Curtis Jackson, known to the world as 50 Cent, is one of Hip Hop’s most commanding figures—a street poet turned mogul whose gritty narratives and unrelenting charisma defined an era. On this list of the Top 15 50 Cent Songs, we celebrate a career that burned bright in the early 2000s, delivering anthems that still resonate in clubs, cars, and corners. We see 50 as a paradox: a lyrical heavyweight with tales of survival and a savvy businessman who turned pain into power. His music, rooted in the raw realities of South Jamaica, Queens, blends menace with melody, crafting hits that feel as cinematic as his life story. Yet, his recent output hasn’t matched the fire of his peak. Albums like Animal Ambition and beyond often lack the hunger that fueled Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and The Massacre. His off-mic antics—trolls, feuds, and reality TV—can overshadow his artistry, sometimes painting him as more meme than maestro. Here, we aim to cut through that noise, focusing on the tracks that cemented his legacy, not the headlines that dilute it.
50 Cent’s early work remains a masterclass in balancing authenticity with accessibility. From the moment “In Da Club” dropped, he owned the airwaves, merging gangsta rap’s edge with pop’s polish. Songs like “21 Questions” revealed a vulnerability rare for the genre, while “Many Men” laid bare his brush with death, turning scars into scripture. His G-Unit era, with its relentless mixtape run, proved he could dominate both underground and mainstream, a feat few have matched. But as his focus shifted—toward boardrooms, Vitamin Water deals, and Power’s empire-building—the music often took a backseat. His later tracks, while occasionally potent, rarely recaptured the urgency of his Shady/Aftermath days. That’s why this list leans heavily on his golden period, roughly 2002 to 2007, when 50 was untouchable, spitting verses that felt like dispatches from the front lines.
We don’t ignore the man behind the mic. 50’s brash persona—part survivor, part provocateur—colors his art, for better or worse. His beefs with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and others fueled bangers but also fed a caricature that’s hard to shake. Still, we strive to let the music speak, diving into the songs that defined a generation, not the drama that followed. These tracks capture 50 at his rawest: a kid who took nine bullets and turned trauma into triumph, a hustler who made the world chant his name. This list is a journey back to when 50 Cent was a force, delivering Hip Hop that hit like a fist and stuck like a hook. Let’s revisit the cuts that made him a legend, before the spotlight dimmed.
15. Life’s on the Line (Power of the Dollar/Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Bonus, 1999/2003)
“Life’s on the Line,” a 1999 cut from 50 Cent’s shelved Power of the Dollar and later a Get Rich or Die Tryin’ bonus track, hits with unyielding intensity. Terence Dudley crafts a bare, chilling beat—sharp drums and ghostly keys—that frames 50’s raw delivery. Recorded post-shooting, his voice drips with defiance, weaving vivid stories of street stakes and betrayal. The flow is tight, unpolished, each line landing like a cold stare from Queens’ corners. Without a hook, the track leans on relentless verses, pulling listeners into its stark world. It’s 50 at his hungriest, channeling survival into every bar, with subtle jabs at rivals adding venom. The production’s minimalism amplifies his presence, letting the narrative breathe—no frills, just truth. This early work captures a rapper on the cusp, his grit and focus hinting at the legend he’d become, a prelude to the empire built on scars.
14. Disco Inferno (The Massacre, 2005)
“Disco Inferno” from The Massacre ignites with 50 Cent’s effortless swagger, a strip-club banger that pulses with seductive energy. Produced by C. Styles and Bang Out, the track leans on a slinky, synth-driven beat—shimmering hi-hats and a thumping bassline—that sets a sultry mood. 50’s delivery glides, his voice brimming with charisma as he flexes wealth and allure, painting vivid scenes of nightlife excess. The hook, simple yet sticky, embeds itself instantly, urging bodies to move.
Recorded during 50’s commercial peak, the song captures his knack for blending street edge with pop sheen, each verse dripping with confidence. The production’s polished grind, layered with subtle keyboard flourishes, keeps the vibe hypnotic, perfectly tailored for clubs and radio alike. Beyond its surface gloss, 50’s lyrics hint at the hustler’s hunger beneath the flash, a nod to his roots. A #3 Billboard hit, “Disco Inferno” thrives as a time capsule of 2005’s hedonistic sheen, cementing 50’s reign as a maestro of hooks and heat.
