In an unexpected turn of events in 2024, 50 Cent’s iconic track “Many Men (Wish Death)” found itself at the center of social media discourse following a shocking incident involving former President Donald Trump.
On a fateful day in Butler, Pennsylvania, Trump narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during a rally, with the suspect, Thomas Crooks, opening fire and causing injuries before being killed.
As news of the incident spread, social media platforms exploded with memes and videos featuring Trump raising his fist in defiance, set to the haunting beat of “Many Men (Wish Death).”
The juxtaposition of the former president’s brush with death and 50 Cent’s lyrics about survival struck a chord with online audiences, catapulting the 2003 hit back into the spotlight.
50 Cent himself acknowledged the situation, sharing a meme of Trump’s face superimposed on his “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” album cover.
Trump gets shot and now I’m trending • https://t.co/V3LJsr0f6A pic.twitter.com/UKQZb6gles
— 50cent (@50cent) July 14, 2024
The rapper quipped on X (formerly Twitter), “Trump gets shot and now I’m trending.”
This unexpected resurgence of “Many Men (Wish Death)” in the public consciousness provides an opportunity to delve deeper into the song’s origins, meaning, and enduring impact.
Let’s explore the layers of this powerful track that continues to resonate with listeners more than two decades after its release.
The Genesis of “Many Men (Wish Death)”
Released on May 6, 2003, “Many Men (Wish Death)” served as the third single from 50 Cent’s groundbreaking debut studio album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.”
The song was produced by a heavyweight team consisting of Darrell “Digga” Branch, Eminem, and Luis Resto.
The writing credits include 50 Cent himself, along with Darrell “Digga” Branch, Freddie Perren, Keni St. Lewis, and Luis Resto.
The track’s raw intensity and introspective lyrics were born from 50 Cent’s real-life experiences, most notably his survival of a near-fatal shooting in 2000.
This brush with death became a defining moment in the rapper’s life and career, infusing his music with an authenticity and urgency that resonated strongly with listeners.
Album Context and Reception
“Many Men (Wish Death)” found its home on “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” an album that would go on to define an era in hip-hop.
Upon its release, the track quickly became a fan favourite, with 50 Cent himself initially citing it as his favourite song from the album during a February 2003 appearance on Rap City Tha Bassment.
The song’s impact has only grown over time. On January 19, 2023, “Many Men (Wish Death)” received 3x multi-platinum certification from the RIAA, cementing its status as a modern classic.
This achievement speaks volumes about the track’s staying power and its ability to connect with new generations of listeners.
“Many Men (Wish Death)” Lyrics Breakdown: A Journey Through Survival and Defiance
“Many Men (Wish Death)” opens with a stark declaration that sets the tone for the entire song:
“Many men wish death upon me
Blood in my eye, dog, and I can’t see
I’m tryin’ to be what I’m destined to be
And niggas tryin’ to take my life away”
These lines immediately plunge the listener into 50 Cent’s world, where danger lurks around every corner and survival is never guaranteed.
The vivid imagery of “blood in my eye” paints a picture of a man who’s been through the trenches but refuses to back down.
As the verses unfold, 50 Cent delves deeper into his experiences and mindset:
“Now these p*ssy n*ggas puttin’ money on my head
Go on and get your refund, motherf*cker, I ain’t dead
I’m the diamond in the dirt that ain’t been found
I’m the underground king and I ain’t been crowned”
Here, the rapper confronts his enemies directly, mocking their failed attempts to end his life.
The metaphor of being a “diamond in the dirt” speaks to his belief in his own potential and destiny, even when others fail to recognise it.
Throughout the song, 50 Cent grapples with the harsh realities of street life while maintaining an unwavering belief in his own resilience:
“Sunny days wouldn’t be special if it wasn’t for rain
Joy wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for pain
Death gotta be easy, ’cause life is hard
It’ll leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally scarred”
These lines showcase a depth of introspection that elevates “Many Men (Wish Death)” beyond a typical braggadocious rap track.
