"In da Club": 50 Cent’s Breakout Anthem
Released on January 7, 2003, In da Club was 50 Cent’s explosive debut single from his multi-platinum album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Produced by Dr. Dre and Mike Elizondo, the track quickly became a global hit, reaching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominating charts worldwide. It became one of the most iconic hip-hop songs of the 2000s, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Male Rap Solo Performance and cementing 50 Cent’s status as a rap superstar.
The song remains a cultural phenomenon, frequently played at parties, clubs, and major events. It has also become a go-to birthday anthem, thanks to its famous opening line: "Go shorty, it's your birthday."
Background & Creation
Before In da Club, 50 Cent had built a reputation in the underground rap scene with his mixtapes and the controversial song How to Rob. After surviving a near-fatal shooting in 2000, he caught the attention of Eminem and Dr. Dre, who signed him to Shady/Aftermath Records.
Dr. Dre originally crafted the beat for another artist, but 50 Cent instantly made it his own, recording the track in just one hour. The song’s high-energy vibe, catchy hook, and raw delivery made it an instant hit.
Music Video & Impact
Directed by Philip Atwell, the music video portrays 50 Cent as a rising rap star inside a futuristic G-Unit training facility under the watchful eyes of Dr. Dre and Eminem. Featuring club scenes, flashy cars, and high-energy dancing, the video became just as legendary as the song itself.
Officially uploaded to YouTube in 2009, the In da Club video surpassed 2 billion views by 2024, proving its lasting appeal. The song continues to be a hip-hop anthem, played across generations and celebrated as one of the greatest rap tracks of all time.