My Life (50 Cent song)

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"My Life"
Single by 50 Cent featuring Eminem and Adam Levine
ReleasedNovember 26, 2012
Recorded2010[1]–2012
Genre
Length3:59
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Symbolyc One
50 Cent singles chronology
"First Date"
(2012) 		"My Life"
(2012) 		"Hate Bein' Sober"
(2012)
Eminem singles chronology
"Throw That"
(2012) 		"My Life"
(2012) 		"C'mon Let Me Ride"
(2012)
Adam Levine singles chronology
"Gotten"
(2012) 		"My Life"
(2012) 		"YOLO"
(2013)

"My Life" is a song by American rapper 50 Cent featuring fellow American rapper Eminem and American singer Adam Levine of Maroon 5. It was originally released as the second official single of 50 Cent's scrapped studio album Street King Immortal, but was later removed from the project.[2] The single was produced by American music producer Symbolyc One. The song premiered on American radio station Hot 97, and was made available for digital download on iTunes Store on November 26, 2012.[3]

Background[edit]

Although without a confirmed name, the single was announced on September 30, 2012, by 50 Cent himself in an interview with the radio station Channel 4 FM, with host Chris Birks. He stated that he wants to top his most-successful single so far, In da Club, before retiring. 50 Cent also talked about his performance in the Atelier festival in Dubai, which he will be performing songs from his recent projects, such as The Big 10 (2011), The Lost Tape and 5 (Murder by Numbers) (2012).[4]

While confirming the name of the single, 50 Cent has revealed, during an interview while he was in France, that the beat of "My Life" was taken from Dr. Dre's long-awaited (but now cancelled) album Detox. It marks the third song off Detox for his album Street King Immortal, along with "New Day" and "The Psycho".[5]

Composition[edit]

The track was produced and written by Symbolyc One, 50 Cent, Eminem, Adam Levine and Herb Rooney. Recorded in 2010, it finds the two rappers spitting about the pressures of fame, in contrast with Eminem and 50's past collaborations, which focused on menacing wordplay. 50 Cent raps about pressures of fame, rifting on his meteoric 2003 rise and former G-Unit artists Game and Young Buck, who he feels took advantage of his creative generosity. He professes "My Life" to be his version of Eminem's Recovery and to be his "comeback hit." Eminem on the other hand raps about his dedication and hard work, and talks about getting revenge, and questions his decision to record Recovery.[6]

Sample[edit]

The song samples Melvin Bliss' Synthetic Substitution in its instrumental, produced by Symbolyc One.[7]

Reception[edit]

Critical response[edit]

Jason Lipshutz, from the website of American magazine Billboard, reviewed the song comparing it to Eminem's single "Not Afraid": "'My Life' successfully mirrors Eminem's comeback single 'Not Afraid' by pairing pseudo-introspective lyrics with a chorus full of vague yet decisive statements." He also said: "Maroon 5's Adam Levine provides the pop backbone to a trio of surly verses from 50 Cent and Eminem, with the latter thrusting himself full force into lines". At the end of it, Lipshutz stated that the single "is not nearly as dangerous as its exhilarating early output, but should serve its purpose of giving Street King Immortal its crowning pop single".[8]

Controversy[edit]

In the first verse of the song, 50 Cent dissed former members of G-Unit, Game and Young Buck.

I tried to help niggas get on, they turned around and spit
Right in my face, so Game and Buck both can suck a dick
Now when you hear 'em it may sound like they on some other shit
'Cause I'm not writing anymore, they not making hits

— 50 Cent

Game responded to 50 Cent's comments in an interview with American radio station Power 106, saying he might have to make a sequel to "300 Bars and Runnin", finally killing 50 Cent and G-Unit. 50 Cent later said the song was recorded two years ago and he no longer had any ill will towards Game.[9]

Music video[edit]

Development[edit]

A video for it was shot with 50 Cent, Eminem and Adam Levine in Corktown Historic District, Detroit and directed by Richard "Rich" Lee, who previously directed videos for Eminem's single "Not Afraid" and Bad Meets Evil's single "Lighters".[10] It features cameo appearances from affiliated boxer Andre Dirrell.[11][12] On November 26, 2012, the official trailer of the music video was released.[13] The video was premiered on November 27, 2012, on MTV and was added to 50 Cent's channel on VEVO on the same day.[14]

50 Cent and Eminem spoke to MTV News about the video, describing it as a perfect illustration of the difficulties they face day by day.

