50 Cent

Curtis James Jackson III, known to the world as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, television producer, record executive, and businessman. Born on July 6, 1975, in Queens, a borough of New York City, he began his music career in 1996. His early life was very difficult, and he faced many challenges, including a serious shooting in 2000.

In 2003, 50 Cent released his first studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which became very popular. The album reached the top of the Billboard 200 and included hit songs like "In da Club" and "21 Questions". He also started his own record label, G-Unit Records, and worked with other rappers like Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo.

Over the years, 50 Cent has released several albums, acted in movies such as Get Rich or Die Tryin', Home of the Brave, and Righteous Kill, and produced television shows like Power. He has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has won many awards, including a Grammy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. Today, he is remembered as one of the greatest rappers of the 2000s.

Early life

Curtis James Jackson III, known as 50 Cent, was born in Queens, a part of New York City, and grew up in the South Jamaica neighborhood. His mother, Sabrina, raised him alone until she passed away in a fire when he was eight. After that, he was cared for by his grandparents.

When he was young, Jackson started boxing and also began selling items that were not allowed. He was caught with these items in school and was arrested for selling them to someone pretending to be a police officer. He spent some time in a special program instead of a regular prison and earned his high school equivalency diploma. He chose the name "50 Cent" after a robber from the 1980s, feeling it represented his own strong, independent personality.

Career

1996–2002: Rise to fame, shooting, and early mixtapes

50 Cent began his music career by rapping in a friend's basement and using turntables to record songs. In 1996, he met Jam Master Jay, who taught him how to write songs and make records. His first appearance was on a song with Onyx in 1998. In 1999, he signed with Columbia Records and recorded many songs for his debut album, Power of the Dollar, which came out in 2000.

50 Cent became popular with his underground single "How to Rob," which made him stand out from other artists. However, just before filming a video for another song, he was shot multiple times in an attack outside his grandmother's house. He spent time in the hospital but recovered and continued his career. Despite being dropped by Columbia Records, he started recording mixtapes in Canada to build his reputation.

2002–2007: Mainstream breakthrough, Get Rich or Die Tryin', and The Massacre

In 2002, 50 Cent met Eminem, who helped him sign a record deal. He released his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in 2003, which became very successful. The lead single, "In da Club," was extremely popular and set a record for most listened-to songs on radio in a week.

He also started his own record label, G-Unit Records, and signed several artists. His second album, The Massacre, released in 2005, sold over a million copies in just four days and stayed at the top of the charts for weeks. He also released a video game, 50 Cent: Bulletproof, the same year.

2007–2010: Curtis, sales battle with Kanye West, and Before I Self Destruct

In 2007, 50 Cent released his third album, Curtis, which debuted at number two on the charts. The same day, Kanye West's album Graduation outsold it, marking a shift in popular music styles.

He continued to release music and mixtapes, and in 2009, he released his fourth album, Before I Self Destruct. He also worked on other projects, including a book and appeared in episodes of a TV show.

2010–2015: New musical directions, new business ventures, and Animal Ambition

50 Cent experimented with new music styles and worked on various business projects. He planned to release new albums but faced delays due to disagreements with his record label. In 2014, he left his previous labels and signed with new ones. He announced his fifth album, Animal Ambition, which focused on themes of prosperity.

2015–2021: Street King Immortal, bankruptcy, and departure from Interscope

50 Cent faced financial difficulties and filed for bankruptcy in 2015. His sixth album, Street King Immortal, faced numerous delays and was never released. In 2017, Interscope Records released a greatest-hits album for him. He also worked on other projects, including producing an album for another artist who passed away, and creating television series.

2021–present: Focusing on acting and media production, Super Bowl LVI halftime show performance

In recent years, 50 Cent has focused more on acting and producing. He moved to Houston and worked on new screenplays. He starred in a film that did not perform well and executive produced a television series about a real-life crime family. In 2022, he surprised everyone by performing at the Super Bowl halftime show. He continues to work on new projects, including a documentary and a sequel film.

Artistry

50 Cent was inspired by many great rappers when he started making music. He admired artists like Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane, The Juice Crew, EPMD, and KRS-One. One of his biggest inspirations for his song "21 Questions" was LL Cool J. While working on his album Animal Ambition, he also drew inspiration from Nas, Rakim, and The Notorious B.I.G..

Business ventures

50 Cent has built a successful career beyond music, creating many business projects. He has invested in many areas, including making music, acting in films and TV shows, designing clothes and shoes, creating video games, and more. He also started his own music label called G-Unit Records in 2003 and made deals with companies like Reebok to make special shoes.

50 Cent has written books and created his own book company, G-Unit Books. He also worked with a drink company to make a special water called Formula 50. Later, a big company bought that drink company, and 50 Cent made a lot of money from that sale. He has started film companies too, making TV shows and movies, like the popular show Power. He also created a plan to help feed people in Africa through a special food project.

