One of the best-selling artists since 2003, 50 Cent has racked up hit record after hit record. Here are the top ten songs by the ubiquitous Queens rapper:
• I Get Money/I Get Money remix (tie), 50 Cent’s Curtis, 2007
Just when it looked like Curtis Jackson’s third offering would be a dud, off of the weakness of the first two singles, he came back with the boastful, I Get Money. It’s his best alpha-male anthem, matched only by the remix featuring impressive verses from fellow alpha-males 50, Diddy, and Jay-Z.
• Ski Mask Way, 50 Cent’s The Massacre, 2005
Ski Mask Way is a return to 50’s street roots, detailing larcenous activity. The grimy beat is redolent of the best of his early work, on an album, which had begun to move away from these types of records.
• Patiently Waiting, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying(read review), 2003
One of two songs that demonstrate power of the Dre-Eminem-50 union, both Eminem and 50 deliver blistering verses over a menacing beat. It’s their first, and best collaboration to date.
• Many Men, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying, 2003
This is unfortunately one of the only songs that delves into 50’s background, which had become legend before his debut album was released, in any depth; though, it’s probably the most powerful song on his debut.
• In da Club, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying, 2003
The other song that illustrated how much magic was possible upon 50’s signing to Shady/Aftermath. Over one of the most infectious beats of Dr. Dre’s considerable career, 50 proves he’s at once a hitmaker, a superstar, and an icon in the making. It’s less profane than much of his work, and its singsong chorus and simple lyrics, add to its appeal.
• P.I.M.P. remix, 50 Cent, 2003
I didn’t really like the original version of the song. The production seemed just a overdone, the lyrics too outlandishly lewd for an East Coast gangsta rapper. Enter Snoop Dogg on the remix who adds just the right amount of salaciousness to help this song achieve its potential, and then some, as one of the catchiest songs in 50’s catalogue.
• If I Can’t, 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying, 2003
Another excellent Dr. Dre production is not wasted as 50 drops rapid-fire rhymes about his ambition. Had it not been released amidst other chart-topping monsters, such as In da Club, this single could have taken off.
• This is How We Do, The Game’s The Documentary(read review), 2005
The beat is one of Dr. Dre’s best records. Period. The instrumental is irresistible. 50 and Game dropping rhymes in better times, exude a natural chemistry that make this one of the top five songs either artist has ever recorded.
• Wanksta, 8 Mile Soundtrack, 2002
The original street smash that amplified 50’s pre-Shady buzz to deafening proportions, Wanksta is a rousing mainstream introduction to 50 Cent, and his disdain for wannabe gangsters.