13. Patiently Waiting feat. Eminem (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
From Get Rich or Die Tryin’, “Patiently Waiting” pairs 50 Cent with Eminem in a brooding, cinematic standout. Eminem’s production crafts a menacing soundscape—dark piano chords and thudding drums—that hums with tension. 50’s verses ooze hunger, his gritty flow recounting street survival with razor-sharp focus, each line heavy with ambition and scars. Eminem follows, his delivery frenetic yet precise, weaving dense rhymes that amplify the track’s urgency. Their chemistry crackles, two titans trading intensity over a beat that feels like a storm brewing.
The hook, delivered by 50, is understated but gripping, tying the narrative together with grim resolve. Recorded as 50 rose from Queens’ shadows, the song captures his relentless drive, while Eminem’s presence adds a layer of lyrical ferocity. The production’s moody pulse underscores every bar, making each moment hit harder. Beyond its surface bravado, the track reveals 50’s knack for blending raw emotion with calculated menace, a cornerstone of his early dominance, etched in every haunting note.
12. What Up Gangsta (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
Kicking off Get Rich or Die Tryin’, “What Up Gangsta” roars with 50 Cent’s unapologetic bravado, a street anthem that sets the album’s relentless tone. Rob Tewlow’s production delivers a neck-snapping beat—grimy synths and pounding drums—that feels like Queens pavement underfoot. 50’s voice, raw and commanding, slices through, his verses painting a vivid world of loyalty and menace. The hook, a call-and-response chant, embeds instantly, transforming corners into coliseums. Each line drips with the hunger of a survivor turned conqueror, blending defiance with a sly grin. Recorded as 50 emerged from near-death, the track channels his scars into swagger, every bar a declaration of presence. The beat’s stark edge amplifies his delivery, leaving no room for fluff—just pure, unfiltered grit. Beneath the bravado lies a storyteller’s craft, grounding the bravura in South Jamaica’s reality. “What Up Gangsta” isn’t subtle; it’s a fist to the air, a blueprint for 50’s reign, capturing the moment he seized the game.
11. I Get Money (Curtis, 2007)
“I Get Money” from Curtis captures 50 Cent at his flashiest, a late-career gem that channels his empire-building bravado. Produced by Apex, the track samples Audio Two’s “Top Billin’,” its iconic drum break and horn stabs crafting a triumphant, club-ready pulse. 50’s flow struts with confidence, his bars dripping with tales of wealth and dominance, each line a flex of his mogul mindset. The hook—simple, bold, infectious—lands like a victory lap, urging heads to nod.
Recorded as 50’s music took a backseat to business, the song radiates his knack for turning hustle into anthems, his voice carrying the weight of Vitamin Water deals and G-Unit’s peak. The production’s crisp bounce, layered with subtle synths, keeps it timeless, a bridge between street grit and pop sheen. Beneath the surface, 50’s lyrics hint at the grind behind the gloss, grounding the boast in his Queens roots. “I Get Money” remains a defiant spark, proof 50 could still deliver heat amid shifting tides.
10. Window Shopper (Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Soundtrack, 2005)
“Window Shopper,” from the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ soundtrack, gleams with 50 Cent’s sly charisma, a melodic taunt aimed at those gazing at success from the sidelines. Produced by C. Styles and Sire, the track boasts a glossy, upbeat beat—shimmering synths and a driving bassline—that radiates mainstream polish while retaining street edge. 50’s delivery dances between mockery and menace, his verses painting dreamers as outsiders to his empire, each line laced with sharp wit.
The hook, catchy and biting, embeds instantly, turning envy into a singalong. Recorded during 50’s imperial phase, the song ties to his semi-autobiographical film, its narrative blending hustle with Hollywood flair. The production’s vibrant bounce, accented by subtle strings, crafts a soundscape that’s both radio-ready and raw, showcasing 50’s knack for accessible anthems.
Beneath the jabs, there’s a nod to ambition’s cost, grounding the flex in his South Jamaica roots. “Window Shopper” thrives as a 2005 staple, its cheeky video amplifying its cultural punch. It captures 50 at his peak—provocative, confident, and untouchable—delivering a track that’s as much a celebration as a challenge to keep up.
