50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York, is a rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and producer who became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop during the 2000s. Known for his gritty lyrics about street life, his rough upbringing, and his near-fatal shooting, 50 Cent rose to fame with his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003), which became a commercial juggernaut. Beyond music, 50 Cent has built an empire through business ventures, acting, and producing, becoming a multimillionaire mogul.
Early Life and Hustle in the Streets
Curtis Jackson was raised in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, a crime-ridden area notorious for drug dealing and violence. His mother, Sabrina, was a drug dealer, and when she died in a mysterious fire when Curtis was only 8 years old, he was raised by his grandparents. By the age of 12, Jackson had followed in his mother’s footsteps, selling drugs during the crack epidemic of the late 1980s. Though he was involved in drug dealing, he also developed an interest in rap music and began writing rhymes.
His life of crime caught up with him in the early 1990s when he was arrested multiple times, including for selling drugs to an undercover officer. Jackson eventually served time in a boot camp, where he earned his GED. After his release, he shifted his focus to music, deciding that rap offered a way out of the dangerous street life.
Early Career and the Infamous Shooting
In the late 1990s, Jackson adopted the stage name 50 Cent, symbolizing change and rebellion. His first break came when he caught the attention of Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC, who signed him to his label, JMJ Records. However, his time with JMJ didn’t yield significant results, and 50 Cent later signed with Columbia Records. It was here that he recorded the song “How to Rob,” a satirical track about robbing famous rappers that gained attention for its boldness and humor.
However, 50 Cent’s burgeoning career was almost cut short in 2000 when he was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s house in Queens. The assailant shot him at close range, hitting him in the hand, arm, hip, legs, chest, and face. Miraculously, 50 Cent survived, but the shooting left him with a slurred speech, which became part of his signature vocal delivery. The attack sidelined his career for a time, and Columbia Records dropped him from their roster.
Determined to continue, 50 Cent began releasing underground mixtapes, including Guess Who’s Back? (2002). These tapes caught the attention of Eminem, who was so impressed that he introduced 50 Cent to Dr. Dre. In 2002, 50 Cent signed a million-dollar record deal with Eminem’s Shady Records and Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment, setting the stage for his rise to superstardom.
Breakthrough: Get Rich or Die Tryin’
50 Cent’s debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, was released in February 2003 and became an instant success. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling over 800,000 copies in its first week. It eventually went on to sell more than 9 million copies in the U.S. alone. Powered by hits like “In da Club,” “21 Questions,” and “Many Men (Wish Death),” the album was praised for its raw, unapologetic portrayal of street life, gang violence, and 50 Cent’s near-death experience.
“In da Club,” produced by Dr. Dre, became one of the most iconic songs of the decade, topping charts worldwide and solidifying 50 Cent’s place as a global superstar. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ is widely regarded as one of the best hip-hop albums of the 2000s and has been certified multi-platinum.
Following the success of his debut album, 50 Cent formed his own record label, G-Unit Records, in 2003. He quickly signed his childhood friends Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck, and they released Beg for Mercy (2003), which was another commercial success.
Continued Success: The Massacre and Business Ventures
In 2005, 50 Cent released his highly anticipated second album, The Massacre, which also debuted at No. 1 and sold over a million copies in its first week. The album featured hits like “Candy Shop,” “Disco Inferno,” and “Just a Lil Bit,” continuing his dominance on the charts. While The Massacre didn’t receive the same level of critical acclaim as his debut, it was still a commercial juggernaut and solidified 50 Cent’s staying power in the music industry.
During this time, 50 Cent expanded his brand beyond music. He ventured into acting, starring in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005), directed by Jim Sheridan. He also made waves in the business world, particularly with his investment in VitaminWater, a decision that would later make him millions when the brand was sold to Coca-Cola in 2007.
G-Unit, Feuds, and Evolving Music Career
As a businessman and a label head, 50 Cent continued to release music both as a solo artist and with his G-Unit crew. However, he was also embroiled in high-profile feuds with other rappers, including Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, and even former G-Unit member The Game. His beef with Ja Rule, in particular, became one of the most talked-about rivalries in hip-hop and was a key factor in Ja Rule’s career decline.
50 Cent’s third album, Curtis (2007), marked a shift in his sound and aesthetic. While it didn’t reach the same commercial heights as his previous albums, Curtis still produced hits like “Ayo Technology” and “I Get Money.” 50 Cent’s next album, Before I Self Destruct (2009), followed but didn’t achieve the same level of success, signaling a slowdown in his music career.
Despite the slowdown in album sales, 50 Cent remained a prominent figure through his numerous ventures, including launching a line of headphones, acting in films, and producing television shows.
Acting and Television: Power and Cultural Impact
In 2014, 50 Cent made a significant shift in his career with the creation of the TV series Power, in which he starred as well as served as an executive producer. The show, which aired on Starz, became a massive hit, running for six seasons and spawning several spin-offs. Power solidified 50 Cent’s position as a successful television producer and helped introduce his work to a new generation of fans.
50 Cent continued acting, with roles in films like Southpaw (2015), Den of Thieves (2018), and Escape Plan (2013) alongside Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also became involved in boxing promotions and furthered his business interests in a variety of industries.
Bankruptcy, Financial Rebound, and Ongoing Success
Despite his financial success, 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015, citing debts and legal issues. However, he used the bankruptcy as a strategic move to restructure his finances, and within a few years, he was back on solid financial ground. His business acumen, television success, and ability to bounce back from setbacks proved his resilience as both an artist and an entrepreneur.
Legacy and Influence
As of 2024, 50 Cent remains a significant cultural figure. His rags-to-riches story, from surviving the streets of Queens and a near-fatal shooting to becoming one of the most successful rappers and businessmen in the entertainment industry, continues to inspire. His contributions to hip-hop are undeniable, with Get Rich or Die Tryin’ remaining a touchstone in the genre.
Beyond music, 50 Cent’s influence extends to the worlds of business, television, and film. His work on Power has opened doors for future projects, and he has become a mogul in the entertainment industry. Known for his strategic business moves, sharp wit, and unfiltered personality, 50 Cent is a multifaceted figure who has left an indelible mark on pop culture.
From music to business to television, 50 Cent’s journey is a testament to his resilience, ambition, and willingness to reinvent himself. His story is one of overcoming adversity, embracing opportunity, and continuing to shape the entertainment landscape in his unique way.
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