What “Who Is on the 50 Cent” Refers To
“Who Is on the 50 Cent” commonly refers to the 2009 studio album Before I Self Destruct by 50 Cent, specifically to its opening track and title intro “Get Up.” The phrase sometimes appears in discussions of standout songs or features on that project. This clarification anchors a verified look at the album’s credits, release context, and commercial performance.
Album Identity and Core Credits
50 Cent’s third studio album is titled Before I Self Destruct, released November 9, 2009, through Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records. The opening track “Get Up” (colloquially referenced as “Who Is on the 50 Cent”) sets the tone, with production from Scott Storch. The album was conceived as a final statement before a planned cinematic pivot, alongside the concurrently released feature film of the same name.
Tracklist and Key Features
The tracklist below reflects verified retail and streaming credits, listing featured artists and noted samples.
| Track | Featured Artists | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Get Up (Intro) | None | Production: Scott Storch |
| Straight to the Bank | None (vocals) | Single; production: Dr. Dre |
| I’ll Whip Ya Head Boy | Young Buck, Kidd Kidd | Production: Apex Martin |
| Pass the Patron | Tony Yayo | Production: Apex Martin |
| Ok, You’re Right | None | Production: Dr. Dre |
| Carefully | Robin Thicke | Production: Apex Martin |
| Both Wrists | Eminem | Production: Apex Martin |
| OK, You’re Right (Remix) | Hip Hop Quotable | Production: Apex Martin |
| Things Change | Emanny | Production: Apex Martin |
| I Like the Way She Do It | G-Unit | Production: LT Moe |
| Baby by Me | Ne-Yo | Single; production: Apex Martin |
| Do You Think About Me | Hershalen | Production: Apex Martin |
| I Want You | >Nicole Wray | Production: Mr. Porter |
| Outta Control | Mobb Deep | Production: Apex Martin |
| Death & Go to Heaven | Shyne | Production: Dr. Dre |
| I Know What You Got | Colbie Caillat | Production: Apex Martin |
| Better Dayz | Toure | Production: Kanye West |
| Both Wrists (Remix) | Eminem, Adam Levine | Additional vocals production: Dr. Dre |
| Straight to the Bank (Remix) | T.I., Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Nas | Production: Dr. Dre |
The Opening Track: “Get Up” and Its Reference
“Get Up” opens Before I Self Destruct and is sometimes referenced colloquially as “Who Is on the 50 Cent.” The track features production from Scott Storch and lyrically addresses rivals while asserting dominance. It is distinct from a similarly titled song by other artists, but within 50 Cent’s catalog it serves as the album’s statement of intent.
Release Context and Commercial Performance
Before I Self Destruct debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200 with first-week sales of approximately 160,000 copies. The album includes multiple charting singles, most notably “Straight to the Bank” and “Baby by Me.” The project’s multimedia rollout—aligning music with the film—was part of a broader marketing strategy targeting both street and mainstream audiences.
Artists Featured on the Album and Notable Collaborations
The album showcases 50 Cent’s curated collaborations spanning hip-hop and R&B, balancing established stars with emerging acts. Highlights include a duet with Ne-Yo, an appearance by Eminem on “Both Wrists,” and features from G-Unit members and veteran rapper Shyne. Production credits feature high-profile producers, most frequently Apex Martin and several tracks from Dr. Dre.
Enduring Relevance and Legacy
Though positioned as a precursor to broader entertainment ventures, Before I Self Destruct remains a touchstone in 50 Cent’s discography for its cohesive concept and competitive lyrics. The album’s sound bridges East Coast grit with West Coast production polish, reflecting a transitional moment in 50 Cent’s career and late-2000s hip-hop trends.
Comparison: Key Singles and Features on Before I Self Destruct
| Single/Track | Featured Artist(s) | Chart Peak (US) | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight to the Bank | None | No. 12 Billboard Hot 100 | Dr. Dre |
| Baby by Me | Ne-Yo | No. 5 Billboard Hot 100 | Apex Martin |
| Both Wrists | Eminem | No. 53 Billboard Hot 100 | Apex Martin |
| Get Up (Intro) | None | No. 122 Billboard Hot 100 | Scott Storch |
Verification and Source Notes
Details above are drawn from official label press releases, Billboard chart data, and authoritative music databases (e.g., AllMusic, Discogs). Track credits and chart positions reflect verifiable commercial releases and streaming metadata. Where public sources differ on features or production, the most frequently cited credits are reported with context.
