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.
What Up Gangsta
G-Unit Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Go 'head drop bed nigga!
Best be on yo' best be hate it out this
Mothafucka! Haha!
I I I I stay gangsta'd up -
Niggas ain't got shit on me
And - I I I I stay with my
Geeee-Unit clique! - You're blind
If you can't see
That - weeee run the streets -
Nigga you better ask somebody (yeah, yeah)
I got a rifle with a scope
In the trunk of the Viper (oh)
So I shoot off the roof like the DC sniper
(oh)
I just bought a Bezzle, and a brand new piece
And a level two vest and a brand new piece
Y'all Hip-Hop niggas don't want no beef!
Y'all get shot and rat to the Hip-Hop police
Nigga two guns up
(uh huh) I run up in ya label
Why your guns in the house like
A couch potato - YEAH!
I I I I stay gangsta'd up -
Niggas ain't got shit on me
And - I I I I stay with my
Gat - in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique! - You're blind
If you can't see
That - weeee run the streets -
Nigga you better ask somebody
These hoes want me stop - but
This is the worst part
I was born with this game like birth marks
I don't trip! (naah) But I'm a get a little
Watch from my modelin' chick
Cause she spent a lot of time on my dick
(oooh)
I get a new fan every single time that I spit
Green, blue Ben' lovin' every diamond I get
Fast and fury in the Red
Rove' cause my bred folds
Beef? - I hit your necklace turn
Your jewelry into red gold (nigga)
I I I I stay gangsta'd up -
Niggas ain't got shit on me
And - I I I I stay with my
Gat - in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique! - You're blind
If you can't see
That - weeee run the streets -
Nigga you better ask somebody
I'm from the bottom man niggas
Know I came up hard (YEAH)
I got a temper man I'm looking
For some shit to start
Man my tax bracket change
I'm sittin' on some change
Yo hoes man they changed they
Don't treat me the same (WHOOOO)
It's not my looks that's got me
All up in them drawers (uh huh)
It's the new M-3 with the Lamborghini doors
(come on) man them D's they dun turned
Them dogs into dope fiends
They smell a leak in my clothes
So they barkin' at me (WHOA)
Yeah! That's gon' have to be good enough
I lost a friend tonight jam Master Jay!
Rest In Peace! I send my love to his family!
50 Cent y'all!
I I I I stay gangsta'd up -
Niggas ain't got shit on me
And - I I I I stay with my
Gat - in case I gotta pop somebody
Geeee-Unit clique! - You're blind
If you can't see
That - weeee run the streets -
Nigga you better ask somebody
"What Up Gangsta" by G-Unit is a braggy and boastful song that showcases the tough and fearless nature of the rap group. The lyrics describe the individual's experience with violence and crime, highlighting his skillset and weaponry. The chorus repeats the question, "What up, Blood?" and the response, "What up, 'cause?" This can be interpreted as a call to the gang community, indicating a sense of loyalty and unity amongst gangsters. The song utilizes the use of humor, especially in the bridge where they repeat, "We don't play that," and it is meant to signify that they don't play around in the gang world.
In the first verse, the lyrics talk about the singer's capabilities with guns, stating that he will hunt or duck a person down in a game-like fashion. The lyrics, "I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies," suggests the idea of the street code, in which loyalty is not just given blindly, it must be earned. The second verse begins by talking about the singer's reputation as a rapper, highlighting his talent and success. The lyrics then proceed to depict his violent nature and lack of mercy towards his enemies, threatening them with physical harm that can leave them disabled.
Line by Line Meaning
We in here (What)
We are present and accounted for, and we're about to make things happen.
We can get the drama popping
We're not afraid to start trouble if we have to. In fact, we're pretty good at it.
We don't care (What, what, what)
We aren't worried about the consequences of our actions. We do what we want, when we want.
It's going down (What)
Something is about to happen, and it might not be pretty. Be prepared for some drama.
'Cause I'm around (What)
I'm a powerful presence, and just my being here can set things in motion.
50 Cent, you know how I gets down (Down)
I'm 50 Cent, and you know that I don't mess around. I'm serious about this gangsta life.
