History
Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and television producer who became one of the most influential figures in hip-hop during the early 21st century. Born on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York City, Jackson began his musical journey in 1996. His early career was marked by significant adversity; while signed to Columbia Records, he recorded his debut album, Power of the Dollar, but the project was shelved after he survived a near-fatal shooting in May 2000. This incident led to his departure from the label and a return to the underground mixtape circuit.
Breakthrough and Global Stardom
Jackson's 2002 mixtape, Guess Who's Back?, caught the attention of Eminem, who subsequently signed him to Shady Records under the umbrella of Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. This partnership paved the way for his major-label debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', released in 2003. The album was a massive commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and featuring chart-topping singles such as "In da Club" and "21 Questions." The album eventually earned a nine-times platinum certification from the RIAA.
Following his initial success, Jackson founded G-Unit Records, signing frequent collaborators Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. His second studio album, The Massacre (2005), continued his commercial dominance, debuting at number one and producing the hit single "Candy Shop." While his later musical releases, including Curtis (2007) and Before I Self Destruct (2009), saw a shift toward a more commercial sound and experienced varying levels of critical reception, Jackson remained a central figure in the industry.
Television, Film, and Business Ventures
In the 2010s, Jackson successfully transitioned into a prolific career in television and film. Through his production company, G-Unit Films and Television Inc., he executive-produced and starred in the hit Starz series Power, which ran from 2014 to 2020. The show's success led to the creation of an expansive franchise, including several spin-off series. His film credits include the semi-autobiographical Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005), Home of the Brave, and Righteous Kill.
Legacy and Recognition
With over 30 million albums sold worldwide, 50 Cent has earned a vast array of accolades, including a Grammy Award, a Primetime Emmy Award, and multiple Billboard Music Awards. In 2023, Billboard ranked him 17th on its list of the "50 Greatest Rappers" and recognized him as the sixth top artist of the 2000s. His work continues to be cited as a defining element of the "gangsta rap" era, with Get Rich or Die Tryin' frequently appearing on lists of the greatest albums of the decade.
