Who is 50 Cent?

March 21, 2023

ARTISTS

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The Life and Times of 50 Cent

Learn more about 50 cent’s early years in the underground hip hop scene and how 50 found solace in music throughout his life,

Introduction

Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, is a rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was born on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York, and grew up in the South Jamaica neighborhood. 50 Cent’s life has been marked by tragedy, triumph, and a relentless pursuit of success.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

50 Cent’s upbringing was difficult. His mother, Sabrina, was a drug dealer who died when he was just eight years old. His father, who was absent for most of his life, was murdered when he was a teenager. Despite these challenges, 50 Cent managed to find solace in music. He began rapping at the age of 12 and was influenced by artists like Rakim, KRS-One, and Run-DMC.

In the late 1990s, 50 Cent began to make a name for himself in the underground hip-hop scene. He released a series of mixtapes that caught the attention of record executives, including Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC. In 1999, 50 Cent signed a deal with Columbia Records, but the partnership was short-lived. His debut album, “Power of the Dollar,” was shelved after he was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s house in Queens in 2000.

Tragedy and Triumph: The Shooting and “Get Rich or Die Tryin'”

The shooting was a turning point in 50 Cent’s life. He spent several months in the hospital recovering from his injuries and was later dropped by Columbia Records. Undeterred, he continued to make music and released a series of mixtapes that gained him a loyal following. In 2002, he signed with Eminem’s label, Shady Records, and released his debut album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’.” The album was a critical and commercial success, selling over 12 million copies worldwide and earning him a Grammy nomination.

Success in Music and Entertainment

With the success of “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” 50 Cent became one of the biggest names in hip-hop. He released several more albums, including “The Massacre,” “Curtis,” and “Before I Self Destruct.” He also collaborated with other artists, including Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Jay-Z. In addition to his music career, 50 Cent branched out into acting. He appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” “Power,” and “Den of Thieves.”

Entrepreneurial Ventures

50 Cent’s success in music and entertainment was matched by his business acumen. He launched his own record label, G-Unit Records, and signed several artists, including Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. He also invested in other industries, including fashion, film, and beverages. In 2007, he partnered with Glacéau to launch Vitamin Water, which was later sold to Coca-Cola for $4.1 billion. In addition to his business ventures, 50 Cent is a licensed boxing promoter and has worked with top fighters in the sport.

Controversy and Criticism

Despite his success, 50 Cent’s life has not been without controversy. He has been involved in several high-profile feuds with other rappers, including Ja Rule, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross. He has also been criticized for his lyrics, which are often violent and misogynistic. In 2015, he filed for bankruptcy after a series of lawsuits and financial setbacks.

Philanthropy and Giving Back

Throughout his career, 50 Cent has remained committed to giving back to his community. He has donated millions of dollars to charity, including organizations that help children in need and those affected by HIV/AIDS. He also launched the G-Unity Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for people in low-income communities.