What up, Blood? (What)
Hey, Blood (a term of respect among gang members), what's up? Just checking in with my people.
What up, 'cause? (What)
Hey, cousin (another term of respect among gang members), how you doing? Making sure we're all good.
What up, Gangstaaa?
Hey, fellow gangsta, what's up? Just checking in with the crew.
They say I walk around like got an "S" on my chest
People think I'm overconfident and invincible, but that's not true. I'm just well-prepared.
Naw, that's a semi-auto, and a vest on my chest
Actually, I'm carrying a weapon and wearing body armor to protect myself. I take my safety seriously.
I try not to say nothing, the DA might want to play in court
I don't run my mouth too much, because I don't want to incriminate myself in court.
But I'll hunt or duck a nigga down like it's sport
If someone crosses me or my crew, I won't hesitate to go after them. I take revenge very seriously.
Front on me, I'll cut ya, gun-butt ya or bump ya
If you mess with me or disrespect me, I have a variety of ways to physically hurt you.
You getting money? I can't none with ya then fuck ya
If you're not down with the gangsta lifestyle, or if you're not making enough money, I don't have time for you.
I'm not the type to get knocked for D.W.I.
I'm not the kind of person who gets caught for drunk driving. I'm too smart to let that happen.
I'm the type that'll kill your connect when the coke price rise
If you mess with the drug trade and try to raise the price on me, I'll take drastic measures to protect my business interests.
.Gangstas, they bump my shit then they know me
Other gang members are familiar with my music, and they respect me for being a true gangsta.
I grew up around some niggas that's not my homies
I had a rough upbringing, and not everyone I grew up with is still in my life. I'm a survivor.
Hundred G's I stash it (what), the mack I blast it (yeah)
I keep a hundred thousand dollars in cash hidden away, and I'm not afraid to use my gun to protect it.
D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid
If the police show up, we'll destroy any evidence and make it hard for them to investigate our activities.
This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it
I'm a skilled rapper with a lot of experience, and I enjoy showing off my expensive jewelry.
Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard
If someone attacks me, I'll respond with deadly force. I don't care who you are or what your family thinks of me.
I'm on the next level, right lane forget bezzle
I'm constantly advancing and improving in my gangsta skills. I don't need flashy jewelry to prove my worth.
Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, god (what)
I'm driving a fast car and making moves. I'm in control of my life and my destiny.
I sit back, twist the best bud, burn and wonder
Sometimes I like to relax, smoke some high-quality marijuana, and contemplate my position in the world.
When gangstas bump my shit, can they hear my hunger?
When other gang members hear my music, do they realize how committed and dangerous I really am?
When the 5th kick, duck quick, it sounds like thunder
When I fire my gun, it's a serious business. Better watch out.
In December I'll make your block feel like summer
I'm so intense and powerful, I can change the dynamics of an entire neighborhood just by my presence.
The rap critics say I can rhyme, the fiends say my dope is a nine
Even though I'm a gangsta, I have respect in the music industry and among drug users for my talents.
Every chick I fuck with is a dime
I'm successful with women and only date the most desirable and attractive ones.
I'm like Patty LaBelle, homie, I'm on my own
I am fiercely independent and chart my own course in life.
Where I lay my hat is my home, I'm a rolling stone
I don't have a permanent home, and I like to move around and stay on the move.
Cross my path I'll crush ya, thinking I won't touch ya
If you underestimate me or try to cross me, I'll respond with brute force and crush you.
I'll have your ass using a wheelchair, cane, or crutches
If I hurt you, it will be serious and long-lasting. You won't be able to move around normally anymore.
Industry hoe fuckers, in the hood they love us
Even though we're gangstas, we have fans in the music industry and among ordinary people in the hood.
Stomp a bone out your ass with some brand new chuckas
If you cross us or disrespect us, we won't hesitate to physically hurt you in a humiliating way.
We don't play that
We are serious about our gangsta lifestyle, and we won't tolerate disrespect or disobedience.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miles Lewis
on Lay You Down
Beg For Mercy was one of the best albums of 2003.