KRS-One, is paying it forward to Hip Hop by launching an in-person event series and website for its 50th anniversary. The website Birthplaceofhiphop.nyc will host a Hip Hop masterclass and pop-up exhibits at the Community Center, the birthplace of Hip Hop, August 11th. The location 1520 Sedgewick Ave was home to DJ Kool Herc’s Back To School Jam in August 1973. The party played a critical role as the origin story for the birth of Hip Hop. In a statement, KRS said the 50th anniversary is a global movement that celebrates the grit, voice, and power that brought culture to life.
Secondly, the rap legend will launch a logo competition on April 28th. Inviting creatives, designers, and graffiti artists to create the official logo of Hip Hop’s 50th Anniversary. KRS-One’s Birthplaceofhiphopnyc.com will serve as a community-based initiative. It’ll showcase Hip Hop’s origins and inspire future generations to continue to grow the genre and push the culture forward. Furthermore, the Hip Hop masterclass and pop-up exhibits will help educate everyone on the culture’s roots and how it became a global movement. Not only that, but the visual arts competition will also inspire creatives to showcase their best representation of Hip Hop in the official logo of the 50th anniversary.
KRS-One Gives Back To Hip Hop
KRS 1, Fat Joe and Big Daddy Kane attend TrillerVerz Featuring KRS 1 vs Big Daddy Kane at Barclays Center on October 17, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/Getty Images)
While KRS has been giving back to Hip Hop, Hip Hop has also given back to KRS-One. Early this year the Hip Hop forefather received his own mural in the neighborhood where he was once homeless. Moreover, the mural was painted by Italian artist Jorit at 2nd St. near 1st Ave. In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary, the mural depicts the rapper’s image and is a testament to his success and roots. KRS told Fox NY that despite all the success, nothing compares to being immortalized in a mural.
Overall, KRS-One’s contributions to Hip Hop are nothing shy of major and significant. This initiative to celebrate Hip Hop turning 50 is a great opportunity for novices and enthusiasts to learn about the culture. Not only that creatives and artists alike will showcase their talent and celebrate Hip Hop’s origins. Are you excited about this new initiative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Swizz Beatz has just unveiled the updated tracklist for his long-awaited Hip Hop 50: Vol 2 EP with an added Jay Electronica track. The EP features some of Rap’s heavy hitters. From the likes of Nas, Lil Wayne, Jadakiss, Benny The Butcher, Lil Durk, and Fivio Foreign to name a few. However, the Jay Elect feature comes in at a last minute addition to the project.
He ties off the EP with track No.6 with a solo cut titled “Khalas.” The producing legend teased the latest rendition of the project early Wednesday (April 19) with an Instagram post. The caption reads, “Updated track list !!!! Few more updates to come. Can’t wait for y’all to hear this EP 4-21!!!!!!” Presently, the EP drops this Friday, April 21st.
This isn’t the first time Swizz Beatz and Jay Elect have linked up. Swizz produced “The Blinding” featuring Travis Scott, a cut from Jay’s 2020 debut album A Written Testimony. Swizz fans have eagerly waited for this EP to drop, and has the stamp of approval from the likes of Hip Hop legends DJ Premier and Busta Rhymes along with many others. Additionally, the EP initially was supposed to have a Jay-Z feature alongside Lil Wayne on track No. 2 “This Shit Right Here,” a song Swizz teased prior to unveiling the tracklist. However, it seems Hov has been removed from the credits, although he will be featured as a sample.
The EP serves as part of Mass Appeal’s Hip Hop 50: The Soundtrack initiative, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop this year. Moreover, the project follows DJ Premier’s Hip Hop 50: Vol 1 from last year as part of the same initiative. Not only that, Swizz Beatz has been working tirelessly on this EP along with his other major collaborations. As a matter of fact, Weezy and Swizz cooked up earlier this year with a single off of The Carter VI titled “Kan’t Nobody,” which also features a sample from DMX’s classic “N-ggaz Done Started Somethin.” The EP arrives Friday and Swizz is confident that fans won’t be disappointed. Overall, the project is promised to be an absolute banger, that’ll have Swizz fans begging for more. Will you be listening? Let us know in the comments below!
