When the ultimate debate of 'Who Are The Top 10 Best Emcees Of All-Time?' emerges within circles, those engaged typically chime in with a usual set of names such as The Notorious B.I.G., Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z, Nas and DMX; other noble mentions in the argument normally include Rakim, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Ice Cube and Eminem (LL Cool J, Kanye West, Andre 3000 and Big Pun often too get thrown in the mix). However, as far as the debates goes, there's one name that tends to fly a bit more under the radar — though in actuality, the name should be referenced in every 'All-Time Rap Great' conversation — 50 Cent.
Aside from possessing the 10th best-selling rap album of all time (Get Rich or Die Tryin' - 8.3 million copies sold in the U.S. to date; 12 million sold globally), 50 Cent is by far one of the best lyricist to ever touch a microphone. The way 50 has frequently switched up his rap style on tracks over the years, you might even say that 50 Cent has the best 'flow' out of all spitters, both past and present-- whether it's wavy and melodic, curt and abrupt, he's done it all. On top of that, when it comes to mixtapes, few have had an impact on the mixtape circuit / the streets like Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson (those that had, can be counted on one hand alongside Fif).
Come along and examine with us the Top 25 Best 50 Cent Songs of All Time. For the purposes of this list, we are solely looking at 50 Cent's solo discography-- meaning, you will not find features or G-Unit listed.
Sound off below and tell us whether you agree with this list or disagree, we're sure you have an opinion on it.
"I'm The Man" (ft. Chris Brown) (2016)
In 2016, 50 Cent proved to naysayers that he still does have it, once again (similarly to the signal he sent out with the release of his Kendrick collab "I'm Up").
"I'm The Man" is an R&B affair that fares equally well in the bedroom as it does in the club. Many babies were probably even made inside of various clubs around the globe as a result of this banger. In other words, put this on at a party, sit back and just watch what happens.
"I'll Still Kill" (ft. Akon) (2007)
"I'll Still Kill" was released as the fifth single from 50 Cent's third studio album Curtis. The track, which was produced by DJ Khalil, features guest vocals from Konvict Muzik CEO/artist singer Akon. The hard hitting single officially hit airwaves in November 2007. The single peaked at #95 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Some of 50's tracks make you feel like you wanna go out and do some 'gangsta' stuff — and this is here is one of em. "I'll Still Kill" is one of 50 Cent's top street anthems, and Akon is half of the reason why. Put this song on when you feel like getting your 'gangsta on' real quick.
"How to Rob" (ft. The Madd Rapper) (1999)
This was 50's radio debut song and what a debut it was. "How to Rob" was innovative and a first of it's kind, whereas it was a 'diss' record aimed towards everybody and not just one particular person; 50 Cent came fresh out the gate dissing Jay-Z, Puff Daddy, BIG Pun and numerous other artists.
"We Up" (ft. Kendrick Lamar) (2013)
"We Up" was officially released to the public in March 2013. The track uses a sample from "Something About Us" by Daft Punk, who, too, received a songwriting credit. The song was originally intended to be on Kidd Kidd's mixtape, however it ended up being 50's song (without Kidd Kidd, no less). The full version of it which did feature Kidd Kidd, Kendrick Lamar and only one verse by 50 Cent, was first released in February of the same year, however the proper single version of "We Up" was released a month later, with Kidd Kidd removed from the track.
Among 50 Cent's many false starts when it came to the long-awaited (but apparently still-coming) Street King Immortal album, was this joint. It showed us in 2013 that, yes, Fif still had it (he does that every few years as a reminder, so it seems), and did drum up excitement for the return of 50, despite not much following suit. Besides Davaughn (the producer) outright slaying the smooth beat, 50 and Kendrick mesh well and went HAM lyrically. An effortless banger.
