50 Cent facts for kids

Quick facts for kids 50 Cent
50 Cent in 2024
Born	Curtis James Jackson III (1975-07-06) July 6, 1975 (age 49) New York City, U.S.
Occupation	Rapper songwriter actor television producer record executive businessman
Years active	1996 (1996)–present
Organization	G-Unity Foundation
Works	Albums singles group records clothing books multimedia videography
Television	50 Central 50 Cent: The Money and the Power For Life Power The Oath
Children	2
Awards	Full list
Musical career
Genres	Hip hop
Labels	Caroline Capitol G-Unit Shady Aftermath Interscope Universal Columbia Trackmasters JMJ
Signature

Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and TV producer. He was born in South Jamaica, a neighborhood in Queens, New York City. Jackson started his music career in 1996.

In 1999–2000, he recorded his first album, Power of the Dollar. However, he was injured in a shooting in May 2000. This caused his album to be canceled, and he left his record label. In 2002, his mixtape Guess Who's Back? was discovered by rapper Eminem. Eminem then signed Jackson to his label, Shady Records.

His first studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003), was very successful. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. It included hit songs like "In da Club" and "21 Questions". The album sold millions of copies. That same year, he started his own record label, G-Unit Records. This label was named after his hip hop group, G-Unit.

His second album, The Massacre (2005), was also very popular. It featured his third number-one song, "Candy Shop". Later albums, Curtis (2007) and Before I Self Destruct (2009), were less successful. His fifth album, Animal Ambition (2014), aimed to return to his earlier style. Since then, he has focused more on TV and media. He produced and starred in the TV series Power.

Jackson has sold over 30 million albums worldwide. He has won many awards, including a Grammy Award and a Primetime Emmy Award. He also won thirteen Billboard Music Awards. In his acting career, he starred in the film Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005). Billboard ranked him among the top rappers.

Early Life and Beginnings

Jackson was born in Queens, New York City. He grew up in the South Jamaica area. His mother, Sabrina, raised him until she passed away in a fire when he was 8. After this, his grandparents raised him.

He started boxing when he was about 11 years old. When he was 14, a neighbor opened a boxing gym for local youth. Jackson felt that rapping was like boxing because both are competitive.

As a teenager, Jackson faced legal challenges. He spent time in a special program and earned his GED. After this, he chose the name "50 Cent". This name was inspired by Kelvin Martin, a robber known as "50 Cent" in the 1980s. Jackson chose it because it showed he could take care of himself by any means.

Music Career Journey

Starting Out and Early Challenges (1996–2002)

Jackson began rapping in a friend's basement. He used turntables to record over music. In 1996, he met Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC. Jay taught him how to create songs and make records. Jackson's first appearance was on the song "React" in 1998.

In 1999, Jackson signed with Trackmasters and Columbia Records. He quickly recorded many songs for his 2000 album, Power of the Dollar. Jackson also started his own company, Hollow Point Entertainment.

His popularity grew with the song "How to Rob". This song humorously described robbing famous artists. Jackson said he wrote it to stand out from other artists. Many rappers responded to the song. However, two days before filming a music video, Jackson was injured in a shooting.

He recovered after several months. After leaving the hospital, he faced challenges in the music industry. He was unable to work in U.S. studios. So, he went to Canada and recorded many songs for mixtapes. These mixtapes helped him build his reputation. In 2002, he released the mixtapes Guess Who's Back? and 50 Cent Is the Future.

Becoming a Star (2002–2007)

50 Cent in 2006

In 2002, Eminem heard Jackson's Guess Who's Back? CD. Eminem was impressed and invited Jackson to Los Angeles. There, he met Dr. Dre. Jackson signed a $1 million record deal. He then released the mixtape No Mercy, No Fear, which included the song "Wanksta". This song appeared on Eminem's 8 Mile movie soundtrack.

50 Cent released his first major album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in February 2003. Critics praised it, and it sold 872,000 copies in just four days. The first song, "In da Club", became a huge hit. It set a Billboard record for radio play.

Olivia, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and 50 Cent (left to right) in Bangkok, February 2006

In 2003, Interscope Records started supporting Jackson's label, G-Unit Records. He signed Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck to G-Unit. Later, The Game also joined. 50 Cent helped produce Lloyd Banks's album The Hunger for More, which sold very well.

