50 Cent is one of the most successful and influential rappers of the early 2000s. Known for his aggressive lyrics and catchy beats, he burst onto the scene with his debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and quickly became a household name. Over the years, he has released multiple hit songs and collaborated with some of the biggest names in music. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 best 50 Cent songs of all time, based on their commercial success, critical acclaim, and impact on the genre of hip hop. From the introspective lyrics of “21 Questions” featuring Nate Dogg to the catchy hooks of “Candy Shop” featuring Olivia, these songs showcase 50 Cent’s range as an artist and his ability to create music that resonates with fans around the world. Whether you’re a longtime 50 Cent fan or just discovering his music for the first time, this list is sure to have something for everyone. So, let’s dive in and explore the top 10 best 50 Cent songs of all time.
1. 21 Questions ft. Nate Dog
“21 Questions” featuring Nate Dogg is a hit song by American rapper 50 Cent, released in 2003 as the second single from his debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”. The song features Nate Dogg’s smooth R&B vocals and 50 Cent’s signature rap flow over a mellow beat, with lyrics that explore the complexities of relationships. The song’s title comes from the 21 questions that 50 Cent asks his love interest in the lyrics, revealing his vulnerability and insecurities. The chorus features Nate Dogg asking the woman if she would still love 50 Cent if he was broke, in jail, or if he got shot. The song was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earning critical acclaim for its catchy melody and introspective lyrics. It remains a fan favorite and a classic of early 2000s hip hop.
2. In da Club
“In da Club” is a classic hip hop song by 50 Cent, released in 2003 as the lead single from his debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”. Produced by Dr. Dre, the song features a heavy bassline, catchy hook, and 50 Cent’s signature aggressive rap style, with lyrics about the rapper’s rise to fame and success. The song’s iconic opening line, “Go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go, go,” instantly grabs the listener’s attention and sets the tone for the high-energy track. “In da Club” became an instant hit upon its release, topping the charts in multiple countries and earning critical acclaim for its infectious beat and catchy lyrics. The song’s music video, directed by Jessy Terrero, features 50 Cent performing in a club surrounded by beautiful women and partygoers, further emphasizing the song’s celebratory tone. “In da Club” remains one of 50 Cent’s most iconic songs and a staple of early 2000s hip hop.
3. P.I.M.P.
“P.I.M.P.” is a popular song by 50 Cent, released in 2003 as the third single from his debut album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”. The song features a catchy, synth-heavy beat and 50 Cent’s signature aggressive rap style, with lyrics about his experiences as a pimp and his lavish lifestyle. The song’s title, which stands for “Power, Influence, Money, Pussy,” reflects the themes of the lyrics. The chorus, sung by 50 Cent himself, is instantly recognizable and adds to the song’s overall catchiness. “P.I.M.P.” was a commercial success, reaching the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs. The song has been covered by various artists and sampled in multiple hip hop songs over the years, cementing its place in the genre’s history.
4. Magic Stick ft. 50 Cent
“Magic Stick” is a popular song by rapper Lil’ Kim, featuring 50 Cent, released in 2003 as the second single from her album “La Bella Mafia”. The song features a seductive beat and Lil’ Kim’s explicit lyrics about her sexual prowess, with 50 Cent contributing a verse that adds to the song’s overall sultry tone. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “I got the magic stick,” is instantly memorable and has become a fan favorite. The song’s music video, directed by Chris Robinson, features Lil’ Kim and 50 Cent performing in a club surrounded by dancers, further emphasizing the song’s sexy vibe. “Magic Stick” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of Lil’ Kim’s most popular songs.
5. Candy Shop ft. Olivia
“Candy Shop” is a hit song by 50 Cent, featuring Olivia, released in 2005 as the second single from his album “The Massacre”. The song features a catchy beat and 50 Cent’s signature rap flow, with Olivia’s smooth vocals on the chorus adding to the song’s overall catchiness. The lyrics, which use candy as a metaphor for sex, are explicit but delivered in a playful and lighthearted way. The song’s music video, directed by Jessy Terrero, features 50 Cent and Olivia performing in a colorful candy-themed set, complete with giant lollipops and candy canes. “Candy Shop” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs. The song has been covered and sampled by various artists over the years, cementing its place as a classic of early 2000s hip hop.
6. Just a Lil’ Bit
“Just a Lil’ Bit” is a hit song by 50 Cent, released in 2005 as the third single from his album “The Massacre”. The song features a catchy, synth-heavy beat and 50 Cent’s signature aggressive rap style, with lyrics about his wealth and lifestyle. The chorus, which repeats the phrase “just a lil’ bit,” is instantly memorable and adds to the song’s overall catchiness. The song’s music video, directed by Jesse Terrero, features 50 Cent performing in a club surrounded by dancers, further emphasizing the song’s party vibe. “Just a Lil’ Bit” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs.
7. Baby by Me ft. Ne-Yo
“Baby by Me” is a hit song by 50 Cent, featuring Ne-Yo, released in 2009 as the lead single from his album “Before I Self Destruct”. The song features a catchy, upbeat melody and 50 Cent’s signature rap flow, with Ne-Yo contributing vocals on the chorus. The lyrics, which are about 50 Cent’s love interest and his desire to have a child with her, add a more sentimental tone to the song. The song’s music video, directed by Chris Robinson, features 50 Cent in various scenes with his love interest, further emphasizing the song’s romantic themes. “Baby by Me” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs.
8. Disco Inferno
“Disco Inferno” is a popular song by 50 Cent, released in 2005 as the lead single from his album “The Massacre”. The song features a sample of the Trammps’ 1976 hit “Disco Inferno,” giving it a retro disco feel. 50 Cent’s lyrics are explicit and boastful, with the rapper bragging about his wealth and sexual conquests. The song’s chorus, which repeats the phrase “burn, baby, burn,” adds to the song’s overall catchy vibe. The song’s music video, directed by Jessy Terrero, features 50 Cent performing in a club surrounded by dancers, further emphasizing the song’s party vibe. “Disco Inferno” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs.
9. Hate It or Love It ft. 50 Cent
“Hate It or Love It” is a hit song by The Game, featuring 50 Cent, released in 2005 as the second single from The Game’s debut album “The Documentary”. The song features a soulful sample from the song “Rubber Band” by The Trammps and both rappers’ introspective lyrics about their rise to fame and struggles they faced. The song’s title reflects the mixed reactions they received from fans and critics. The chorus, sung by The Game, is instantly memorable and adds to the song’s overall catchiness. The song’s music video, directed by The Game and Bryan Barber, features The Game and 50 Cent performing in various settings, such as a basketball court and a classic car. “Hate It or Love It” was a commercial success, reaching the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of The Game’s most popular songs.
10. Wanksta
“Wanksta” is a hit song by 50 Cent, released in 2002 as a single from the soundtrack of the film “8 Mile”. The song features a hard-hitting beat and 50 Cent’s signature aggressive rap style, with lyrics about his street credibility and the fake personas of his rivals. The title of the song is a combination of the words “wannabe” and “gangsta”, reflecting the theme of the lyrics. The song’s music video, directed by Jessy Terrero, features 50 Cent performing in various settings, such as a parking garage and a club. “Wanksta” was a commercial success, reaching the top twenty on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and becoming one of 50 Cent’s most popular songs. The song’s popularity helped 50 Cent gain mainstream attention and was a precursor to his eventual rise to fame.