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== Biography == == Biography ==
=== Early life ===
Curtis James Jackson III grew up in the ] neighborhood of ] in ]. He was raised without a father and his mother, a bisexual crack dealer, was found dead under mysterious circumstances before he became a teenager. The orphaned youth was taken in by his grandparents. He began hanging out on ], now known as Guy R. Brewer Blvd. There, he stepped up to get a reputation, amassing a small fortune and a lengthy rap sheet. {{fact}} But the birth of his son put things in perspective for the post adolescent, and he began to pursue rap seriously.


===Jam Master Jay Records=== ===Jam Master Jay Records===
] of ] signed him to his label for a brief time. His first official appearance on a song was on the group ] song "React", on their album "Shut 'Em Down" in 1998. Jam Master Jay began teaching 50 how to make a record. ] of ] signed him to his label for a brief time. His first official appearance on a song was on the group ] song "React", on their album "Shut 'Em Down" in 1998. Jam Master Jay began teaching 50 how to make a record.
===Columbia Records===
{{Unreferenced|date=December 2006}}
After leaving Jam Master Jay, the platinum hitmakers ] took notice of 50 and signed him to ] in 1999. They shipped 50 to ] where they locked him up in the studio for 2 1/2 weeks. He turned out 36 songs in this short period, which resulted in ''Power Of The Dollar''. His career took off after the release of the successful, but controversial single "]" playfully painting him as a deliriously hungry up-and-comer daydreaming of robbing famous rappers. Offended by this record, ], ], ], and ] all replied to the song. The next single, "Ghetto Qur'an", led to a feud with a drug kingpin known as Kenneth "]" McGriff, founder of a gang known as the "Supreme Team."{{fact}} The song goes in depth about the business of the drug trade and exposed the names of many in the business. The debut album '']'' was shelved due to the controversies surrounding the rapper, and also led to the infamous shooting and ] with numerous rappers affiliated with McGriff.{{fact}}

===Shooting===
In April 2000, three days before filming his video with ] for the song "Thug Luv", 50 Cent was shot at 9 times. Three of the ] bullets hit him, one in the jaw and one in each leg. This occurred in front of his grandmother's house in Queens, New York. While his injuries were non-life threatening, he underwent surgery and spent the next few months in recovery while ] dropped him from the label. After his recovery, 50 Cent returned to the recording studio, despite having no income or backing, with his new business partner and friend ]. The two recorded over 30 songs, strictly for mix tapes, with the sole purpose of building a reputation. 50 Cent's popularity rose {{fact}} and by the end of Spring 2001 he released the new material independently on the makeshift LP, ''Guess Who's Back?''. Beginning to attract interest, and now backed by ], 50 Cent continued making more songs. But than create new songs as they had before, 50 decided to showcase his hit-making ability by retouching beats which had already been used. {{fact}} They released the red, white and blue bootleg, "50 Cent Is the Future," revisiting material by ] and even Rapheal Saadiq. {{fact}}


===Shady/Aftermath=== ===Shady/Aftermath===
After getting signed to a seven figure deal. <ref>http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/50_cent/bio.jhtml</ref> 50 quickly released another bootleg of borrowed beats, "]." The CD featured only one new track, "Wanksta." The track was put on ]'s ] soundtrack. After getting signed to a seven figure deal. <ref>http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/50_cent/bio.jhtml</ref>


==The popularity of G-Unit== ==The popularity of G-Unit==
] Logo]] ] Logo]]
In its first week of release, his debut "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" sold 872,000 copies.<ref>http://uk.news.yahoo.com/dotmusic_news/28280.html</ref> The album was certified gold in its first week and platinum the next, and it broke the record for first week sales of any major label debut in the entire ] ]. The rapper's debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" was certified six times platinum by the ]. In its first week of release, his debut "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" sold 872,000 copies.<ref>http://uk.news.yahoo.com/dotmusic_news/28280.html</ref>