In March 2005, 50 Cent's second album, The Massacre, sold over a million copies quickly. It was number one on the Billboard 200 for six weeks. He made history by having three songs in the Billboard top five at the same time: "Candy Shop", "Disco Inferno", and "How We Do".

Later Albums and New Directions (2007–Present)

In September 2007, 50 Cent released his third album, Curtis. It sold 691,000 copies in its first week. It debuted at number two, behind Kanye West's album Graduation. This period saw a shift in hip-hop music trends.

His fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, was released in November 2009. He also released a mixtape and a book called The 50th Law.

50 Cent performing in 2011

From 2010 to 2015, Jackson explored new music styles. He worked on an album called Black Magic, inspired by European dance music. He later decided to make a different album. He tweeted that his new album was "80 percent done" in 2011. It was delayed due to disagreements with his record label.

In 2014, Jackson announced his album Animal Ambition. He also left Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope. He signed with Caroline and Capitol Music Group. He said his friendship with Eminem and Dr. Dre allowed him to leave his contract early. Animal Ambition was released on June 3, 2014. The album's theme was prosperity.

In 2015, Jackson released "Get Low" as a single for his next album, Street King Immortal. He also faced financial difficulties and filed for financial protection in July 2015.

In 2020, Jackson helped produce the debut album for the late rapper Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. He was a big inspiration for Pop Smoke. Jackson helped finish the album after Pop Smoke passed away. He also appeared on one of the album's songs, "The Woo".

In July 2021, 50 Cent confirmed that he would not release his Street King Immortal album. Instead, he plans to release a completely new project.

Focusing on Acting and Production (2021–Present)

50 Cent in 2017

In May 2021, Curtis Jackson moved to Houston. He started writing screenplays for new crime shows. He also partnered with the Houston Independent School District. This project helps high school students learn business skills.

In August 2021, he was confirmed to star in the movie Expend4bles. In September 2021, Starz released BMF. This series is based on a true story about two brothers who ran a money laundering operation. Jackson is an executive producer for the show.

On February 13, 2022, 50 Cent was a surprise performer at the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. He later won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live) for his performance.

Artistic Style

Jackson says his rapping was influenced by groups like Boogie Down Productions and The Juice Crew. He also mentioned LL Cool J as an inspiration for his song "21 Questions". While working on Animal Ambition, he was influenced by Nas, Rakim, and The Notorious B.I.G..

Business Ventures

Jackson has been very successful in business. He has invested in many different industries. He is involved in artist management, music, TV, and film production. He also has ventures in footwear, clothing, fragrances, and drinks.

He started his record label, G-Unit Records, in 2003. In November 2003, he partnered with Reebok to sell G-Unit Sneakers. Jackson said his businesses often do well because they connect to his public image.

Jackson also started a book publishing company, G-Unit Books, in 2007. He has written several books, including his memoir From Pieces To Weight. He also wrote a crime novel and a book with Robert Greene called The 50th Law. In 2011, he released 50 Cent's Playground, a novel for young adults about bullying.

One of his first big business deals was with Glacéau. They created a drink called Formula 50. In 2004, Jackson became a part-owner of the company. He became a spokesperson for their VitaminWater drink. In 2007, Coca-Cola bought Glacéau for $4.1 billion. Jackson earned a large amount of money from this deal. He still supports VitaminWater today.

He also partnered with Right Guard for a body spray. He planned to donate part of the money to raise awareness about HIV. Jackson also announced plans for a dietary-supplement company.

50 Cent with Val Kilmer at the 2009 American Music Awards

Jackson has started two film production companies: G-Unit Films (2003) and Cheetah Vision (2008). Cheetah Vision makes action thrillers. In 2010, Jackson brought back G-Unit Films, renaming it G-Unit Films and Television Inc. This company has worked with other production companies. Jackson has sold projects to six different TV networks. One of his big successes is Power, a STARZ drama. He co-stars and is an executive producer for the show. Power was very popular and ended in 2020. Jackson is also an executive producer for its spin-off shows.

In 2002, Jackson registered "50 Cent" as a trademark for clothing and music. He has since filed for more trademarks.

In July 2011, Jackson started a charity project called Street King. He partnered with Pure Growth Partners to provide food for children in Africa. A part of the money from each Street King purchase helps feed a child. Jackson said he wants to help feed a billion people in Africa. In 2011, he also founded SMS Audio. This company sells headphones, and a portion of sales goes to charity.