50 Cent reflects on the nature of struggle and how it shapes one’s appreciation for life’s positive moments.
Understanding the Sound: The Beat and Production
The haunting power of “Many Men (Wish Death)” isn’t just in its lyrics, but also in its meticulously crafted production.
At the heart of the song is a slow, menacing piano loop that immediately sets a sombre tone.
This simple yet effective musical motif serves as the backbone of the track, creating a sense of unease and tension.
Underpinning the piano is a combination of heavy bass and drums. These elements work together to create a dark, brooding atmosphere that gives the song its weight and gravity.
To add depth and intensity, synthesizers and strings are layered into the mix.
These elements provide texture and emotional resonance, enhancing the overall mood of the song.
50 Cent’s Vocal Delivery: Raw Emotion and Intensity
50 Cent’s performance on “Many Men (Wish Death)” is a masterclass in conveying raw emotion through rap.
His delivery is deliberate and intense, with each word carrying the weight of his experiences.
The rawness in his voice reflects the song’s themes of survival and resilience.
The chorus, with its repetitive chant of “Many men, many, many, many, many men / Wish death upon me,” is delivered with a haunting urgency.
This repetition serves to drive home the constant threat that 50 Cent faced, creating a mantra-like quality that lingers in the listener’s mind.
The Story Behind the Lyrics: 50 Cent’s Brush with Death
“Many Men (Wish Death)” is more than just a song; it’s a deeply personal account of 50 Cent’s own near-death experience.
The lyrics recount the rapper’s harrowing ordeal of being shot nine times in Queens, New York on May 24, 2000.
This incident became a defining moment in 50 Cent’s life and career.
The song serves as a manifesto of survival against all odds, resonating with grim determination.
Lines like “Every night I talk to God, but he don’t say nothin’ back / I know he protectin’ me, but I still stay with my gat” speak to the constant state of vigilance and the mix of faith and self-reliance that kept 50 Cent alive.
Bringing the Story to Life: The “Many Men (Wish Death)” Music Video
The music video for “Many Men (Wish Death)” brings the song’s narrative to life in vivid detail.
Directed by Jessy Tererro and produced by Jill Hardin and Darrell “Digga” Branch, the video centers around 50 Cent’s real-life shooting incident.
Actor Mekhi Phifer appears in a compelling role as 50 Cent’s hitman, adding star power and authenticity to the gritty narrative.
Through a series of intense scenes, the video portrays the violence, betrayal, and eventual revenge that form the core of 50 Cent’s story.
By visually representing the events described in the lyrics, the video amplifies the song’s impact.
It allows viewers to see the world through 50 Cent’s eyes, understanding the constant threat and tension he lived with during this period of his life.
The Evolution of “Many Men (Wish Death)”
Interestingly, 50 Cent’s perspective on the song has shifted over the years. In a more recent interview with Marca, he revealed:
“Many Men was my least favourite at that point because, musically we was in the boom-bap phase, we was in that hard-hitting intensity, the energy on the records, and it’s the slowest song on Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. And it’s now the tempo that the artists are rapping to.”
This comment highlights how “Many Men (Wish Death)” was somewhat of an outlier on the album, with its slower tempo and more introspective tone.
However, what 50 Cent once saw as a potential weakness has become one of the song’s greatest strengths, allowing it to age gracefully and remain relevant in an ever-changing musical landscape.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The enduring legacy of “Many Men (Wish Death)” is evident in its continued relevance and the frequency with which it’s sampled, referenced, and reinterpreted by newer artists.
Its themes of survival, resilience, and facing adversity head-on continue to resonate with listeners across generations.
The recent incident involving Donald Trump and the subsequent social media frenzy surrounding “Many Men (Wish Death)” serves as a testament to the song’s ability to transcend its original context.
It has become a cultural touchstone, capable of being recontextualised and applied to a wide range of situations that speak to human resilience in the face of adversity.
As we reflect on “Many Men (Wish Death)” in 2024, it’s clear that 50 Cent created more than just a hit song.
He crafted an anthem of survival that continues to inspire and resonate with people from all walks of life.