] then granted 50 Cent his own label, ]. 50 Cent appointed his manager ] as the president. <ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1760</ref> The label signed on ], ] and ] as the established members of G-Unit. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent had signed ] under a joint venture. After the departure of The Game, the rapper signed singer ] and rap veteran ] to G-Unit Records.<ref>http://www.interscope.com/artists/artists_gunit.asp</ref> ], ], and Young Hot Rod joined G-Unit after the signing of Mobb Deep<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508894/09022005/50_cent.jhtml,</ref><ref>http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7132</ref>. 50 Cent has expressed interest in working with other rappers outside of G-Unit such as ] of ], ] from ], ] from ], and ] of ], some of whom he has now recorded with. <ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5337</ref> ] then granted 50 Cent his own label, ]. 50 Cent appointed his manager ] as the president. <ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1760</ref> The label signed on ], ] and ] as the established members of G-Unit. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent had signed ] under a joint venture. After the departure of The Game, the rapper signed singer ] and rap veteran ] to G-Unit Records.<ref>http://www.interscope.com/artists/artists_gunit.asp</ref> ], ], and Young Hot Rod joined G-Unit after the signing of Mobb Deep<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508894/09022005/50_cent.jhtml,</ref><ref>http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7132</ref>. 50 Cent has expressed interest in working with other rappers outside of G-Unit such as ] of ], ] from ], ] from ], and ] of ], some of whom he has now recorded with. <ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5337</ref>


==Endorsements and Projects== ==Endorsements and Projects==
===Merchandise===
Since releasing '']'' with his group G-Unit, the rapper teamed up with ] to release his own G-Unit Sneakers. He also invested in ] bottled water which takes after his name ] and his own clothing line called G-Unit Heavy Weigh Clothing. A video game starring 50 Cent, called '']'', is available on the ], the ], and the ].


===Television, Movies, and Books=== ===Television, Movies, and Books===
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==Controversy== ==Controversy==
===Ja Rule and Murder Inc.===
Even before signing with Interscope, 50 Cent was engaged in a well-publicized ] with rival rapper ] and his label ]. The rappers engaged in numerous mix tape "disses". The conflict stemmed from the rapper's alleged robbery of Ja Rule's jewelry, which led to a confrontation and 50 Cent's stabbing.

An affidavit on ]<ref>http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0906051murder1.html</ref> suggests that the label has ties to Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff, who is possibly involved in the murder of ] and the attempted murder of 50 Cent. An excerpt of the affidavit reads:

:"''The investigation has uncovered a conspiracy involving McGriff and others to murder a rap artist who has released songs containing lyrics regarding McGriff's criminal activities. The rap artist was shot nine times in 2000, survived and there after refused to cooperate with law enforcement regarding the shooting. Messages transmitted over the Murder Inc. Pager indicate that McGriff is involved in an ongoing plot to kill this rap artist, and that he communicates with Murder Inc. employees concerning the target.''"


===Feuds with other New York rappers=== ===Feuds with other New York rappers===
50 Cent began a feud with rappers ], ], ], ], ] and ]. 50 Cent began a feud with rappers ], ], ], ], ] and ].

The feud with Nas started from tension after Nas appeared on ]'s track "I'm Gonna Be Alright (Remix)", which 50 Cent wanted to be on. The dispute grew underground for a while, but sparked publicly when Nas made a disrespectful comment towards 50 Cent at a free concert in New York's Central Park. {{fact}}

The feud with Joe Budden started from the 50 Cent's critical review of Joe Budden's debut album in a magazine interview. Joe Budden responded with several mixtape disses attacking the rap group's credibility. This feud continued on with The Game's ] against Joe Budden. {{fact}}

The feud with Jadakiss and Fat Joe started from their partnership with Ja Rule. {{fact}} After they were featured in the filming of a video named New York, 50 Cent recorded a response to the rappers through a single known as "]". The single attacks Jadakiss, Fat Joe and imprisoned rapper ] for the association to Ja Rule. The feud with Shyne started from the rapper having some of his album being produced by ]. Even though things cooled down, at the 2005 ], Fat Joe made a disparaging comment about G-Unit during a performance. 50 Cent and G-Unit retaliated on set by shouting obscenities toward Fat Joe and his ].

