Curtis James Jackson III—better known to the world as 50 Cent—is a prominent American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur whose journey from a troubled youth to international fame is both inspiring and complex. Born on July 6, 1975, in the South Jamaica area of Queens, New York, Jackson faced significant challenges early in life, yet ultimately carved out a successful and multifaceted career in entertainment and business.
His childhood was marred by tragedy and hardship. Raised by his mother Sabrina, who was involved in drug dealing, Jackson lost her in a mysterious fire when he was just eight years old. With his father absent, he was taken in by his grandparents. Growing up during the height of the crack cocaine epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s, Jackson got caught up in street life early, starting to sell drugs at the age of 12. Around that time, he also began boxing. At 19, he was arrested for drug possession, and police later discovered heroin and crack cocaine at his home. As a result, he spent six months in a boot camp and completed his GED while there.
Entry into Music and Rise to Stardom
Jackson began pursuing music seriously in the mid-1990s. He met Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC, who took him under his wing and helped refine his rapping skills. By 1996, Jackson was actively working toward a music career. He recorded his debut album, Power of the Dollar, with Columbia Records. However, the album was never released due to a life-threatening incident in 2000, when he was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s home. The attack left him with permanent injuries, including a slightly altered voice.
Breakthrough and Business Success
50 Cent’s big break came in 2002 when rapper Eminem heard his mixtape Guess Who’s Back? and offered him a deal through Shady Records, a label under Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. This opportunity skyrocketed Jackson into the mainstream spotlight.
His debut studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, dropped in 2003 and quickly became a commercial juggernaut. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and sold millions of copies, powered by chart-topping singles like “In da Club” and “21 Questions.” The album eventually received nine-times platinum certification from the RIAA. That same year, he launched his own label, G-Unit Records, bringing artists like Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo under its banner.
His second album, The Massacre (2005), further cemented his success, especially with the hit track “Candy Shop.” He later took a more mainstream route with albums like Curtis (2007) and Before I Self Destruct (2009), though these projects didn’t receive the same critical praise. Over his music career, Jackson has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.
Acting and Media Ventures
Outside of music, Jackson has demonstrated keen business acumen. One of his most notable ventures was investing in Vitaminwater, which earned him an estimated $100 million when Coca-Cola acquired the company. He also launched SMS Audio and became involved in industries ranging from fashion and beverages to film production.
Jackson also explored acting, taking the lead in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2005. He later starred in films such as Home of the Brave (2006) and Righteous Kill (2008). More recently, he gained acclaim as the executive producer and a key actor in the hit television series Power (2014–2020), along with its spin-offs, produced under his company, G-Unit Films and Television Inc.
Conflicts and Public Image
Throughout his career, Jackson has been involved in numerous high-profile feuds with fellow artists like Ja Rule, The Game, and Rick Ross. These clashes often unfolded in the public eye and became part of his larger-than-life persona, adding to his reputation as a bold and controversial figure in hip-hop.
Recent Endeavors
In recent years, Jackson has shifted his focus more toward television production and media-related ventures. Alongside his business pursuits, he’s also participated in charitable efforts, including initiatives to provide meals to children in need in Africa. In 2022, he performed at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show, marking yet another milestone in a career that continues to evolve.