"Window Shopper" (2005)
"Window Shopper" was released in November 2005 as the first single (in the UK and Australia) and the second single (in the United States) from the Get Rich or Die Tryin' soundtrack released in 2005, as well as the movie's theme song. It was later added as a bonus track onto his 2005 album, The Massacre.
When it comes to 'best flows ever on a hip-hop song,' 50's flow on "Window Shopper" has to be mentioned and heavily considered. Fif's bounce on this track is simply out of the control / out of this world. The producer, C. Styles, slayed this beat as well. Also, 50's getting at Ja Rule still on this joint. And, who could forget the video to "Window Shopper"? Set in Monaco, 50 and friends buy overpriced items, such as $400 cheeseburgers, and a $1,500,000 Maserati MC12.
"If I Can't" (2003)
"If I Can't" was released as the fourth and final single from 50 Cent's debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The song is one of four on the LP to be produced by iconic hip-hop producer Dr. Dre. The track reached #76 in the US, becoming 50 Cent's sixth entry on the Hot 100. It was most successful in the United Kingdom, where it peaked at #10 after being released as a double A-side with the G-Unit single "Poppin' Them Thangs."
This jumpy, piano-laden track which contains an interpolation of "Peter Piper" by Run–D.M.C., is motivational while also acting as a 50 Cent mandate of sorts. The music video for "If I Can't" is in fact very similar to Eminem's music video for his song "Sing for the Moment" (2002). This is the type of joint you bump on the way to the shore / boardwalk.
"I'm Supposed to Die Tonight" (2005)
This song, off The Massacre, is another that deals with 50's thoughts of death-- which seems to be constantly on his mind-- thus it is another sinister foray into his brain, as he walks fans through his infamous shooting when he was hand delivered 9 bullets. This song, sounds and feels like you are literally walking through the valley of the shadow of death. It's dark tones, mixed with 50 Cent's demonic-like vocals will make unequipped listeners run and hide under the bed quick.
Did you know that "I'm Supposed to Die Tonight" sampled The Notorious B.I.G.'s "Warning"? Perhaps that's why Fif came so hard on this joint, in order not to let Biggie down. Mission accomplished, if so.
"P.I.M.P." (2003)
"P.I.M.P." was released as the fourth official single from 50 Cent's debut studio album Get Rich or Die Tryin' in August 2003. The song features fellow rappers Snoop Dogg, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck. In the United States, it peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached the top 10 of numerous national charts worldwide.
It is Mr. Porter's steel-drum-prominent production, featuring elements of other genres, especially reggae (or music similar to that of the Caribbeans), that carries the song; but throw in 50's sultry lyrics, and you have an undeniable banger on your hands. The music video for the single was just as epic, featuring the four rappers rapping with topless women. Makes sense though, for what would a 'pimp' video be without bare-chested lady friends.
"I Get Money" (2007)
"I Get Money" was the third single from 50 Cent's third studio album, Curtis. The track was recorded at 50 Cent's Connecticut mansion studio by veteran engineer Alonzo Vargas. Originally, Scott Boogie was credited as the producer of "I Get Money," however, it was later revealed that Scott Boogie actually stole the beat from producer Apex.
The music video is cameo-filled, with the likes of G-Unit artists Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Prodigy, Mazaradi Fox and Trav all making an appearance. There are also cameos from Funk Flex, DJ Kayslay, Mims, Melissa Joan Hart and Lola Monroe. Though this dropped in 2007, put this record on right now in 2018 and the party will get lit real quick. "I Get Money" by 50 Cent may in fact be rap's ultimate money anthem.
"21 Questions" (ft. Nate Dogg) (2003)
"21 Questions" was the only single from 50 Cent's debut commercial album, Get Rich or Die Tryin' to not have the Parental Advisory sticker on its cover since the only profanity was the use of the 'N word' in the first verse (!). When 50's mentor, Dr. Dre, worked with him on his debut album, he did not want "21 Questions" on the album. According to 50 Cent, "Dre was, like, 'How you goin' to be gangsta this and that and then put this sappy love song on?'" 50 Cent replied saying, "I'm two people. I've always had to be two people since I was a kid, to get by. To me that's not diversity, it's necessity."