The rapper has feuds with ] G-Unit members, Bang 'Em Smurf and ]. This feud started after Bang 'Em Smurf claimed the rapper didn't assist in bailing him out of jail after being charged with a gun crime. This led to the rapper serving a three year prison sentence.

He has also criticized ] for having breast implants and expressed his disgust of her participation in their hit single "Magic Stick," which he did not want to record with her, citing that the song was originally entitled to Miami rapper ]. {{fact}}

The feud with Jay-Z started when the rapper released "How to Rob" and Jay-Z responded with sublimial lines targeting 50 Cent on the single "It's Hot." 50 Cent responded with "Be a Gentleman." The track was never heard by many due to the rapper's departure from Columbia Records. 50 Cent ended his feud with ]. ], a rapper affiliate with ] is working with 50 Cent to complete his sophomore album.


50 Cent began to speak negatively about ] mogul Sean "]" Combs, and recorded a song targeting the mogul, which reveals the reason behind his negative feelings toward the mogul: a contract dispute over ]. In the aforementioned song, he implied that Diddy knows about ]'s murder and threatened to expose him through several former associates. This feud has since been resolved, with Diddy and 50 Cent appearing on ]'s ] and Sucker Free, respectively, stating that there are no longer problems between the two.<ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/?ID=6111</ref> 50 Cent began to speak negatively about ] mogul Sean "]" Combs, and recorded a song targeting the mogul, which reveals the reason behind his negative feelings toward the mogul: a contract dispute over ]. In the aforementioned song, he implied that Diddy knows about ]'s murder and threatened to expose him through several former associates. This feud has since been resolved, with Diddy and 50 Cent appearing on ]'s ] and Sucker Free, respectively, stating that there are no longer problems between the two.<ref>http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/?ID=6111</ref>
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{{Main article|G-Unit vs. The Game}} {{Main article|G-Unit vs. The Game}}


⚫ The Game "Not Rich, Still Lyin'" released images depicting the rap group in many parodies on some of his previous mixtapes. In response, G-Unit published a mixtape cover with the rapper's head on the body of an exotic dancer.<ref>http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/50%20cent%20fuels%20fire%20with%20the%20game_1003370 ] accessed on June 29, 2006</ref>
50 Cent has an escalating ] with The Game. The Game, who was previously signed to G-Unit, was bonding with the rapper before the release of his debut '']''. When the album was released, 50 Cent felt that The Game was disloyal for wanting to work with artists G-Unit was feuding with. He further claimed that he was not getting proper credit for the debut of the album.

During that dispute, a member of The Game's entourage was shot after a confrontation outside the ] radio station. When the situation escalated, 50 Cent and The Game tried to hold a press conference to end their feud. Fans claim the feud and particularly the incident at the radio station were a publicity stunt designed to boost the sales of the two albums the pair had just released. Nevertheless, the situation escalated when The Game's street credibility was criticized by 50 Cent and G-Unit. The group denounced The Game and claimed that their participation will not be featured on the rapper's albums. The Game during a performance at the Summer Jam launched a boycott called "]".

After the performance at ], The Game responded with "]" which directly addresses 50 Cent and G-Unit. The Game continued his attacks at G-Unit with a DVD entitled ]. After numerous songs aimed at G-Unit, 50 Cent had responded to the The Game's rebuttals on ]. The rapper's most brutal track towards The Game is "Not Rich, Still Lyin'". The song imitates The Game and attacks his credibility and his recent feud with his brother, Big Fase 100.

⚫ The Game had also released images depicting the rap group in many parodies on some of his previous mixtapes. In response, G-Unit published a mixtape cover with the rapper's head on the body of an exotic dancer.<ref>http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/50%20cent%20fuels%20fire%20with%20the%20game_1003370 ] accessed on June 29, 2006</ref>
Although both rappers were once signed to the ], this feud has led to The Game ] Aftermath Entertainment, in order to completely resolve the matter.


=== Other Controversy === === Other Controversy ===
While appearing at the ] concert in New York, 50 Cent and members of G-Unit were criticized for speaking out against other notable artists including R&B singer ]. Before going onstage, 50 Cent mentioned R. Kelly's pending ] trial. He and his crew received mixed reactions from the crowd and chairs were thrown onstage, forcing 50 Cent and his G-Unit crew to leave the stage for safety reasons.

