50 Cent was born Curtis James Jackson III on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York. He was raised by his grandmother after his mother, who was a drug dealer, was killed when he was just eight years old.
Before his rap career took off, 50 Cent was involved in drug dealing during his teenage years. He later turned to music as a way to escape the dangerous lifestyle.
50 Cent gained early recognition with his underground single 'How to Rob,' which humorously detailed how he would rob various famous rappers. The song caught the attention of industry heavyweights like Jay-Z and Nas.
In 2000, 50 Cent was shot nine times at close range, including a bullet to the face. He miraculously survived the attack and used the experience as motivation to pursue his music career more seriously.
50 Cent's debut album, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin',' was released in 2003 and became an instant success. The album featured hit singles like 'In Da Club' and '21 Questions,' and it sold over 872,000 copies in its first week.
'In Da Club' became one of 50 Cent's biggest hits and is considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs of all time. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine weeks and became an international anthem.
50 Cent was discovered by rapper Eminem and signed to Shady Records, which is owned by Eminem and Dr. Dre. Dr. Dre produced several tracks on 'Get Rich or Die Tryin',' helping to shape 50 Cent's signature sound.
In addition to his music career, 50 Cent has pursued acting, starring in films such as 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' (2005), which was loosely based on his life, and 'Righteous Kill' (2008) alongside Robert De Niro and Al Pacino.
50 Cent is also a savvy businessman. He invested in Vitaminwater early on, and when the company was sold to Coca-Cola in 2007, he reportedly earned around $100 million from the deal.
The rapper launched his own record label, G-Unit Records, and helped to bring other artists like Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck to prominence as part of the G-Unit group.
50 Cent has won numerous awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the song 'Crack a Bottle,' which he performed with Eminem and Dr. Dre.
50 Cent has faced financial difficulties in his career, including filing for bankruptcy in 2015. However, he has since bounced back and continues to be successful in various business ventures.
In 2014, 50 Cent launched his own premium vodka brand, EFFEN Vodka, and has been actively involved in promoting the brand, which has become popular in the spirits market.
50 Cent has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including launching the G-Unity Foundation, which provides grants to nonprofit organizations that focus on improving the quality of life for low-income communities.
Despite controversies and challenges, 50 Cent remains a significant figure in the entertainment industry. His influence on hip-hop, entrepreneurship, and pop culture is undeniable, and his story continues to inspire fans around the world.