ASAP Rocky boasts a deep catalog of songs that capture the evolution of his sound. Beginning his career as a part of the A$AP Mob, the Harlem-based prospect first blew up after releasing “Peso” in summer 2011. Two years prior, Rocky described being a young man in Harlem involved in the streets and the fashion world. He began making songs along with his childhood friends with the goal of getting them out of their unsustainable lifestyle.
Approaching five years since his last studio release, fans are beginning to wonder when we’ll be hearing his next studio album. He released “Same Problems?” in January while rumors have been circulating that the track launches the rollout for Don’t Be Dumb — the rumored title of his next project. However, we haven’t heard anything from Rocky in the three months since. “Same Problems?” was one of his most introspective cuts to date, with euphoric synths wearing the influences of Kid Cudi. Before the anticipated rollout of his next album, we figured we’d take a look at the 7 best songs in ASAP Rocky’s catalog.
8. “Praise The Lord (Da Shine)” (2018)
Featuring British MC Skepta, “Praise The Lord” is ASAP Rocky’s most commercially successful song to date. The Skepta-assisted record serves as the third single off of Testing. It marked the third collaboration between the two artists. In an interview with Genius, Rocky discussed “smoking in the studio” with Skepta when he first heard the beat. Similar to tracks such as “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2,” Rocky is reflecting on his massive success. He states, “Locked and loaded, diamonds glowin’/ chart-climbing on ’em.” In addition, Rocky provides motivation to think outside of the box no matter their circumstances. He gives a shoutout to people with the “game plan” and “escape plans,” urging them to “create, explore, expand, [and] conquer.”
7. “Sundress” (2018)
“Sundress” represented a sharp turn in Rocky’s career, for the better. Produced by Kevin Parker (predominantly known as Tame Impala), the track came from left field compared to the grimy bangers that Rocky’s released in the past. A psychedelic blend of indie-rock and hip-hop, fans have been hoping he’ll release a full project that parallels this sound ever since. In fact, this might be the case with his new project. “Same Problems?” is far more melodic, making it relatively similar to “Sundress.”
6. “Peso” (2011)
“Peso” put ASAP Rocky on the map. The lead single for Live.Love.A$AP, the track transcended Rocky from the streets of Harlem and into the limelight. He told the New York Times, “New York didn’t respect me until ‘Peso.’” Even though he was very much focused on breaking out, he didn’t use this as an excuse to formulate a generic sound. Right off the bat, Rocky aspired to push the boundaries in hip-hop. “Peso” is a song that very much mirrors the environment that ASAP Rocky grew up In. He captured Harlem’s flamboyant essence with fashion-forward bars, along with an analysis of capturing the flamboyant essence of Harlem.
5. “Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” (2015)
“Lord Pretty Flacko Jodye 2” is a definitive banger of the past decade. Featuring paranoia-inducing synths and menacing bass, Nez & Rio come through with a simplistic approach to the overall production. However, Rocky rides the beat with high-energy and technical proficiency. Still, the brief runtime of the records left fans wishing for an extended version. An anthem through and through, Rocky portrays himself atop the mountain of MCs.
4. “r – Cali” (2013)
Created for Grand Theft Auto V, “r – Cali” provided ASAP Rocky with his first opportunity to create a song specifically for a video game. Anyone who knows Grand Theft Auto will know that the soundtracks are a hallmark aspect of the franchise. “r – Cali” would become one of the most well-known songs in GTAV, perfectly fitting the fictional Los Santos setting.