The rapper also had a falling out with Eminem's former ] ]. The deejay has been labeled traitor for his apparent phone conversation with rival Jadakiss. The rapper had a phone interview with DJ Green Lantern over the feud with 50 Cent. The DJ was apparently encouraging Jadakiss to "deliver a major blow" to 50 Cent, Jadakiss has responded on songs such as "Sorry Ms. Jackson" and "Checkmate". {{fact}} The rapper never confronted the DJ about the situation, but it did affect the relationship within Shady Records. The situation forced Green Lantern to leave Shady Records and other ventures associated with Eminem.

On a taping of ''],'' conservative commentator ] has urged boycotts against rap music. O'Reilly named 50 Cent as a target of his crusade to prevent rappers who promote bad behavior from endorsing mainstream merchandise. He criticized shoe maker ] for partnering up with 50 Cent to endorse his '']''. O'Reilly has rallied another boycott, this time against the shoe maker. Despite the boycott, sales remain excellent, and Reebok still continues to endorse 50 Cent's products. However, a television advertisement for Reebok which featured 50 Cent was taken off air in the ]. The advertisement contained lyrics from one of the rapper's tracks, which resulted in complaints against their violent imagery.


50 Cent has apparently expressed support for President ] after comments were made by rapper ]. After the tragedy of ], 50 Cent defended the president when being criticized for his slow response in assisting the victims of the ] region.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=1274052</ref> If the rapper's felony convictions didn't prevent him from voting, 50 Cent claimed that he would have voted for Bush.<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1514482/20051123/50_cent.jhtml?headlines=true</ref> 50 Cent has apparently expressed support for President ] after comments were made by rapper ]. After the tragedy of ], 50 Cent defended the president when being criticized for his slow response in assisting the victims of the ] region.<ref>http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=1274052</ref> If the rapper's felony convictions didn't prevent him from voting, 50 Cent claimed that he would have voted for Bush.<ref>http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1514482/20051123/50_cent.jhtml?headlines=true</ref>


], a member of ] suggested that the government ban 50 Cent from entering the country. McTeague said the rapper's message encourages ]. A few of the featured G-Unit acts were denied entry in Canada;<ref>http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1135119019559&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154</ref>The rapper's tour went on as planned. ], a member of ] suggested that the government ban 50 Cent from entering the country. McTeague said the rapper's message encourages ]. A few of the featured G-Unit acts were denied entry in Canada;<ref>http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1135119019559&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154</ref>

At the ] in 2004, 50 Cent with G Unit endured a barrage of bottles being thrown and a chorus of boo's, from the 50,000+ crowd. Leaving the stage after a mere 20 minutes into the set.


== Discography == == Discography ==

Revision as of 01:15, 28 January 2007


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This article contains weasel words: vague phrasing that often accompanies biased or unverifiable information. Such statements should be clarified or removed.
For other people called Curtis Jackson, see Curtis Jackson (disambiguation). For the currency amount, see 50 cents.
50 Cent
Musical artist

Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975) is an American East Coast rapper commonly known by his rap name 50 Cent. He rose to fame following the success of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' and The Massacre. 50 Cent achieved multi-platinum success with both albums, selling over 20 million albums worldwide. He is known for his "gangsta" image, and for having been shot at nine times of which one hit to the jaw and one in each leg. He currently resides in Farmington, Connecticut, in the former mansion of boxing star Mike Tyson.

Biography

Jam Master Jay Records

Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC signed him to his label for a brief time. His first official appearance on a song was on the group Onyx song "React", on their album "Shut 'Em Down" in 1998. Jam Master Jay began teaching 50 how to make a record.

Shady/Aftermath

After getting signed to a seven figure deal.

The popularity of G-Unit

File:Gunitlogo.jpg
G-Unit Records Logo

In its first week of release, his debut "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" sold 872,000 copies.

