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.
Poppin' Them Thangs
G-Unit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs (yeah)
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs
After the VMA's my baby mama cussed my ass out
I kicked her ass, we back friends like Puffy and Steve Stoute
Cut the grass around my clique 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 'bout 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 (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs (yeah)
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs
Slow down, little 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're clappin' the crew
Hell yeah, I fuck fans, guess what, your favorite rapper does too
In a minute I'ma 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 bra
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 (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs (yeah)
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
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 gettin' 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 bullet holes
Innocent bystanders get hit tryna 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 (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs (yeah)
Every hood we go through
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs
The lyrics to G-Unit's song "Poppin' Them Thangs" paint a vivid picture of the gritty urban lifestyle and the group's experiences in it. The song features verses from 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck, all delivering hard-hitting rhymes about their lives in the hood. The opening lines, "Every hood we go through, all the gangsters around know my whole crew," establish the group's reputation and the respect they command in their community. The chorus repeats the lines, "We hold it down like we 'sposed to, nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs," emphasizing the group's toughness and resilience.
The verses provide further insight into the trio's lives. 50 Cent addresses his tumultuous relationship with his baby mama and his penchant for violence: "After the VMA's my baby mama cussed my ass out, I kicked her ass, we back friends like Puffy and Steve Stoute." Lloyd Banks boasts about his newfound wealth and success: "Now you can find me with the finest hoes, Choosin' which whip to drive by what match my clothes." Young Buck talks about his experiences with drugs and women: "After I'm done, you're clappin' the crew, Hell yeah, I fuck fans, guess what, your favorite rapper does too." Overall, the song captures the gritty, violent reality of life in the hood while also celebrating the group's rise to fame and success.
Line by Line Meaning
Every hood we go through
No matter where we go, people in the gangster community recognize us.
All the gangsters around know my whole crew (nigga, what?)
We've made a reputation for ourselves within the gangster culture.
We hold it down like we 'sposed to (haha)
We stay loyal to one another and maintain our gangster status.
Nigga, you can front if you want, we be poppin' them thangs (yeah)
If someone wants to try us, we won't hesitate to defend ourselves or take action.
After the VMA's my baby mama cussed my ass out
After an awards show, my ex-partner got angry with me and started an argument.
I kicked her ass, we back friends like Puffy and Steve Stoute
I physically assaulted her, but we made up and reconciled our relationship like Puffy and Steve Stoute did.
Cut the grass around my clique so I could see these snakes
I had to clear out the fake people from my inner circle of associates.
I preach a sermon 'bout the paper like I'm Creflo Dollar
I talk about money in the same way as Creflo Dollar.
I pop you punk niggas like I pop my collar
I am quick to respond with violence if needed.
I'm confused, I like Megan, Monica and Mya
I am indecisive about which woman I want to be with: Megan, Monica or Mya.
Missy's freaky and Brandy's shy, uh
Missy Elliott is very sexual while Brandy is reserved and conservative.
Now take a look at how my lifestyle changed up
I've become more successful and wealthy, as shown by my new lifestyle.
I'm on now, God damnit, I done came up (what?)
I've made it to the top of the industry and achieved success.
Now you can find me with the finest hoes
I am often seen with the most attractive women.
Choosin' which whip to drive by what match my clothes
I am at a point in life where I can choose which expensive car to drive based on what matches my outfit.
I got a fetish for the stones, I'm heavy on the ice, man
I am very passionate about jewelry and have a large collection of expensive stones.
If I ain't got a pistol on me, sure I got a knife, fam
I always keep weapons on me for protection.
Get out of line and I'm lightin' yo' ass up
If someone tries to challenge me or disrespect me, I will retaliate violently.
Semi-automatic's spray I tighten yo' ass up, what?
I will use a semi-automatic weapon to take down anyone who tries to mess with me.
Slow down, little nigga, don't exceed your speed
Don't try to compete with me or move too quickly to avoid danger.
'Cause I will put G's on your fitted like the Negro League
I will ruin your hat by putting my gang's initials on it.
I got connects, I don't need no weed
I have the right connections to get what I need without relying on marijuana.
After I'm done, you're clappin' the crew
After I've defeated someone, the rest of my gang will celebrate our victory.
Hell yeah, I fuck fans, guess what, your favorite rapper does too
I sleep with groupies, just like many other famous rappers.
In a minute I'ma have the jeweler makin' my rims spin
My jewelry and wealth allow me to purchase expensive car rims that spin.
My crew run wild like the Jamaicans in Kingston
My gang is known for being rowdy and out of control, similar to gangs in Jamaica.
That's why my neck shine like one of the shirts that Puffy and Mase wore
I wear expensive necklaces that cause my neck to shine like Puffy and Mase's shirts did.
I done found a nympho as soon as I pop a bra
I have found a woman who is addicted to sex and is always ready for it.
She at my balls, head first like a soccer star
She performs oral sex on me with enthusiasm and intensity, similar to a soccer player going for a headshot.
You can only stand next to the man if you proper
Only certain people are allowed to be near me if they meet certain standards.
I take care of birds like an animal doctor
I keep an eye on and take care of women, who are referred to as 'birds' like an animal doctor.
I been out and buzzin', niggas just slept on me
I've been successful for a while, but some people didn't recognize my talents until later.
So I'm out for revenge like one of Bin Laden cousins
I seek retaliation against those who have wronged me, similar to one of Osama Bin Laden's relatives seeking revenge against the United States.
Read the paper, look at the news, we on the front page
Our gang has made the news headlines due to our actions.
Yeah, we in the Bahamas with AK's on the stage
We bring weapons with us everywhere we go, even on stage performances in exotic locations such as the Bahamas.
The ice in the Jacob watch'll make a broke nigga take somethin'
My watch is so expensive that someone who is poor might feel the need to steal it.
So I gotta keep the fo'-fifth with no safety button
To protect myself and my belongings, I always carry a .45 caliber gun without a safety button.
G-Unit gettin' money, I know some artists is starvin'
My gang is making a lot of money while some other artists are struggling financially.
But play the game like they rich, to me the shit funny
Some artists pretend to be rich when they are not, which I find amusing.
I know you see me comin', 'cause on the front of the Maybach
People can see me approaching in my luxury car, a Maybach.
It say payback for those that hated on me
I am seeking revenge against individuals who have disliked or disrespected me in the past.
I hate when niggas claim they bangin' a gang
I don't like when people pretend to be part of a gang.
You ain't a Crip like Snoop, you ain't no Blood like Game
You can't claim to be part of a gang like Snoop Dogg (a Crip) or The Game (a Blood).
See, I been havin' beef, I got my own bulletproof vest
I have had conflicts with others, so I protect myself by wearing a bulletproof vest.
Most of my enemies dead, I got about two left
The majority of my enemies are dead or defeated, but there are still a couple left for me to deal with.
Until my last breath, I'm sendin' niggas bullet holes
Until the end of my life, I will continue to use my weapons and inflict harm upon others when necessary.
Innocent bystanders get hit tryna be heroes
People who try to intervene or help others in the crossfire may end up getting hurt as well.
You know how we roll, everywhere that we go
We always carry weapons and are ready for conflict in any situation.
It's fo-fo's, Calicos, and Desert Eagles
We use various types of firearms, including .44 caliber (fo-fo), .22 caliber (Calicos), and semiautomatic pistols (Desert Eagles).
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Reservoir Media Management, Inc., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
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