Dive into the irresistible allure of a track that blurs the lines between friendship and something more.
The Song
"Best Friend" is a standout track by American rapper 50 Cent, originally featured as a bonus track on the soundtrack for his 2005 semi-autobiographical film, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. While the album version featured 50 Cent solo, a popular remix was released as a single in January 2006, featuring former G-Unit member Olivia. This remix became the most well-known iteration, elevating the song's R&B appeal.
The track was produced by the acclaimed Hi-Tek, known for his soulful and intricate beats. The song notably samples Valerie Simpson's "Silly, Wasn't I?" and cleverly interpolates Biz Markie's iconic "Just a Friend" for its catchy, pleading chorus. Songwriting credits include Curtis Jackson (50 Cent), Tony Cottrell (Hi-Tek), Jonathan Rotem, Jo Armstead, Nickolas Ashford, and Valerie Simpson.
The Artist
Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, rose to prominence in the early 2000s as one of hip-hop's most dominant figures. Known for his gritty lyricism and street-savvy persona, he quickly became a global superstar with albums like Get Rich or Die Tryin'. His career has since expanded beyond music into acting, television production, and various business ventures.
Olivia Longott, an R&B singer, gained significant attention as the first female artist signed to 50 Cent's G-Unit Records. Her collaboration on "Best Friend" was a highlight of her time with the label and remains one of her most recognized performances. Though her sophomore album Behind Closed Doors was ultimately shelved, her distinctive vocals on tracks like "Best Friend" solidified her place in 2000s R&B.
Chart Performance
The remix of "Best Friend" featuring Olivia made a significant impact on the charts. It peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States. The song also performed well on various R&B and Hip-Hop charts.
It reached number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number 3 on the Hot Rap Songs chart. Internationally, the track achieved certifications, including Platinum in the US by the RIAA, Double Platinum in New Zealand, and Silver in the UK.
Cultural Impact
"Best Friend" cemented its place in popular culture largely due to its strong association with the film Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The song's themes of navigating complex relationships and loyalty resonate deeply with the movie's narrative, making it an integral part of the film's emotional core. The track's chorus, "If I was your best friend, I'd want you 'round all the time," became a memorable and often-quoted line.
The collaboration between 50 Cent and Olivia was particularly notable, showcasing Olivia's vocal prowess and adding a softer, more melodic dimension to 50 Cent's typically harder-edged sound. This blend helped broaden the song's appeal beyond traditional hip-hop audiences. Its continued popularity is evident in its enduring presence on streaming platforms, with the official music video garnering hundreds of millions of views.
Fun Facts
- The music video for the remix, released in 2006, features cameos from several G-Unit members, including Mobb Deep, Spider Loc, and Hot Rod.
- The original version of "Best Friend" (without Olivia) appears as a bonus track on the Get Rich or Die Tryin' soundtrack, which was released in November 2005.
- The sample of Valerie Simpson's "Silly, Wasn't I?" provides the distinct melancholic yet smooth backdrop for the track.
- As of April 2024, the official music video for "50 Cent - Best Friend ft. Olivia" on YouTube has accumulated over 175 million views.