3. “Holy Ghost” (2015)
One of ASAP Rocky’s more underrated songs, “Holy Ghost” is the intro of AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP. In the song, Rocky details his hesitancy towards organized religion while also reflecting on his own spirituality. At the same time, he’s pleading for his corrupted soul to be saved. It’s one of his more narratively damning songs to date. The melancholy guitar strings add a unique element to “Holy Ghost,” thanks to DJ Khalil and Danger Mouse’s production.
2. “F**kin’ Problems” (2012)
“F**kin’ Problems” is an iconic track in Rocky’s catalog. Featuring Drake, Kendrick Lamar, and 2 Chainz, the headlining heavy hitters in rap came together for a generational anthem. ASAP Rocky cedes much of the song to his contemporaries, solely delivering one verse on the front end. However, his ability to stand his ground with Drake and Kendrick solidified him as one of the most talented MCs out of his generation.
1. “Canal St.” (2015)
“Canal St.” contains one of the best beats that ASAP Rocky has ever flowed on, thanks to the sample of Bones’ “Dirt.” Canal Street is a famous crosstown street in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Best-known for its expression of the arts and spots such as Chinatown, Rocky claims to have copped two of his gold chains from Canal Street. In fact, he’s referenced the street multiple times in other songs. Rocky’s relationship with Canal Street likely changed significantly throughout his life. Once a place where he couldn’t afford anything, he now walks down the street as the wealthiest person there. He references this on the track, stating, “I went from roaches on my bump to red brooches on the cuff of my tux.”
Even though Biggie Smalls died 26 years ago, stories of his character and exploits are still the stuff of legend. Moreover, fans now have new testimonies about an alleged incident during which The Notorious B.I.G. apparently almost ran a concert promoter over with his tour bus. However, it’s unclear and unconfirmed whether it was actually Big in the vehicle when it sped off, but all signs point to yes. Furthermore, the news comes from former Rap-A-Lot artist and 5th Ward Juvenilez member Mr. Slimm. He revealed to the Murder Master Music Show some of the antics at a Baton Rouge show involving Biggie, Big Mike, Too $hort, and other performers.
“Biggie was outside, this is the funniest thing I tell people about Big and them,” Slimm began. “Big and them used to burn off on promoters a lot. This is what happened in Baton Rouge one time. Big and them was getting ready to go on stage. I think Short had just finished his set or whatever.
Biggie Smalls Almost Hit And Ran
“As we waiting for them to come through the dressing room all of a sudden the promoter run in screaming hysterically, ‘They just tried to run me over!’” he continued. “He said he went and gave them the rest of the money — you know, you get your back end when you show up at the show. And he said when he gave them that and stepped off the bus he heard the brakes release so he goes to stand in front of the bus and they hit that gas. He had to jump out of the way.”
“That happened, I can’t remember how many shows, but it was more than one,” Slimm concluded. “They was just burning off bro to the next city. They were doing it, it’s alotta artists that was doing it back in the day,” he claimed. “It had me wondering if Big was on the bus. But I did see Lil Kim, I seen Junior M.A.F.I.A. so Big had to be on the bus.” Maybe it was all a big misunderstanding, but it adds to the Brooklyn legend’s mystique and larger-than-life perception. Regardless, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Biggie Smalls and his legacy.
Queen Latifah is one of the most important rappers in history. She first hit the rap scene all the way back in 1989 at just 19. It was in that year that the rapper released her debut album, “All Hail The Queen.” The album’s empowering and Afrocentric lyrics were an instant hit. Subsequently, the Queen has gone on to inspire multiple generations of female rappers. Overall, the New Jersey native has made an incredible impact on the industry. Now, she has ensured her voice will live on forever.
On Wednesday, the Library of Congress announced that Queen Latifah had been inducted into the National Recording Registry. The registry is a database that preserves culturally significant recordings. Other inductees on this year’s list include Mariah Carey’s holiday standard “All I Want for Christmas is You,” Madonna’s “Like A Virgin” and Daddy Yankee’s 2004 smash “Gasolina.’ The registry was first created in 2000. Most of the inductees have been older jazz and rock songs. However, there have been a few hip-hip entries in the past. Jay-Z’s albumThe Blueprint and Dr. Dre’sThe Chronic are two notable standouts.