The video is kind of abstract; it's kind of metaphoric in a sense, like the paranoia of feeling like we're being chased. Whether it's true or not, it's kind of how we feel. It's kind of a metaphor for us running for our lives. Personal lives and from fame, everything that goes with the game.[14]

— Eminem

Synopsis and reception[edit]

The video begins with a helicopter illuminating a building which 50 Cent and Adam Levine are inside. While singing the first chorus, the Maroon 5's front-man is sitting down behind of a wall what the helicopter lights up. 50 Cent raps his first verse, walking inside the building illuminated by the chopper, going to find boxer Andre Dirrell. When he does, both men get into a Chrysler 300 John Varvatos Special Edition. On the second chorus, Adam appears walking inside the building, again, and Eminem makes his first appearance in it walking on a dark road. Eminem appears running from the chopper sometimes in the video. He also appears rapping his verse on a park, under the helicopter's spotlight, as does Adam. During the song's third verse, 50 Cent appears in a Razer's laptop screen, used to locate him. Driving a car, he continues rapping his verse, with Andre Dirrell on its passenger seat, while pursued by the helicopter. The video finishes with all artists stopping from running from the helicopter.

Website Fuse reviewed the video, discussing and explaining certain parts of it.[15]

The music video on YouTube has received over 95 million views as of March 2024.[16]

Live performances[edit]

The song was debuted on American reality talent show The Voice, with a performance by 50 Cent and Adam Levine on November 26, 2012.[17] The second live performance of the song took place on December 8, 2012, when 50 Cent performed the song during his fighter Gamboa's entrance to the ring.[18]

Chart performance[edit]

The song debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week of December 6, 2012 at #27, selling 140,000 units in its first week. It also debuted on Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs at #6 and at #5 on Rap Songs. It also charted outside the U.S. on Canadian Hot 100 at #14, on Mega Single Top 100 at #89, Schweizer Hitparade at #36, on Ultratip Flanders at #9 and on others charts. The song reached number 9 on the Belgium Ultratip chart, which is the Belgian equivalent of the Billboard bubbling under chart.[19] It has also debuted at #2 on the UK Singles chart after being released in January.[20]

Track listing[edit]

Digital download
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."My Life" (featuring Eminem and Adam Levine)
Symbolyc One3:59
CD Single[21]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."My Life" (album version) (feat. Eminem and Adam Levine)
Symbolyc One3:59
2."My Life" (edited version) (feat. Eminem and Adam Levine)
  • Jackson
  • Mathers
  • Levine
  • Griffin
  • Rooney
Symbolyc One3:59
Total length:7:58

Credits and personnel[edit]

Charts[edit]

Certifications[edit]

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[41] Platinum 70,000^
Brazil (Pro-Música Brasil)[42] Gold 30,000‡
United Kingdom (BPI)[43] Silver 200,000‡
United States (RIAA)[44] Gold 500,000‡

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Radio and release history[edit]