In 2014, Jackson became a part-owner of Effen Vodka. He promotes the vodka at his concerts and on social media. In December 2014, Jackson signed a $78 million deal with FRIGO Revolution Wear, a luxury underwear brand. He became the chief fashion designer for their boxers.

Investments and Financial Matters

Jackson has invested his earnings in many companies, real estate, and stocks. Some of his investments lost value during the 2008 recession. In 2008, he said he lost millions in the stock market. He also faced challenges selling his large home in Connecticut.

In 2011, Jackson reportedly earned $10 million by promoting a marketing company on Twitter. He was a part-owner of this company. He later faced questions about his stock investments.

In 2013, Jackson invested in Hang w/, a live video broadcasting app. Many celebrities use this app to share their daily lives.

In 2008, Jackson visited a mine in South Africa. He met with a South African billionaire to discuss buying a part of the mine. He considered launching his own line of 50 Cent branded platinum.

Boxing Promotion

On July 21, 2012, Jackson became a licensed boxing promoter. He started his company, TMT (The Money Team). He signed several boxers, including Yuriorkis Gamboa and Andre Dirrell. He aimed to challenge the popularity of mixed martial arts in boxing. In December 2012, Jackson and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. went their separate ways. Jackson then founded SMS Promotions.

Financial Protection Filing

On July 13, 2015, Jackson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This means he asked the court for help with his debts. His assets were listed between $10 million and $50 million. He said he had similar amounts in debt. This filing came after a jury ordered him to pay $5 million in a lawsuit. He also lost a dispute over a failed business deal involving his headphones.

Personal Life

50 Cent has said his life philosophy, after being injured, is "When your time comes, you go. I think that comes from God."

Forbes magazine noted Jackson's wealth in 2007. He was ranked second richest in the rap industry. He lived in a large home in Farmington, Connecticut. This home used to belong to boxer Mike Tyson. Jackson tried to sell the home to be closer to his son. In 2019, the mansion was sold for $2.9 million. $1 million from the sale was donated to charities.

The mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut, declared October 12, 2007, "50 Cent Curtis Jackson Day". He received a special honor and a key to the city.

In November 2009, Jackson won a lawsuit against Taco Bell. The fast-food chain used his name without his permission.

Family and Relationships

On October 13, 1996, Jackson's girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, gave birth to their son, Marquise. Tompkins later sued Jackson in 2009. The lawsuit was dismissed by a judge. Jackson and Tompkins have had disagreements over the years.

Marquise's birth changed Jackson's life. He said, "When my son came into my life, my priorities changed." He credits his son for inspiring his career. However, their relationship has been difficult since 2008.

Jackson has a tattoo of "Marquise" with an axe on his right arm. He also has "50", "Southside", and "Cold World" tattooed on his back.

Jackson dated model Daphne Joy. They had a son, Sire Jackson, on September 1, 2012. When he was two, Sire modeled for a headphone brand for kids. He earned a good amount of money from his contract.

Political Views

In 2005, Jackson supported President George W. Bush. He said he would have voted for Bush if his past legal issues did not prevent him. Later, he said Bush "has less compassion than the average human." In 2007, he said he liked Hillary Clinton.

Six months later, he switched his support to Barack Obama. However, he later said he lost interest in politics.

Jackson supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He turned down an offer from the Trump campaign. However, he supported Donald Trump in 2020 because he disliked Joe Biden's tax plans. A week later, he changed his mind and supported Biden.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio Albums

• Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003)
• The Massacre (2005)
• Curtis (2007)
• Before I Self Destruct (2009)
• Animal Ambition (2014)

Collaborative Albums

• Beg for Mercy (with G-Unit) (2003)
• T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) (with G-Unit) (2008)

Filmography

Movies

Television Shows

Video Games

Images for kids

• 

  50 Cent in 2024

• 

  50 Cent's signature

• 

  50 Cent in 2006

• 

  Olivia, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, and 50 Cent in Bangkok, February 2006

• 

  50 Cent performing in 2011

• 

  50 Cent in 2017

• 

  50 Cent with Val Kilmer at the 2009 American Music Awards

See also

In Spanish: 50 Cent para niños