50 Cent
Biography
Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and businessman born on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York City. Raised in the South Jamaica neighborhood, he had a difficult upbringing. His mother, a drug dealer, died when he was eight, and he was subsequently raised by his grandmother. Jackson began dealing drugs at the age of 12 during the 1980s crack epidemic.
Music Career
In 1996, 50 Cent began pursuing a music career. He was introduced to Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC, who taught him about songwriting and producing records. In 2000, after being shot nine times, Columbia Records dropped him, and his debut album "Power of the Dollar" was never released. His fortunes changed in 2002 when his mixtape "Guess Who's Back?" was discovered by Eminem. Eminem then signed him to Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope Records.
Major Success
50 Cent's major-label debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," released in 2003, was a massive commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 872,000 copies in its first week. The album featured the number-one singles "In da Club" and "21 Questions". His second album, "The Massacre," released in 2005, also debuted at number one in the U.S. and featured the hit single "Candy Shop". Over his career, 50 Cent has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
He founded his own record label, G-Unit Records, in 2003, signing artists like Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo.
Later Albums
His subsequent albums included "Curtis" (2007), "Before I Self Destruct" (2009), and "Animal Ambition" (2014). While these albums did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his first two, he remains a significant figure in hip-hop.
Business Ventures
50 Cent has proven to be a savvy businessman. One of his most lucrative deals was a partnership with Glacéau for an enhanced water drink called Formula 50. When Coca-Cola purchased Glacéau, he reportedly earned a significant amount from his minority stake. He has also been involved in various other ventures, including the G-Unit Clothing Company, G-Unit Books, and investments in spirits companies like Sire Spirits and Branson Cognac.
Acting and Television Production
Jackson has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (2005), "Home of the Brave" (2006), and "Righteous Kill" (2008). He has found significant success in television as an executive producer and actor. He co-created and executive produced the popular Starz series "Power" (2014–2020) and its subsequent spin-offs under his production company, G-Unit Films and Television Inc. In 2024, it was announced that his G-Unit Studios will be established in Shreveport, Louisiana.