Interscope then granted 50 Cent his own label, G-Unit Records. 50 Cent appointed his manager Sha Money XL as the president. The label signed on Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Young Buck as the established members of G-Unit. Dr. Dre and 50 Cent had signed The Game under a joint venture. After the departure of The Game, the rapper signed singer Olivia and rap veteran Mobb Deep to G-Unit Records. Spider Loc, M.O.P., and Young Hot Rod joined G-Unit after the signing of Mobb Deep. 50 Cent has expressed interest in working with other rappers outside of G-Unit such as Lil' Scrappy of BME, LL Cool J from Def Jam, Mase from Bad Boy, and Freeway of Roc-A-Fella Records, some of whom he has now recorded with.

Endorsements and Projects

Television, Movies, and Books

50 Cent appeared on an episode of The Simpsons entitled, "Pranksta Rap". 50 Cent starred in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin' directed by Jim Sheridan, and co-starring Joy Bryant and Terrence Howard. He has also just released a film called Home of the Brave, starring 50 Cent, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jessica Biel. He is currently working on his role in the movie The Dance, along side Nicholas Cage, and is set to star opposite Robert De Niro in the 2008 film New Orleans, a film regarding a police death. 50 Cent released a memoir about his life up to his success entitled From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens. 50 Cent launched his G-Unit Books imprint Thursday January 4, 2007 at Borders-Columbus Circle at the Time Warner Building in New York.

Controversy

Feuds with other New York rappers

50 Cent began a feud with rappers Nas, Joe Budden, Fat Joe, Shyne, Jadakiss and D-Block.

50 Cent began to speak negatively about Bad Boy Entertainment mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs, and recorded a song targeting the mogul, which reveals the reason behind his negative feelings toward the mogul: a contract dispute over Mase. In the aforementioned song, he implied that Diddy knows about The Notorious B.I.G.'s murder and threatened to expose him through several former associates. This feud has since been resolved, with Diddy and 50 Cent appearing on MTV's TRL and Sucker Free, respectively, stating that there are no longer problems between the two.

The Game

Main article: G-Unit vs. The Game

The Game "Not Rich, Still Lyin'" released images depicting the rap group in many parodies on some of his previous mixtapes. In response, G-Unit published a mixtape cover with the rapper's head on the body of an exotic dancer.

Other Controversy

50 Cent has apparently expressed support for President George W. Bush after comments were made by rapper Kanye West. After the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina, 50 Cent defended the president when being criticized for his slow response in assisting the victims of the Gulf Coast region. If the rapper's felony convictions didn't prevent him from voting, 50 Cent claimed that he would have voted for Bush.

Dan McTeague, a member of Canadian Parliament suggested that the government ban 50 Cent from entering the country. McTeague said the rapper's message encourages gun violence. A few of the featured G-Unit acts were denied entry in Canada;

Discography

Main article: 50 Cent Discography

Studio Albums

Album Cover Album Information
Guess Who's Back?
File:Grodt.jpg Get Rich or Die Tryin'
File:The Massacre.JPG The Massacre
Before I Self Destruct

Collaboration Albums

Album Cover Album Information
Beg For Mercy (with G-Unit)

Soundtracks

Album Cover Album Information
Get Rich or Die Tryin' (soundtrack)

DVDs

DVD Cover DVD Information
File:50cent-thenewbreed(Front).jpg
 50 Cent: The New Breed
  • Released: April 15, 2003
  • Label: Shady / Aftermath / Interscope
  • U.S. Sales: 430 000
  • Worldwide Sales: 1 218 000


See also

References

  1. http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/50_cent/bio.jhtml
  2. http://uk.news.yahoo.com/dotmusic_news/28280.html
  3. http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1760
  4. http://www.interscope.com/artists/artists_gunit.asp
  5. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508894/09022005/50_cent.jhtml,
  6. http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7132
  7. http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5337
  8. http://www.allhiphop.com/Hiphopnews/?ID=6111
  9. http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf/article/50%20cent%20fuels%20fire%20with%20the%20game_1003370 URL accessed on June 29, 2006
  10. http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=1274052
  11. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1514482/20051123/50_cent.jhtml?headlines=true
  12. http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1135119019559&call_pageid=968332188492&col=968793972154
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