9. Hustler’s Ambition (Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Soundtrack, 2005)
“Hustler’s Ambition,” featured on the Get Rich or Die Tryin’ soundtrack, pulses with 50 Cent’s relentless drive, a cinematic anthem tied to his semi-autobiographical film. Produced by B-Money, the track samples Frankie Beverly and Maze’s “I Need You,” weaving soulful strings and a steady drum into a backdrop both grand and gritty. 50’s verses burn with focus, tracing his climb from Queens’ corners to global stages, each bar heavy with hunger and scars. His flow, measured yet fierce, conveys a man who’d rather die than stall, the hook soaring as a vow to keep pushing.
Recorded at the height of his Shady/Aftermath reign, the song mirrors his life’s arc—surviving bullets to build an empire—without losing street weight. The production’s lush layers, accented by haunting vocal samples, amplify the stakes, making every line feel like a dispatch from the grind. Beyond its chart climb abroad, “Hustler’s Ambition” endures for its raw conviction, a glimpse of 50’s core beneath the mogul sheen. It’s ambition distilled—triumphant, unyielding, and etched with the cost of dreaming big.
8. Back Down (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
“Back Down,” from Get Rich or Die Tryin’, seethes with 50 Cent’s venom, a ruthless diss aimed at dismantling Ja Rule’s reign. Dr. Dre’s production lays a sinister foundation—ominous synths and pounding drums that stalk like a predator. 50’s flow is surgical, each verse a barrage of taunts and street tales, shredding his rival’s credibility with icy precision. The hook, delivered with a sneer, doubles as a challenge, daring foes to step up.
Recorded as 50 stormed into rap’s spotlight, the track channels his Queens-bred defiance, turning personal grudges into a public execution. Dre’s beat, laced with eerie keys, amplifies the menace, letting 50’s bars cut deeper. Beyond the beef, it’s a masterclass in lyrical warfare, blending bravado with calculated cruelty. The song’s raw edge captures 50 at his hungriest, a survivor wielding words like weapons. Its intensity resonates beyond its era, a reminder of his knack for turning conflict into art, leaving no room for retreat.
7. Candy Shop feat. Olivia (The Massacre, 2005)
“Candy Shop,” from The Massacre, is 50 Cent at his slickest, a sultry club banger that dominated airwaves with undeniable swagger. Produced by Scott Storch, the track’s seductive beat—built on hypnotic Middle Eastern-inspired synths, crisp snares, and a pulsing bassline—creates an irresistible groove that screams 2005.
50’s delivery oozes charm, his playful yet commanding verses weaving innuendos into tales of wealth and allure, each line dripping with confidence. Olivia’s smooth, breathy hook adds a layer of allure, perfectly complementing 50’s cool bravado, making the chorus a sing-along staple. Recorded during his commercial zenith, post-Get Rich or Die Tryin’, the song captures 50’s mastery of blending street grit with pop finesse, turning a flirtatious vibe into a global hit.
The production’s glossy sheen, accented by subtle percussion flourishes, keeps it locked in club rotations, while 50’s charisma ensures every bar lands. Beyond its surface gloss, the track hints at his hustler’s instinct—seduction as strategy, power in charm. A #1 Billboard Hot 100 smash, “Candy Shop” defined an era, its infectious energy embodying 50’s reign as rap’s kingpin. It remains a time capsule of his imperial phase, where every move was calculated, every hook a knockout, cementing his legacy as a maestro of anthems that hit hard and linger long. Kind of a guilty pleasure for us, this one.
6. Wanksta (8 Mile Soundtrack/Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Bonus, 2002/2003)
“Wanksta,” a 2002 breakout from the 8 Mile soundtrack and later a Get Rich or Die Tryin’ bonus track, launched 50 Cent into the spotlight with ruthless precision. Produced by John “J-Praize” Freeman and Sha Money XL, its icy synths and stark, snapping drums craft a lean, menacing vibe that cuts deep. 50’s flow is unrelenting, his bars dismantling Ja Rule’s street cred with biting scorn, each verse a masterclass in taunting delivery. The hook—simple, sneering, infectious—became a cultural jab, exposing posers with a single word. Born from 50’s G-Unit mixtape grind, the track blends raw Queens energy with a polished edge, its minimalist beat amplifying his voice’s grit. 50’s storytelling weaves betrayal and authenticity, grounding the diss in his survivor’s lens, fresh from nine bullets.
The song’s #13 peak on the Billboard Hot 100 marked his ascent, bridging underground tapes to mainstream waves. Beyond its beef-fueled core, “Wanksta” captures 50’s knack for turning personal stakes into universal anthems, his charisma undeniable even in confrontation. It’s a pivotal moment—raw, defiant, and magnetic—heralding the arrival of a legend who’d soon own the game, leaving fakes in his dust.