Guys can try to front, but— even dudes were bumping this joint inside of their whips, by themselves, with no female(s) in the car. You can't deny 50's satiny lyrics and the GOAT of hooks, Nate Dogg's, seamless vocals.
"Don't Push Me" (ft. Eminem and Lloyd Banks) (2003)
"Don't Push Me" is another off Fif's classic debut, which, really, we could have put on this list in its entirety. Alas, we didn't.
"Don't Push Me" is a filthy collaboration from a trio of hardened MCs, featuring Eminem and G-Unit artist, Lloyd Banks. Imagine getting such a collaboration present-day? You can't. Impossible. This song wasn't released as a single but, considering the tough beat and the smack-you-in-the-face lyrics perhaps it should of been. 50 and Lloyd both did their thing on this track, however it was Eminem's verse that sent the song to the moon minus Ralph Kramden and Alice.
This joint will get a deceased man's blood pumping, straight up.
"In My Hood" (2005)
Off of his second studio album, The Massacre, "In My Hood" gave you the feeling of that old 50— we're talking that Power of A Dollar 50. Produced by Eminem and C. Styles, "In My Hood" straight set the tone for 50's second LP. Typically, there tends to be pressure on an artist when it comes to releasing their sophomore album, if the first album was a big success— hence, the term, sophomore slump. Fans want another hot album, and will pretty much disregard a follow-up as 'trash' if it's not up-to-par with the debut. 50 Cent, then, had big shoes to fill with The Massacre, considering the album was a follow-up to Get Rich or Die Tryin' (which is considered one of the greatest rap albums ever, even at the time).
Therefore when fans bought The Massacre, opened it up, and placed it in there CD player (it was still '05 after all), they were a bit nervous, hoping and wishing that Fif's second LP wasn't a major disappointment. Well once the first song of the album came on, it was a wrap. "In My Hood" set it off and put the listener right back in the Get Rich or Die Tryin' vibe, which is what every fan wanted anyway.
"The Good Die Young" (2000)
Good luck finding this one on the e-streets. "The Good Die Young" is a track on 50 Cent's first (unofficial) album Power of the Dollar. The album was originally scheduled to be released as his major-label debut in 2000 by Columbia Records. However, Columbia cancelled the album's release after they discovered that 50 Cent was shot nine times two months prior. Due to this, 50 Cent was infamously dropped from the label as well. Ultimately, the album was heavily bootlegged and set the mixtape circuit on fire.
50 displayed early on his premier hook-making ability, and this song is one that can attest to that. "They say the good die young, I guess these grimy ni**as live a long time, Sit in fancy whips, sip champagne and shine; Keep your eyes on yours while I keep my eyes on mine (mine)." That's all that really has to be said. 50's always been strategic.
"Ghetto Qu'ran (Forgive Me)" (2000)
"Ghetto Qur'an" is another significant cut from Power of the Dollar. This is a 50 track that changed the game. This was the first rap song that revealed the names of pretty much all of the key players (e.g. gangsters, dealers, pimps) that came up in the streets of New York back in the 80s and early 90s. The song was so telling, that the hip-hop community deemed 50 as 'snitching' due to his extensive name-dropping on the song. 50, of course, didn't care what anyone thought about the song and proceeded in feeding it to the hip-hop world. As a result, it's often been thought that this was the song that led to 50 getting shot.
According to an affidavit by an IRS agent, law enforcement officials believed that the shooting of 50 Cent in 2000 was in retaliation for the lyrics of "Ghetto Qu'ran" which detailed the history of Supreme Team, Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff gang. It is said that the song and the follow-up music industry blacklisting of 50 Cent by McGriff and his associates, led to the murder of Run DMC's Jam Master Jay, too. It is speculated by some, that Jam Master ignored the blacklisting by taking the adolescent 50 Cent under his wing and introducing him to the music industry.