Queen Latifah Inspires Multiple Generations
Host Queen Latifah speaks onstage during the 54th NAACP Image Awards (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
NPR would go on to explain why Queen Latifah was chosen for induction. “Her album showed rap could cross genres including reggae, hip-hop, house and jazz — while also opening opportunities for other female rappers.” On that point, her impact on female rappers is perhaps what she’s best known for. In 1993 she released her classic single “U.N.I.T.Y.” The song became a rallying cry for black women against the sexism they often face in hip-hop and society at-large. It speaks to the song’s longevity that it still gets play 30 years after its release.
However, it’s not just the rap game that Queen Latifah has conquered. After putting music on the back burner, the star became an A-list actress in the 90s and 2000s. Indeed, she is near the top of the short list of rappers who succeeded in Hollywood. Additionally, she has also dipped her toe in the daytime talk show waters. Two different iterations of “The Queen Latifah Show” ran from 1999 to 2001 and from 2009 to 2011. Additionally, the star long since solidified herself as a fashion icon. Overall, regardless of whether she’s rapping or acting, Queen Latifah has had a truly legendary career.
Though Consequence serves as Kanye’s de facto spokesperson these days, he has a storied career that goes back decades. He made his debut in 1996 on A Tribe Called Quest’s Beats, Rhymesand Lifebefore delivering his debut album, Don’t Quit Your Day Job! In 2007 through G.O.O.D Music. But, before then, there was a time when Diddy had a deal for him on the table. Even though he could’ve been on the same label as Biggie, Q-Tip intervened.
Cons recently sat down with Vlad TV where he discussed his dealings with ATCQ and the potential deal with Bad Boy. Though his appearance on Beats, Rhymes And Life admittedly changed the dynamic of the group, Q-Tip insisted on Consequence’s presence on the album. “I actually had a deal on the table with Puff,” he said, “I never got the paperwork because Q-Tip intercepted it and just said, ‘Yo, I’m putting you in the group.” He recalled, “I see you got a deal — good enough for me! Let’s go!’ But I did get a verbal interest from Puff during the B.I.G. and Mack campaign.”
Consequence & Bad Boy
During an interview with HipHopDx, Consequence explained how Q-Tip’s shout-out on Craig Mack’s “Get Down” remix sparked Diddy’s interest. At the time, he was known as “Ray Tip,” which Q-Tip name-dropped during his verse. When Cons dropped “Living It Up,” Diddy was keen on inking a deal with him. “When Q-Tip played ‘Living It Up’ for Puff, Puff was like, ‘Yo, lemme get playboy, I’ll sign him right now. He’s fire,’” he recalled.
However, Q-Tip’s plans for Consequence were far different than Puff’s. Instead of having him join Bad Boy, he wanted him to become a member of Tribe. “[Diddy’s interest] led to Q-Tip and I having a conversation, which led to Q-Tip deciding that instead of me signing to Puff, he wanted me to join A Tribe Called Quest as the new member. Which, you know, probably one of the craziest ways anybody could start their career in the ’90s. I was blessed,” he continued. However, Consequence maintained a strong relationship with Diddy since, even working with the Bad Boy head honcho and former signees The LOX on “Whatever You Want.”
Nearly 30 years after the tragic death of Tupac, and new details surrounding his murder continue to emerge. In recent times, more news surrounding the accused killer, Orlando Anderson, surfaced. Keefe D, Anderson’s uncle, recently sat down for an interview with Vlad TV, where he detailed his nephew’s rap career. Keefe explained they appeared in Mel-Low’s “Blaze It Up” music video with Redman together after Mel’s team reached out to them for a low-rider.
