The 50 Cent Song That Brought Him to Tears While Writing

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is known for his gritty lyrics and tough persona, but behind the bravado lies a deeply emotional story of survival. The song that moved him so profoundly during its creation that it brought him to tears is “Many Men (Wish Death),” a raw and autobiographical track from his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’.

A Near-Death Experience Revisited

On May 24, 2000, 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s home in South Jamaica, Queens—an incident that nearly ended his life. When he later sat down to write “Many Men,” he wasn’t just crafting a rap song; he was reliving a traumatic event that left an indelible mark on him. In interviews, 50 Cent has revealed how revisiting the blood, fear, and pain in his lyrics brought tears to his eyes.

The Sound Behind the Story

Produced by Darrell “Digga” Branch, Eminem, and Luis Resto, the beat of “Many Men” features haunting guitar arpeggios paired with a slow, behind-the-beat drum pattern that perfectly complements the dark, somber mood of the track. Interestingly, this instrumental was originally developed for other artists—including The Diplomats and Nas—before finding its way to 50 Cent, who infused it with his personal narrative.

Lyrics That Cut Deep

Lines like “Many men, wish death ’pon me… Lord, I don’t cry no more” and “Somewhere my heart turned cold…” reveal a man grappling with mortality and the emotional scars of violence. His storytelling is brutally honest, detailing his confrontation with death and the lasting mental and physical toll. The vivid memories made recording the song an emotional experience, with 50 Cent confessing to getting choked up in the studio.

Legacy and Cultural Impact

Though never released as a formal single, “Many Men” became an underground anthem, resonating deeply with fans for its vulnerability amidst gangsta rap’s typical bravado. Its influence extends beyond music, with references in literature—such as Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous—and samples by artists like Pop Smoke and Metro Boomin.

“Many Men (Wish Death)” remains one of 50 Cent’s most emotionally charged songs, a testament to his resilience and ability to transform personal trauma into powerful art. Writing it was more than a creative process—it was a cathartic journey through pain, survival, and ultimately, triumph.