"Thicker Than Water" (2003)
"Thicker Than Water" is an original freestyle released by 50 Cent back in 2003, which you can find on the Cradle 2 the Grave soundtrack. 50 Cent in his prime, lyrically, was comparable to Tyson or Ali or Mayweather in their prime. Seriously, it's not a game: "Don't call me to feature, I don't wanna rap witcha, I brought my knife in the club, I came to scrap witcha." Yes, very few rappers on their come-up were as hungry and lyrically ruthless as the up and coming 50 Cent.
Technically, "Thicker Than Water" is an old G-Unit song, but for the purposes of this list, we're giving the main credit to 50. 50 provides a hook that our current generation rappers would be envious of for its explorative flow, while all around, it's sinister.
"What Up Gangsta" (2003)
"What Up Gangsta" is how Get Rich or Die Tryin' opens. It sets the album off and sets the tone for the remainder of the project. Produced by Rob "Reef" Tewlow, "What Up Gangsta" still to this day will get a club tore up and shut down for the night, real quick.
The energy of the track is that impactful. Let's be real, you should recall how this joint had people in their cars when it would come on the radio—everyone was a gangster on the way to their 9-to-5. 'Bob' from accounting would just be throwing it up inside his car while sitting in the parking lot of his mundane office job, just because this joint was playing.
"Life's on the Line" (2000)
"Life's on the Line" is featured on 50 Cent's first two studio albums: it is track #5 on his shelved debut studio album Power of the Dollar and, as a bonus track on his commercial debut. The song was released as the third and final single from Power of the Dollar and peaked at #37 on the Billboard Hot Rap Singles chart.
Aside from Biggie and Tupac, 50 Cent and Ja Rule's beef may be the most infamous hip-hop beef. 50 and Ja had real street beef and really couldn't stand each other. 50 makes that more than clear on one of his first disses Ja's way. Produced by Terence Dudley, "Life's On The Life" was basically the beginning of the end for fellow rapper Ja Rule.
"When It Rains It Pours" (2005)
50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin' soundtrack is one of the most classic soundtracks to ever drop, and the hardest joint to rock in the movie was certainly "When It Rains It Pours." One of only two tracks produced by Dr. Dre on the soundtrack, it's no wonder why this track bangs the way it does. Hell, even the C.O. in the film was bobbing his head to the joint and lip syncing the lyrics. Though it wasn't released as a single, it's still the hardest song on the soundtrack.
With killer guitar strings and a harrowing hook, 50 Cent exhibits a bombardment of torrid lyrics that had even Terrance Howard (who played Bama in the film) wanting to manage his career whenever they were released from jail.
"U Not Like Me" (2002)
"U Not Like Me" was originally included on Fif's Guess Who's Back mixtape before being added to Get Rich or Die Tryin as a bonus track. Produced by Red Spyda (credits: 2Pac, Lil' Kim, Eazy-E, so you know it's real), this track demos the young 50 Cent at his finest. Red Spyda also co-wrote the song with 50 Cent.
Fif's lyrics on this demonstrated that 'shallow waters run deep' and that he was way ahead of his time as far as hip hop is concerned. "See I done been to the Pearly Gates, they sent me back / The good die young, I ain't eligible for that." We've heard 50 express this sentiment before, but just in case there was any misconceptions— 50 makes it all too clear that he will not be dying young (while also name-dropping Mase and Diddy). It's not too many rap songs that can lyrically stand toe-to-toe with "U Not Like Me."
"Patiently Waiting" (ft. Eminem) (2003)
"Patiently Waiting" is the third song on 50 Cent's debut commercial album Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The song is produced by Eminem and contains an interpolation of "Gin and Juice" by Snoop Dogg. When this track followed up "What up Gangsta" on the album's tracklisting, it's safe to say that every listener knew the album was going to be a classic without even hearing the rest of it— that's how strong the first two songs were on the LP.