The music video helped Keefe D and Redman develop a strong relationship. Throughout the years, Redman would touch down in Compton and immediately reach out to Keefe for weed. “So yeah, [Redman] used to pull up to that little spot, he used to get off the airplane, get in his taxi, pull up to my spot, ‘Keefe D. I need that bud!’ He was ghetto. I liked him,” Keefe explained.
Orlando Anderson’s Rap Album
Two years ago, an album recorded by Anderson began surfacing online, which shocked many who only knew him as a suspect in the ‘Pac case. Keefe said that Anderson started a recording company but he explained that he was in the feds around the time that the album was recorded. “I had went to the feds so I didn’t know what was going on [with the album]. I didn’t really talk on the phone once you get in the feds ’cause, you know how they do. But once they was doing that, I went to the feds,” he said.
Though Anderson maintained his innocence until his death in 1998, Keefe D has suggested otherwise. During an interview in 2018, he claimed to be in the backseat of the car the night Tupac was shot. Though he never ID’d the killer, he claimed to be “the only one alive” who knows what happened on the night the rapper died. Former Death Row security guard Reggie Wright Jr. said that Keefe D would be arrested in connection to the murder, though that never occurred. Check out Keefe D’s interview above and press play on Mel-Low’s “Blaze It Up” video ft. Redman. Orlando Anderson appears at the 1:41 mark.
The stories about DMX are endless and always entertaining. Whether it’s Murda Mook detailing how X would use his dogs in rap battles or NORE’s attempt to land a verse, DMX was a character that moved to the beat of his own drum. Unfortunately for Hitmaka, this also meant that he took a backseat when it came to getting laid. The Back In My Prime producer recently sat down with Swaggy Sie on SiriusXMs where he shared a hilarious story about DMX stealing a girl from him when he was about to lose his virginity.
“[DMX] took my first piece of pussy that I ever was gonna get in my life,” he explained “That story is always a great one. I’ll never forget, we were at this pool hall because he loved to play pool. We all there and then from the pool hall we went to a club in Toronto.” From there, they went to the club where X brought all of the women into his section. “We’re like, alright, bet, it’s time to go, so I grabbed a girl,” Hitmaka continued. “I’m a virgin, I ain’t never had nothing in my life. I grabbed a girl, she got in the car with me.”
Hitmaka explained that they got to a hotel in Toronto where they apparently had a protocol for entering their rooms. X went to the penthouse suite with his crew but the rest of the artists and entourage had to wait until the rapper got to his room. “I go upstairs to the girl. I swear to God, I was putting the key into the hotel room, his door swang open. I’m like, ‘Yo, wassup dog?’ He’s like, ‘Wassup, shawty? Hey, yo ma, I think you left your purse inside my room!’ I’m like, wait, we ain’t ever even been here,” Hitmaka recalled.
Hitmaka knew what the play was, especially as the woman left with DMX. “Like, we just met these girls, how she leave her purse inside your room? She left me and went, you know, I guess the dog handled his business. I went out, and shit, I was high and dry, but it is what it is,” he said. If you’re gonna lose some good quality energy from a good woman, you might as well lose it to DMX. It is what it is.” Check out the clip above.
From the moment he stepped into the Rap game, Suge Knight was an intimidating force. Although he’s currently incarcerated and will be for several years, Suge’s presence is still felt within the culture. During the hailed Golden Era of Hip Hop, Death Row’s head honcho was putting pressure on the industry. Artists and executives have more than enough Suge Knight stories than they’d like to remember, but Daz Dillinger is laughing at a tense moment with his former label head.
Daz was instrumental in helping make Death Row the iconic label that it is today. Not only was he an artist, but he worked on production for several of the label’s classic hits. The Long Beach native visited Home Grown Radio and was asked about the biggest check he’d ever received. He answered it was a $2.3 million payout. “I had to go in there and strongarm Suge and them to get the money,” Daz added. “I had everybody in they office. N*gga, hemmed up against the wall, we on mushrooms. We in the motherf*cker lit. N*gga in the corner, laughing.”
