo's, calicos, and desert eagles
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
The lyrics of G-Unit's "Poppin' Them Thangs" convey a message of the group's street credibility and their ability to stand up to anyone who tries to challenge them. The song begins with a declaration that every hood they go through, the gangsters know their whole crew, and they hold it down like they're supposed to. They essentially claim a sense of authority in their domain and suggest that anyone who chooses to front will be met with force.
The lyrics then progress to describe a lifestyle change that the artist has undergone, highlighting the transition from humble beginnings to affluence. The artist references his penchant for expensive stones, fancy cars, and women while also acknowledging his use of weapons to maintain his safety. The second verse, rapped by a different member of the group, continues the theme of violence and revenge, with references to beef and bulletproof vests, indicating a history of danger and survival on the streets. The song's overall message is clear: the group is tough and fearless, unwilling to be pushed around in any way.
Line by Line Meaning
Every hood we go through
Whenever we visit any neighborhood, people recognize us
All the gangsters around know my whole crew
All the gangsters in the area are aware of our group of people
We hold it down like we 'sposed to
We always handle ourselves in a responsible and correct manner
Nigga you can front if you want, we be poppin them thangs
You can act fake if you wish to, but we will always be hitting high notes
After the VMA's my baby momma cussed my ass out
Following the VMA's, my former partner insulted me
I kicked her ass, we back friends like Puffy and Steve Stoute
I fought back, and now she and I are back on good terms like Puffy and Steve Stoute
Cut the grass around my crib so I could see these snakes
I cleared out the area around my property to get rid of any hidden dangers
You see 'em back in the hood, it's cause I see they're fake
I recognize how fake certain individuals in my neighborhood are
I preach a sermon βbout the paper like I'm Creflo Dollar
I speak about getting wealth and success like Creflo Dollar
I pop you punk niggas like I pop my collar
I hit weak individuals hard, just like my collar pops
I'm confused, I like Megan, Monica and Mya
Iβm hesitant since I like Megan, Monica, and Mya
Missy's freaky and Brandy's shy (uh)
Missy is very sexually adventurous while Brandi is reserved and shy
Now take a look at how my lifestyle changed up
Observe how my way of life has altered
I'm on now, God damnit, I done came up (what?)
I've made it and achieved success for myself
Now you can find me with the finest hoes
I am with the most attractive women
Choosin which whip to drive by what match my clothes
I select my car based on which one matches best with my attire
I got a fetish for the stones, I'm heavy on the ice man
I have an obsession for diamonds and am known for having a lot of jewelry
If I ain't got a pistol on me, sure I got a knife fam
I always carry some sort of weapon, whether it's a gun or a knife
Get out of line and I'm lightin yo' ass up
If you cross me, I'll get violent with you
Semi-automatic's spray I tighten yo' ass up - what?
I have a semi-automatic weapon, and I'm not afraid to use it to bring you down
Slow down punk nigga, don't exceed your speed
Lower your intensity, don't make rapid moves
Cause I will put G's on your fitted like the Negro League
I'll mark your cap with gang signs like the Negro baseball team
I got connects, I don't need no weed
I have connections and don't have to use drugs to get ahead
I been in L.A. for a year now, so I don't see no seeds
I've been in Los Angeles for a year; I have acquired connections and don't have to find jobs or opportunities on my own
After I'm done you: clappin the crew
When I finish, I'll have your squad beat
Hell yeah I fuck fans, guess what, your favorite rapper does too
Of course, I sleep with my groupies, and so does your favorite rapper
In a minute I'mma have the jeweler makin my rims spin
Soon, I'll be wealthy enough to have my car rims customized
My crew run wild like the Jamaicans in Kingston
My squad is energetic and untamed, similar to Jamaicans in Kingston
Nuttin but bling bling in your face boy, that's why my neck
I'm displaying wealth and jewelry in your face, which is why my neck is covered in flashy accessories
Shine like one of the shirts that Puffy and Mase wore
My accessories glitter like the shirts worn by Puffy and Mase
I done found a nympho as soon as I pop a broad
As soon as I see an attractive woman, I find out sheβs sexually promiscuous
She at my balls, head first like a soccer star
Sheβs giving me oral sex, beginning with my testicles, just like a soccer athlete would head the ball first
You can only stand next to the man if you proper
I only associate with people of a high caliber
I take care of birds like an animal doctor
I treat women with care and affection, similar to how a veterinarian cares for a pet
I been out and buzzin, niggas just slept on me
I've been active and making a name for myself, while others have underestimated me
So I'm out for revenge like one of Bin Laden cousins
I'm seeking vengeance on those who have wronged me, much like a relative of Osama Bin Laden would do
Read the paper, look at the news, we on the front page
Check out the newspaper or watch the news; you'll see our group on the front page as a top story
Yeah we in the Bahamas with AK's on the stage
We're performing on stage in the Bahamas while carrying AK-47s
The ice in the Jacob watch'll make a broke nigga take somethin
The diamonds in my Jacob watch are so beautiful that even a poor person would try to take it
So I gotta keep the fo'-fifth with no safety button
In order to protect myself and my belongings, I have to carry a .45 caliber gun without a safety latch
G-Unit get that money, I know some artists is starvin
G-Unit is focused on acquiring money while some musicians struggle to feed themselves
But play the game like they rich, to me the shit funny
I find it amusing that some people pretend to be wealthy when they're not
I know you see me comin; cause on the front of the Maybach
I know you'll notice me approaching because I'm driving a Maybach
It say payback for those that hated on me
The name on the front of my Maybach is a message to those who disliked me before
I hate when niggas claim they bangin a gang
I dislike it when individuals fake their gang membership
You ain't a Crip like Snoop, you ain't no Blood like Game
You're not a true member of the Crips like Snoop, or of the Bloods like Game
See I been havin beef, I got my own bulletproof vest
I've been dealing with numerous disputes, so I've purchased my own bulletproof vest
Most of my enemies dead, I got about two left
A lot of people I've had problems with are no longer around, but I still have two I need to handle
Until my last breath, I'm sendin niggas bulletholes
I'll continue to shoot until my last breath, leaving my enemies with bullet wounds
Innocent bystanders get hit tryin to be heroes
People who try to act heroic may unfortunately get caught in the crossfire
You know how we roll, everywhere that we go
You're aware of our style and how we carry ourselves wherever we go
It's fo-fo's, calicos, and desert eagles
Our weapons of choice are .44 caliber pistols, calicos, and desert eagles
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC, BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ANDRE YOUNG, MICHAEL ELIZONDO, SCOTT STORCH, CURTIS JACKSON, CHRIS LLOYD, DAVID BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@hardcoregabberrrr
Who is watching this in march 2056?
@jimjimmy713
me
@ramos12
+hardcoregabberrrr me too
@akustikrausch05
heyyy
@theOPpenguins
+hardcoregabberrrr No one cares when you're watching, hell ill LISTEN to this 2100. LISTEN YOU KNOW
@hardcoregabberrrr
AOP Penguin Yeah I was trying to let those guys sound like idiots that keep on saying this shit. You dumb fuck are reacting to the wrong one. Bitch.
@nastech9558
To the future generations, never let this master piece die. 2023 and still hits different
@UnitedSpursofAmerica
here in 23 as well to say shit is nice STILL
@thestreaker4635
We have 50 cent today's kids have pop smoke
@jana.659
Ye but smokes time is over, sadly