We don't know who killed this track more, 50 or Em. Tell us in the comments. What we do know is — this is the motherfreaking jam. The haunting strings, the overall ominous feeling just adds to the hype. It's an undeniable collaboration.
"Back Down" (2003)
"Back Down" is ferocious (much more so than the dog bark that sets it off), and with production from Dr. Dre, this became an essential listening within Get Rich's tracklist. Saying that this song is a superb diss record might be an understatement, not only did 50 straight body bag Ja Rule on this, it's also a superb record, period-- diss or otherwise. Thus, it is both a banger and diss track, the worst sort of combination.
"Back Down" was one of the main reasons that Ja Rule's career was "terminated." The track blew lyrical holes all through Ja Rule and left him in grave condition.
"Wanksta" (2003)
Another song that targets Ja Rule. Poor Ja. Apparently, some of 50 Cent's best songs are Ja disses. "Wanksta" was released in November 2002, as the second single from the soundtrack to Eminem's film 8 Mile. Produced by John "J-Praize" Freeman, the single reached #13 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The track originally appeared on 50 Cent's mixtape No Mercy, No Fear.
It's worth noting, 50 Cent has disputed accusations that "Wanksta" was aimed towards Ja Rule, stating that the song was not directed at him, "but Ja Rule is a wanksta." So there's that.
Eminem made a remix of the joint in 2003 with a slightly tweaked the instrumental to add a more high-pitched effect, and while that could also be considered a Ja Rule diss, Fif's version, was a tad more savage. With "Wanksta," 50 Cent carved his name hip-hop's desk, and there will be no removal of it.
"Heat" (2003)
"Heat" is sidled in the middle of Get Rich or Die Tryin'. Produced by Dr. Dre himself, the beat alone is enough to get anybody's head bopping. The song was, appropriately enough, littered with the sound of cocked guns and shots being fired, dispersed between shuttered organ keys, and it's yet another example of 50's constant hunt for beef. Anyone can get it.
Let's simply focus on the chorus: 50 shows yet again how he's actually among the best hook-makers in the rap industry. He ups the ante with each bar of the hook, painting a grimy picture of a gangster who gives absolutely zero fucks.
"In Da Club" (2003)
"In Da Club" may be 50 Cent's most impactful song to date. In the midst of 50 Cent's shooting, every one of his fans were nervous about his condition and confused as to why he got shot in the first place. For several months, it was crickets— no one knew where 50 was and if he was going to live, let alone make a comeback. Then, out of nowhere...BAM!! 50 Cent dropped "In Da Club."
As the lead single from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin', it went #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the rapper's first #1. The music video came complete with Dr. Dre (who produced the song, along with DJ Quik) and Eminem, washing away any fans' concerns about his career. The track sent shock waves through the hip-hop community like no other one before it, and extended beyond just hip-hop to the proper mainstream, at a time when hip-hop wasn't dominating the airwaves (as much as it is presently), thus making it even more important. Equally, it put rap colleagues on notice concerning Fif's impending takeover.
"Many Men (Wish Death)" (2003)
Is it a surprise that we picked "Many Men (Wish Death)" as 50 Cent's best/greatest song? Being the third single from his debut, the song may hit the hardest out of any of 50's previous songs (and any of his songs thereafter). When you listen to "Many Men," you feel it deep-down in your bones, as if 50 reached inside of his chest, pulled out his heart and straight handed it to you.
It's not only the emotive feeling of the song that makes it so significant in Fif's discography. 50 uses the record to break down the origins of his now-infamous shooting, to which he almost lost his life-- while his words paint a vivid picture, the music video truly brings it life with Mekhi Phifer appearing as Fif's hitman. The piano-laden production is also quite typical to 50, who has employed that type of instrumentation on many a track.