He further shared that he thought he felt someone touching him and screamed. Daz also said he had a “long Diesel screwdriver” to protect himself. Then, “Suge walked in the office, and the way his eyes was looking, he was gon’ do somethin’ to me.” Still, Dillinger was unfazed and threatened to “stick him.” It changed the music boss’s tune.
Knight was known for his intimidating tactics, but Daz said he wanted to calm the situation during this instance. Suge ushered his artist into a private office to take care of business. “I walked outta there with [$2.5 million],” said the rapper. It was noted that when Daz returned to his vehicle, his crew erupted with emotions. “N*ggas in they feelings, crying a sh*t,” he said amid laughter. “We get stopped by the police on Wilshire Blvd. By Fairfax and Wilshire.” Los Angeles natives know that neighborhood.
Sage Advice From The Police
NEW YORK, NEW YORK–AUGUST 03: Kurupt (aka Ricardo Emmanuel Brown) and Daz (aka Daz Dillinger; Delmar Drew Arnaud) when the Death Row Records label assembles at The Source Awards, held at The Paramount Theater at Madison Square Garden, on August 3, 1995 in New York City. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images/Michael Ochs Archives)
According to Daz, officers searched them enough to come across the check. They asked if it was real, and the rapper confirmed before receiving advice from the police officer. “Just stomp the weed out, cash that motherf*cker, go get your license,” the cop allegedly said. Thankfully, he was able to get out of both situations unscathed—and with a $2.5 million check in his pocket. Watch the clip of Daz revisiting the moment above.
50 Cent’s songs have been a part of the rap world for years. Depending on age, you may remember different moments in his music career. Many are fond of his era with his group G Unit. Others remember when he planned to outsell a certain artist—and he didn’t. Some may remember when he first entered the acting world. Fif also did double duty by creating a soundtrack for the movie he starred in. Nowadays, people know 50 for hisPower television series and its various spin-offs. He’s also known for saying all kinds of things on social media—mainly about viral moments that don’t really concern him. Still, he would not have reached the level he’s at today without his foundation in music. Here, we’ve revisited his catalog and ranked his Top 10 most streamed songs.
10. “Window Shopper” (2005)
This song is from 50 Cent’s soundtrack albumGet Rich or Die Tryin’: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture. 50 discusses his ability to buy things on a whim. He shares that people who can’t shouldn’t be mad at him because he can. The music video showed different prices on the screen of things 50 and Mase are buying. Meanwhile, the prices of things other people have in the video are shown, and they are much lower. However, Mase’s cartoonishly large $75 milkshake and 50’s normal-sized $400 burger are fun visual jokes. This song actually has two music videos, with one having clips from 50’s movie, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in it. The song itself has a very smooth feel, which fits the easygoing flow 50 uses in the song.
9. “Best Friend (Remix)” ft. Olivia (2005)
This song is a unique one in 50 Cent’s discography. Sometimes, it’s credited as 50’s song; in other spaces, he’s listed as the featured artist. This is because the original song was a single from 50’s album Get Rich or Die Tryin’: Music from and Inspired by the Motion Picture. This remixed version was featured on Olivia’s album, Behind Closed Doors, but it’s still listed as Fif featuring the singer. This cross-promotion benefited them both because she was on G-Unit with 50 Cent. In this one, 50 speaks to a woman who placed him in the friend zone. He wants to have a relationship with her, but she’s already taken. She says they’re just friends, and 50 responds to this by interloping a chorus from Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend.”
8. “Disco Inferno” (2005)
This is the first club song from 50 Cent on this list. Listeners may remember when he was dominating the game, and this is a lane he excelled in. His verses paint a picture of what happens in the club when he hits the spot, including name-dropping the bottles he orders. His flow is easygoing and pairs well with the production. The bass and claps in the production also make it easy to dance to, although 50 shares that he doesn’t two-step. This track further shows Fif shouting out Eminem and Dr. Dre. He was signed to both of their labels simultaneously. This song was a single from 50’s second album, The Massacre, which was centered in controversy.