Country Date Format Label Ref
United States November 26, 2012 Digital download
[3]
France November 27, 2012 [45]
Germany [46]
Italy [47]
Spain [48]
United Kingdom January 13, 2013 [49]
United States December 4, 2012 Rhythmic contemporary radio [50]
December 11, 2012 Contemporary hit radio [51]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Drake, David (December 7, 2012). "Interview: 50 Cent Talks Working With Eminem, the Threat of Falling Off, and How Social Media Changed Hip-Hop". Complex. Retrieved January 10, 2019.
  2. ^ Corner, Lewis (2014-06-04). "50 Cent interview: "I get high off being right" - Music Interview". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
  3. ^ a b "iTunes - Music - My Life (feat. Eminem & Adam Levine) - Single by 50 Cent". iTunes. Apple Inc. January 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  4. ^ "50 Cent Wants To Top 'In Da Club' Before Retiring; To Release New Single Next Week". Navjosh. HipHop-N-More. 30 September 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  5. ^ "50 Cent's "Street King Immortal" Pushed Back, Says "Detox" May Be An EP". Sean Ryon. HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 27 November 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  6. ^ Markman, Rob (26 November 2012). "50 Cent and Eminem's "My Life" Video Premieres Tuesday on MTV!". MTV. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  7. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem and Adam Levine's My Life sample of Melvin Bliss's Synthetic Substitution". WhoSampled. WhoSampled.com. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  8. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine, 'My Life': Track Review". Billboard. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  9. ^ "Game Reacts To 50 Cent's "My Life" Diss". Rap Radar. 28 November 2012. Retrieved 28 November 2012.
  10. ^ "50 Cent Enlists Eminem and Adam Levine for New Single 'My Life'". Rap-Up. Devine Lazerine. Retrieved 15 November 2012.
  11. ^ "Eminem and Fifty Cent Shot Video In Corktown Last Night". Sarah Cox. Curbed Detroit. 22 October 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  12. ^ "50 Cent Announces New Music Video With Eminem, Just Blaze Responds After". Diverse Hip Hop. Archived from the original on 25 November 2012. Retrieved 29 October 2012.
  13. ^ "50 Cent ft. Eminem & Adam Levine - My Life (Trailer) - TI50". ThisIs50.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2012.
  14. ^ a b "50 Cent And Eminem's 'My Life' Video Premieres Tuesday On MTV!". MTV News. Viacom International Inc. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  15. ^ "50 Cent "My Life" ft. Eminem & Adam Levine Music Video Review". Fuse.tv. Retrieved 29 November 2012.
  16. ^ 50 Cent - My Life (Official Video).YouTube
  17. ^ "50 Cent – 'My Life' (Feat. Eminem & Adam Levine) (Single Artwork)". HipHop-N-More. 14 November 2012. Retrieved 14 November 2012.
  18. ^ "50 Cent "My Life" At Gamboa vs. Farenas". Rap Radar. 9 December 2012. Retrieved 9 December 2012.
  19. ^ Wikipedia talk:Record charts/Billboard charts guide
  20. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
  21. ^ "50 Cent My Life Feat. Eminem & Adam Levine - Brand New Singles Audio CD | eBay". eBay Inc. Retrieved 7 January 2013.
  22. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  23. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved December 12, 2012.
  24. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  25. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in French). Ultratip.
  26. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  27. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in French). Les classement single. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  28. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts.
  29. ^ "Chart Track: Week 03, 2013". Irish Singles Chart.
  30. ^ "The Official Lebanese Top 20: 50 Cent". The official Lebanese Top 20. Retrieved 18 December 2015.
  31. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved December 8, 2012.
  32. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved December 10, 2012.
  33. ^ "50 Cent feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  34. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2013-01-20.
  35. ^ "South Korea Gaon International Chart (Gaon Chart". Gaon Chart. Archived from the original on March 3, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  36. ^ "Official Hip Hop and R&B Singles Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2013-01-20.
  37. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 2013-01-20.
  38. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  39. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard.
  40. ^ "50 Cent Chart History (Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  41. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2013 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
  42. ^ "Brazilian single certifications – 50 Cent – My Life" (in Portuguese). Pro-Música Brasil. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  43. ^ "British single certifications – 50 Cent Feat. Eminem & Adam Levine – My Life". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  44. ^ "American single certifications – 50 Cent – My Life (ft. Eminem & Adam Levine)". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 20, 2023.
  45. ^ "My Life (Explicit): 50 Cent: Amazon.fr: Téléchargements MP3". Amazon.fr. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  46. ^ "My Life (Explicit): 50 Cent: Amazon.de: MP3-Downloads". Amazon.de. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  47. ^ "My Life (Explicit): 50 Cent: Amazon.it: Musica MP3". Amazon.it. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  48. ^ "My Life (Explicit): 50 Cent: Amazon.es: Tienda MP3". Amazon.es. Amazon.com, Inc. Retrieved 21 November 2012.
  49. ^ "iTunes - Music - My Life (feat. Eminem & Adam Levine) - Single by 50 Cent". iTunes. Apple Inc. January 2012. Retrieved 14 January 2013.
  50. ^ "Top 40 Rhythmic Future Releases". AllAccess. AllAccess Music Group. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved November 25, 2012.
  51. ^ "Top 40/M Future Releases". AllAccess. AllAccess Music Group. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved November 28, 2012.

External links[edit]

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