5. How to Rob (Power of the Dollar/In Too Deep Soundtrack, 1999)
“How to Rob,” unleashed in 1999 on the In Too Deep soundtrack and tied to 50 Cent’s unreleased Power of the Dollar, is his audacious introduction to Hip Hop. Produced by Trackmasters, the beat—a slick blend of funky basslines and crisp drums—pulses with a playful yet menacing edge, setting the stage for 50’s bold debut. His flow, confident and cheeky, spins a fantasy of sticking up rap’s elite—Jay-Z, Puff Daddy, DMX, and more—with razor-sharp humor that skirts disrespect. Each verse drips with a hustler’s wit, 50 painting himself as a daring upstart ready to shake the game. The hook, catchy and defiant, cements the song’s irreverent vibe, a middle finger to industry giants from a Queens unknown.
Emerging before his near-fatal shooting, 50’s delivery carries a raw hunger, his voice unpolished but magnetic, hinting at the star he’d become. The track’s concept, audacious for a rookie, sparked buzz and backlash—some took it as a joke, others a threat—igniting his name across New York’s mixtape circuit. Its narrative, rooted in street bravado, doubles as a clever meta-commentary on fame’s fragility, with 50 poking at egos while flexing his lyrical nerve. The production’s upbeat sheen contrasts the lyrical jabs, making every slight hit harder.
“How to Rob” captures 50 Cent at his brashest, a prelude to the empire he’d build. It’s not his deepest cut, but its fearless energy and cultural ripple—stirring beefs and headlines—mark it as a launchpad for his legend. The song endures as a time capsule of late-‘90s grit, raw and unfiltered, proving 50 could command attention long before Get Rich made him untouchable.
4. P.I.M.P. (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
“P.I.M.P.” struts with 50 Cent’s slick charisma, a global hit that melds street swagger with pop magnetism. Mr. Porter’s production sparkles—steel drums and a funky bassline weave a breezy, infectious groove, instantly evoking sun-soaked excess. 50’s flow glides effortlessly, his verses blending playful bravado with a hustler’s cool, painting vivid scenes of control and allure. The hook, simple yet sticky, locks in, urging heads to nod worldwide. Its remix, featuring Snoop Dogg, Willie Hutch, and G-Unit, adds extra flair, amplifying its reach.
Born in 50’s breakout year, the track captures his knack for turning grit into gold, his voice dripping with the confidence of a survivor turned star. Fresh off Queens’ shadows, he commands with ease, each bar a nod to the game he flipped. The beat’s tropical pulse, layered with crisp snares, feels both radio-ready and raw, a perfect canvas for 50’s larger-than-life persona. Beyond the flash, his lyrics hint at the grind beneath—power earned, not given—rooted in South Jamaica’s lessons.
Peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, “P.I.M.P.” became a cultural staple, its video a parade of opulence that matched 50’s myth-making. It’s not his rawest cut, but its polish is deliberate, balancing authenticity with universal appeal. The song’s staying power lies in its effortless vibe—cocky, seductive, undeniable—cementing 50 as a maestro of anthems that hit hard and linger. “P.I.M.P.” defines his imperial phase, a moment when he ruled rap with a grin, turning every club into his domain and every listener into a believer.
3. 21 Questions feat. Nate Dogg (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
“21 Questions” reveals a tender facet of 50 Cent, a love ballad that softened his gangsta armor with striking vulnerability. Produced by Dirty Swift of Midi Mafia, the track leans on a gentle, guitar-laced beat—smooth keys and a subtle bassline—that cradles its intimate vibe. 50’s verses ponder loyalty in romance, his voice shedding bravado for sincerity as he poses hypothetical questions about love’s limits. Nate Dogg’s velvety hook, soaring with soulful warmth, elevates the song into timeless territory, each note sealing its emotional pull. The interplay between 50’s earnest delivery and Nate’s croon creates a rare alchemy, blending street grit with universal longing.
Emerging from 50’s meteoric rise, the song stands out on an album packed with menace, offering a glimpse of the man behind the myth. Fresh from surviving nine bullets, 50 channels personal stakes into universal queries—would love endure his flaws or fame? The production’s understated glow, with delicate percussion, keeps the focus on his words, letting vulnerability breathe without losing edge. Lines about trust and devotion, delivered with a rapper’s cadence, hit harder for their honesty, proving 50 could pivot from Queens’ corners to heartfelt confessionals.