7. “If I Can’t” (2003)
This song is from 50 Cent’s debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. It’s also the first song on this list that has production from Dr. Dre. The Aftermath mogul also makes a small appearance vocally on the song after 50 mentions him. The keys on the track are the biggest giveaway that Dre was behind the production. 50’s verses here feature a few flow switches that play well with the evolving beat. Their pauses complement Fif’s captivating hook. Additionally, third verses were familiar back in 2005, and 50 uses each of them to share what he wants to say.
6. “Many Men (Wish Death)” (2003)
This is one of the more serious 50 Cent songs on this list. Most people know of the rapper’s background prior to his music career. He has often referred to and utilized experiences from his past in his music. 50 discusses the violent confrontational situations he has been in and how he will handle them going forward. The piano in this song helps give it a semi-menacing yet semi-remorseful feeling. Something interesting about this track is that Eminem has production credits on it, too. 50 is well aware of what he’s been through and is confident he won’t let it happen again. Often, rappers have shared tales of situations they have been through, or they speak from someone else’s perspective. In this one, 50 is only speaking from his own.
5. “Just A Lil Bit” (2005)
This is another club banger from 50 Cent. It also is another on this list to host a legendary producer. This time, production came from the one and only Scott Storch. 50’s verses once again discuss his activities when enjoying a night at the club. However, this time, he declares that he does dance – but uses old moves. In this song, we actually get a bridge from 50 and an instrumental from Scott Storch. Further, this song’s melody has a sitar—an instrument with a distinct sound.
This is one of the sentimental songs from 50 Cent. Many of his hits center on 50’s interest in women, but this time around, he’s going for a more emotional angle. He’s telling his lady friend what he can and wants to do for her, and he questions her loyalty. Nate Dogg is on the song’s hook and outro and drives home the song’s theme with his own inquiries. The guitar gives it a smooth feeling within a track that isn’t aggressive. This one has over 460 million streams on Spotify today, released in 2003.
3. “P.I.M.P” (2003)
This is one of 50 Cent’s biggest songs. Like an earlier entry in this list, the song has an exotic instrument in its production: a steel drum. The track has a tropical vibe, combined with a party atmosphere. On this one, Fif discusses his involvement with a woman who he won’t let get in the way of his other endeavors. How he approaches the topic is yet another facet in the multiple ways he’s discussed women in songs. The song’s hook directly contrasts other perspectives and mindsets he’s shared previously. Contrastingly, his second verse lines up with earlier perspectives he’s discussed.
2. “Candy Shop” ft. Olivia (2005)
This is another song on the list with Scott Storch at the helm of production. The hitmaking producer brings more exotic-sounding melodies to the beat. Additionally, Olivia makes another appearance. Fans compared this song to another of Fif’s hits, “Magic Stick” featuring Lil Kim. 50 stated he didn’t want to be “vulgar or obscene” in his verses for “Candy Shop,” but his innuendo isn’t difficult to decipher. Olivia’s feature comes in for the second half of the hook and some reinforcement of 50’s bridge. Meanwhile, Storch admitted the production for “Candy Shop” was first intended for Fat Joe.
1. “In Da Club” (2003)
This is 50 Cent’s most popular song. It currently has over one billion streams on Spotify. Dr. Dre also produced this, and it is one of his most recognizable beats. For most, this song’s “birthday” parts are what they remember. The track also has a rich history. It’s one of the seven songs 50 recorded with Dr. Dre in only five days. It wasn’t originally going to be the first single for his debut album, but it won in a coin flip. They did this because Eminem picked a different song for Fif, and Dre wanted this one. It’s only fitting that 50’s biggest song has a story involving all three hitmakers.
Which of 50 Cent’s biggest hits were your favorites? Let us know in the comments section.
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