Personal life

50 Cent has shared that his outlook on life changed after a serious incident, leading him to believe that when it's time to go, it happens. Even though he has made songs about using drugs and alcohol, he has never used them himself, because of a bad experience with alcohol when he was younger.

In 2007, a magazine noted that he was very wealthy, second only to another famous rapper. He bought a large house in Connecticut for over 4 million dollars back when he was younger, and later sold it for less than he paid. A mayor even made a special day in honor of him.

Family and relationships

50 Cent became a father in 1997 when his girlfriend had their son. Having a child changed his life and inspired him in his work, though they had a difficult relationship over the years. He also has another son from a later relationship.

In 2024, he shared on social media that he has been choosing not to be in any romantic relationships so he can focus better on his goals.

Political views

50 Cent has shared his thoughts on different U.S. leaders over the years. At first, he supported one president but later changed his mind. He spoke about issues like taxes and leadership, and even turned down a big offer to support someone he didn’t agree with. Later, he commented on another leader’s plans for New York City, saying he didn’t agree with them.

Legal issues

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, has faced several legal troubles over the years. In 1994, he was arrested for selling a substance to an undercover officer. Later that year, police found more substances and a small gun in his home. He was sentenced to prison but served his time in a special program where he earned his high-school diploma.

In later years, he was arrested again for having guns in a car and for jumping on a stage after being hit by a bottle thrown by someone in the crowd. He was also involved in several lawsuits. One was about an advertisement that used a picture looking like him and encouraged people to imagine shooting him. Another lawsuit was about a fast-food company using his name in an ad without permission. In 2016, he was involved in an incident at an airport where he treated a teenage worker unfairly. There were also other legal problems, including claims about damage to a home and arguments with others.

Feuds

Ja Rule

Before signing with Interscope Records, 50 Cent had a public dispute with rapper Ja Rule and his label, Murder Inc. Records. Ja Rule claimed the conflict started because 50 Cent didn’t like seeing him get a lot of attention from people in their neighborhood. In March 2000, 50 Cent got into a fight with some people linked to Murder Inc. at The Hit Factory in New York and needed stitches for a cut. The feud ended in May 2011 when Ja Rule said they were no longer enemies, though they wouldn’t become friends either.

In 2015, the feud restarted when Ja Rule commented on a social media post about another rapper. 50 Cent responded angrily. In 2018, Ja Rule criticized 50 Cent again on Twitter. Later that year, 50 Cent bought many front-row tickets for Ja Rule’s show in Arlington, Texas, hoping the seats would stay empty.

Jay-Z and Beyoncé

In 1999, 50 Cent made a song that criticized other rappers, including Jay-Z. Jay-Z responded with his own song. In 2009, 50 Cent said Jay-Z wasn’t fair to a fellow rapper and seemed to change who he was after marrying Beyoncé. In 2017, 50 Cent said Jay-Z’s album was too serious and not fun to listen to. In 2022, there was a heated argument between 50 Cent and Jay-Z that Beyoncé tried to stop. In 2023, 50 Cent said Jay-Z won many awards because of his marriage to Beyoncé.

Fat Joe

50 Cent also had issues with rapper Fat Joe, who worked with Ja Rule. In 2005, 50 Cent made harsh comments after a TV awards show, and Fat Joe responded. This affected Fat Joe’s business deals. By 2011, things had calmed down, and they eventually became friends and worked together.

The Game

50 Cent and The Game were close at first but later argued over credit and disagreements. They exchanged insults and even had a small fight that led to a joint press conference to smooth things over. The conflict continued with more insults and songs mocking each other. In 2016, they ended their feud, only for it to restart in 2022 over comments about another rapper.

Cam'ron

In 2007, 50 Cent and Cam'ron argued live on a radio show. They traded insult songs and videos. By 2009, the feud slowed down, and they eventually made up in 2016.

Rick Ross

50 Cent and Rick Ross began feuding after an incident at an awards show. They traded insult songs and videos. In 2013, 50 Cent claimed a shooting involving Ross was faked.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

50 Cent and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. were once close friends but later had a public dispute over money. They traded insults online but reconciled in 2022.

Sean Combs

50 Cent has criticized Sean Combs (also known as Diddy) for many years, including comments about a serious accusation made against Combs. In 2024, 50 Cent announced plans to produce a documentary about the case.

Awards and nominations

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by 50 Cent

50 Cent has been recognized with many awards and nominations for his work. These honors show his success in music and entertainment. The list of these awards highlights his achievements over the years.

Discography

See also: G-Unit discography

Studio albums

• Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003)
• The Massacre (2005)
• Curtis (2007)
• Before I Self Destruct (2009)
• Animal Ambition (2014)

Collaborative albums

• Beg for Mercy (with G-Unit) (2003)
• T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) (with G-Unit) (2008)

Filmography

See also: 50 Cent videography

Film

Television

Video games