A #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “21 Questions” transcended rap’s boundaries, its radio dominance matched by its cultural weight. The video, weaving a prison love story, amplified its narrative, cementing 50 as more than a street poet—he was a storyteller with range. The track’s genius lies in its balance: tough enough for the block, tender enough for the airwaves. It captures 50 at his peak, navigating fame’s glare while staying rooted in authenticity. Nate Dogg’s contribution, one of his finest, adds a layer of soul that lingers. “21 Questions” endures as a classic, a moment when 50 bared his heart and won the world’s, proving love could cut as deep as any bullet.
2. In Da Club (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
“In Da Club,” from Get Rich or Die Tryin’, erupted as 50 Cent’s defining anthem, a seismic force that reshaped Hip Hop’s landscape. Produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, the track’s iconic beat—booming kicks, sharp claps, and a slick synth line—hits like a pulse, instantly commanding any room. 50’s opening line, a playful nod to birthdays, doubles as a coronation, his voice brimming with charisma and hard-earned triumph. The verses glide with effortless swagger, weaving tales of street life and newfound fame, each bar a snapshot of a survivor seizing his moment. The hook, infectious and universal, invites everyone to the party, cementing its status as a cultural touchstone.
Born from 50’s ascent after surviving near-death, the song captures his hunger and invincibility, a Queens hustler turned global star. Dre’s production, crisp yet menacing, balances club energy with an edge that nods to 50’s roots. Subtle strings and a relentless rhythm amplify his presence, making every line feel colossal. The track’s genius lies in its accessibility—gangsta rap’s grit polished for radio without losing bite. 50’s delivery, relaxed yet commanding, sells both menace and celebration, a tightrope walk few could master.
A #1 Billboard Hot 100 juggernaut for nine weeks, “In Da Club” transcended music, infiltrating pop culture from clubs to commercials. Its video—50 training in a Shady/Aftermath lab—framed him as rap’s new titan, a narrative the world bought wholesale. Beyond its chart reign, the song’s staying power stems from its raw joy, a victory lap for a man who beat death to claim the throne. It’s 50 at his peak: defiant, magnetic, and untouchable, turning trauma into a universal banger. “In Da Club” doesn’t just endure—it demands celebration, a reminder of when 50 owned the game, every beat and bar a spark of his relentless rise.
1. Many Men (Wish Death) (Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 2003)
“Many Men (Wish Death)” is 50 Cent’s most haunting confession, a raw meditation on survival etched in blood and beats. Produced by Darrell “Digga” Branch with Eminem and Luis Resto, the track opens with mournful piano chords and a creeping bassline, crafting a soundscape as heavy as its subject. 50’s voice, weathered yet defiant, recounts his 2000 shooting—nine bullets that nearly ended him—turning trauma into a stark narrative of betrayal and resilience. Each verse drips with paranoia and resolve, his flow deliberate, painting enemies lurking in Queens’ shadows. The hook, a grim chant, carries the weight of a man staring down death and choosing to fight.
Fresh from that near-fatal ambush, 50 channels visceral pain into every bar, his delivery blending cold fury with introspective clarity. The production’s somber pulse, layered with subtle strings and hard snares, mirrors his heartbeat—steady, unyielding. Lines about friends turned foes and life’s fragility hit like scripture, grounded in South Jamaica’s unforgiving code. Yet, there’s a flicker of triumph beneath the scars, 50’s refusal to fold radiating through his measured cadence. It’s not bravado—it’s truth, raw and unfiltered, a survivor’s tale told without embellishment.
The track’s power lies in its restraint; no flashy hooks or radio gloss dilute its intensity. Eminem’s mixing hand ensures every element—gunshot samples, faint vocal echoes—amplifies the story, making the listener feel the stakes. Unlike the club-ready “In Da Club,” this cut demands reflection, its cinematic depth unfolding with each spin. It captures 50 at his most human, peeling back the myth to reveal a man grappling with mortality, yet too stubborn to break.
Though it didn’t chart like his poppier hits, “Many Men” resonates deeper, a cornerstone of 50’s legacy. Its influence echoes in modern trap’s darker tales, but few match its emotional precision. This is 50 Cent unmasked—a poet of pain, turning wounds into wisdom, crafting a classic that burns with the quiet fire of someone who’s seen death and walked away stronger.