Top Ten Songs by 50 Cent

Since the 2003 release of his debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin," 50 Cent has basically run the rap game, single-handedly destroying the careers of lesser rappers like Ja Rule, racking up multiple #1 hits and garnering 11 Grammy nominations.

If you want to understand 50's appeal, look at his album covers. He appears both shirtless and disgruntled, a gangster with sex appeal, or a sex symbol with a violent streak. Either way, the formula has founds its way into his songs, and it works. On club joints, 50 gets right to the point: Go to a club, party, go home with multiple females. Not exactly the stuff that after-school specials are made of, but it's fun to dance to.

On non-singles, 50 gets into the not-so-radio friendly details of his life, an up front and disarmingly straightforward look through the eyes of someone that's made it out of one of New York's toughest neighborhoods, Jamaica, Queens. Not coincidentally, these non-radio songs are usually his best ones.

Many overlook 50's skill because he knows how to craft hits and doesn't attempt to be overly complex or profound. But It's no coincidence he's been co-signed by some of hip hop's elite, including Dr. Dre and Eminem, and built one of rap's most successful empires in hip hop army G-Unit.

In no particular order, here are 50 Cent's Top Ten songs:

In Da Club

No discussion of 50's catalog would be complete without a mention of "In Da Club." While it may not be a standout in terms of lyrics, it's backed by a bangin' track by Dr. Dre. There's no deeper meaning here, it's all about having fun. But usually when you hear the song, that's exactly what you want to do. Come on, you know when you hear "Go shorty, it's ya birthday..." you want to get up and dance.

This song was basically part of the soundtrack to any trip to the club in 2003, and garnered two Grammy nominations - one for Best Male Rap Solo Performance, and one for Best Rap Song, though it won neither. It did, however, reach #1 on the charts.

Magic Stick