Whether you’re facing personal struggles or witnessing world events unfold, the raw emotion and unflinching honesty of “Many Men (Wish Death)” offer a powerful soundtrack to life’s most challenging moments.
Take a moment to revisit this classic track and experience the intensity and introspection that have made “Many Men (Wish Death)” a timeless piece of hip-hop history.
As you listen, consider how its themes of perseverance and defiance in the face of adversity remain as relevant today as they were when the song first hit the airwaves over two decades ago.
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50 Cent Many Men (Wish Death) Lyrics
Skit: 50 Cent & Lloyd Banks
Damn, you gotta go get somethin’ to eat, man
I’m hungrier than a motherfucker, man
Ayo, man
Damn, what’s takin’ homie so long, son?
50, calm down, man, he coming
Ah (Oh, what the fuck?)
Ah, son, pull off, pull off
Intro: 50 Cent
Many men wish death upon me
Blood in my eye, dog, and I can’t see
I’m tryin’ to be what I’m destined to be
And niggas tryin’ to take my life away (C’mon)
I put a hole in a nigga for fuckin’ with me
My back on the wall, now you gon’ see
Better watch how you talk when you talk about me
‘Cause I’ll come and take your life away
Chorus: 50 Cent
Many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Lord, I don’t cry no more
Don’t look to the sky no more
Have mercy on me
Verse 1: 50 Cent
Now man, these pussy niggas puttin’ money on my head
Go on and get your refund, motherfucker, I ain’t dead
I’m the diamond in the dirt that ain’t been found
I’m the underground king and I ain’t been crowned
When I rhyme, somethin’ special happened every time
I’m the greatest, somethin’ like Ali in his prime
I walk the block with the bundles, I’ve been knocked on the humble
Swing the ox when I rumble, show your ass what my gun do
Got a temper, nigga, go ‘head, lose your head
Turn your back on me, get clapped and lose your legs
I walk around, gun on my waist, chip on my shoulder
‘Til I bust a clip in your face, pussy, this beef ain’t over
Chorus: 50 Cent
Many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Lord, I don’t cry no more
Don’t look to the sky no more
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on my soul
Somewhere my heart turned cold
Have mercy on many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Verse 2: 50 Cent
Sunny days wouldn’t be special if it wasn’t for rain
Joy wouldn’t feel so good if it wasn’t for pain
Death gotta be easy, ’cause life is hard
It’ll leave you physically, mentally, and emotionally scarred
This is for my niggas on the block twistin’ trees in cigars
For the niggas on lock doin’ life behind bars
I don’t say, “Only God can judge me,” ’cause I see things clear
Crooked-ass crackers will give my Black ass a hundred years
I’m like Paulie in GoodFellas, you can call me the Don
Like Malcolm by any means with my gun in my palm
Slim switched sides on me, let niggas ride on me
I thought we was cool, why you want me to die, homie? (Homie)
Chorus: 50 Cent
Many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Lord, I don’t cry no more
Don’t look to the sky no more
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on my soul
Somewhere my heart turned cold
Have mercy on many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Verse 3: 50 Cent
Every night I talk to God, but he don’t say nothin’ back
I know he protectin’ me, but I still stay with my gat
In my nightmares, niggas keep pullin’ TECs on me
Psychic says some bitch done put a hex on me
The feds didn’t know much when Pac got shot
I got a kite from the pens that told me Tut got knocked
I ain’t gon’ spell it out for you motherfuckers all the time
Are you illiterate, nigga? You can’t read between the lines?
In the Bible, it says what goes around, comes around
Hommo shot me, three weeks later he got shot down
Now it’s clear that I’m here for a real reason
‘Cause he got hit like I got hit, but he ain’t fuckin’ breathin’
Chorus: 50 Cent
Many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
Lord, I don’t cry no more
Don’t look to the sky no more
Have mercy on me
Have mercy on my soul
Somewhere my heart turned cold
Have mercy on many men
Many, many, many, many men
Wish death ‘pon me
