A look at how 50 Cent made his fortune, from his early days as a drug dealer to his successful rap career.
Checkout this video:
The Early Years
Curtis Jackson, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, comedian, businessman, and investor. Born in the South Jamaica neighborhood of the borough of Queens, Jackson began selling drugs at age twelve during the 1980s crack epidemic. He later began pursuing a musical career and in 2000 he produced Power of the Dollar for Columbia Records, but days before the planned release he was shot nine times in front of his grandmother’s home.
His upbringing
50 Cent was born in Queens, New York in 1975. His mother was a cocaine dealer who died when he was eight years old, and his father abandoned the family soon afterwards. He was raised by his grandparents and spent much of his childhood in poverty. When he was 12 years old, he started selling drugs on the streets. He quickly became involved in the local drug trade and by the time he was 20, he was one of the most successful drug dealers in Queens.
In 2000, 50 Cent released his first album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which sold over nine million copies worldwide. The album’s success made him one of the richest rappers in the world.
His introduction to the music industry
50 Cent’s introduction to the music industry came through his involvement with rapper and producer Jam Master Jay of Run-D.M.C.. Jay would often bring 50 Cent along to the studio to work on new material and Jay would help 50 Cent develop his skills as a rapper. In 1998, 50 Cent released his debut mixtape, Power of the Dollar. The mixtape featured tracks that he had recorded prior to being dropped from his label deal. The mixtape attracted the attention of several hip hop labels, including Roc-A-Fella Records, who 50 Cent signed a contract with in 1999.
The Rise to Fame
His first album
50 Cent’s debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, was released on February 6, 2003. The album peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 872,000 copies in its first week. It features the singles “In da Club” and “21 Questions”, which peaked at number one and number two on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 respectively.
His second album
50 Cent released his second album, “The Massacre,” in 2005. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling more than 1.14 million copies in its first week. “The Massacre” would go on to be certified 6x platinum by the RIAA. The album featured the singles “Candy Shop,” “Disco Inferno,” and “Just a Lil Bit.”
The Business End
50 Cent’s career began when he was discovered by Eminem and signed to Shady Records in 2002. His debut album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” was released in 2003 and sold more than 9 million copies worldwide. 50 Cent has also had a highly successful business career, launching his own record label, G-Unit Records, as well as a line of clothing, G-Unit Clothing Company. He has also acted in movies and television shows, and has a line of energy drinks, Street King. In this article, we’ll take a look at how 50 Cent has made his fortune.
His clothing line
On November 29, 2018, 50 Cent’s G-Unit Clothing Company partnered with Italian luxury fashion house Diesel S.p.A., in a worldwide licensing agreement. The multi-year deal gives Diesel the right to create, produce and distribute streetwear-oriented products under the G-Unit Brand name. The line will be available in selected Diesel stores as well as in specialty stores and select retailers worldwide beginning Spring/Summer 2019.
His investment in Vitaminwater
In 2004, 50 Cent participated in a three-way $200 million joint venture with The Coca-Cola Company and LVMH’s Moët HennessyLouis Vuitton to create streetwear brand Enyce. The following year, he was featured on a commercial for Vitaminwater, and one week after it aired, he agreed to endorse the product. When Coca-Cola purchased Glaceau for $4.1 billion in 2007, Forbes magazine estimated that 50 Cent’s stake had increased to $100 million. In April 2008, the rapper placed his Connecticut estate on the market at an asking price of $18.5 million—more than triple its original value. He told Forbes he planned to use the money from the sale to invest in “real estate, golf courses and film production”.
His Legacy
50 Cent is an American rapper, actor, businessman, and investor. He was born Curtis James Jackson III on July 6, 1975, in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. 50 Cent rose to fame with his 2003 album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which sold more than 8 million copies worldwide. His 2005 album, “The Massacre,” sold more than 1.4 million copies in the United States in its first week and was certified double platinum. 50 Cent has an estimated net worth of $30 million.
His impact on the music industry
50 Cent’s impact on the music industry cannot be understated. He is one of the most successful rappers of all time, and has had a hand in innovating the sound and style of hip hop. He has also been highly influential in the business side of the industry, serving as a CEO and founder of several companies. 50 Cent’s innovations have helped to shape the sound and business of hip hop, making him one of the most important figures in the history of the genre.
His philanthropic work
50 Cent has always been generous with his time and money, donating to various charities throughout his career. In 2015, he started the G-Unity Foundation, which provides support to low-income and homeless residents in New York City. The foundation has also given out scholarships to college students.
In 2016, 50 Cent partnered with BMW to design a limited edition car for charity auction. The car was sold for $250,000, with all proceeds going to the Tony Hawk Foundation, which helps build skate parks in underserved communities.
In 2020, 50 Cent donated $100,000 to an organization that provides medical supplies to healthcare workers fighting the coronavirus pandemic. He also donated $1 million to social justice causes through his G-Unity Foundation.