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 50) Queens, New York, U.S.
Occupation	Rapper songwriter actor television producer record executive record producer 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 professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and television producer. He was born in Queens, a part of New York City. Jackson started his music career in 1996. In 1999–2000, he recorded his first album, Power of the Dollar. However, an incident in May 2000 caused the album's release to be canceled and his record deal to end.

In 2002, his mixtape, Guess Who's Back?, was discovered by rapper Eminem. Eminem then signed Jackson to his label Shady Records, which was part of Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. His first studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003), was very successful and received great reviews. It reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included hit songs like "In da Club" and "21 Questions" (featuring Nate Dogg). It sold millions of copies, earning a nonuple platinum award.

In the same year, he started his own record label, G-Unit Records. This label was named after G-Unit, a hip hop group he had formed two years earlier. His second album, The Massacre (2005), was also very popular. It featured his third number-one song, "Candy Shop" (with Olivia). For his next albums, Curtis (2007) and Before I Self Destruct (2009), he tried a more pop-friendly style, but they were not as popular. His fifth album, Animal Ambition (2014), aimed to return to his earlier sound.

Since then, he has focused on his career in television and media. He helped create and acted in the TV series Power (2014–2020). He also worked on its many spin-off shows through his company G-Unit Films and Television Inc.. 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, six World Music Awards, three American Music Awards, and four BET Awards.

In his acting career, Jackson first starred in the movie Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2005), which didn't get great reviews. He also appeared in the war film Home of the Brave (2006) and the action movie Righteous Kill (2008). Billboard magazine ranked Jackson as one of the top rappers in 2023. Rolling Stone magazine included Get Rich or Die Tryin' and "In da Club" on its lists of the best albums and songs of the 2000s.

Early Life and Nickname

Jackson was born in Queens, New York City. He grew up in the South Jamaica neighborhood. His mother passed away when he was young, and he was raised by his grandparents.

He started boxing around age 11. When he was 14, a neighbor opened a boxing gym for young people. Jackson said, "When I wasn't in school, I was boxing in the gym." He felt that rappers are like boxers because they both train hard to be the best.

When he was 12, Jackson started getting involved in some difficult situations. He faced legal trouble in 1994. He was arrested again a few weeks later. Although he was sentenced to a long time in prison, he served six months in a special program. During this time, he earned his high school diploma.

Jackson chose the nickname "50 Cent" as a way to show change. The name was inspired by Kelvin Martin, a robber from the 1980s known as "50 Cent." Jackson picked it because "it says everything I want it to say. I'm the same kind of person 50 Cent was. I provide for myself by any means."

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out and Early Mixtapes

Jackson began rapping in a friend's basement. He used turntables to record his voice over music. In 1996, a friend introduced him to Jam Master Jay from Run-DMC. Jay taught him how to write songs and make records. Jackson's first appearance was on the song "React" with Onyx in 1998. He said Jam Master Jay helped him become better at writing catchy parts of songs.

In 1999, after leaving Jam Master Jay, the famous producers Trackmasters signed him to Columbia Records. He recorded 36 songs in two weeks for his 2000 album, Power of the Dollar. Jackson's popularity grew after his song "How to Rob" became popular underground. This song humorously described how he would pretend to rob famous artists. Many rappers responded to the song, and Nas invited Jackson to join him on tour.

In May 2000, Jackson was involved in a serious incident outside his grandmother's home. He was injured and spent 13 days in the hospital. He later recovered fully. After this, he was no longer with Columbia Records and found it hard to work in U.S. studios. He went to Canada and, with his business partner Sha Money XL, recorded many songs for mixtapes. These mixtapes helped him gain a strong reputation. In 2002, he released the mixtape Guess Who's Back?, followed by 50 Cent Is the Future.

Becoming a Mainstream Star

In 2002, Eminem heard Jackson's Guess Who's Back? album. Eminem was impressed and invited Jackson to Los Angeles to meet Dr. Dre. After signing a record deal, Jackson released No Mercy, No Fear. This mixtape included the song "Wanksta", which was featured on Eminem's 8 Mile movie soundtrack.

50 Cent released his first major album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', in February 2003. It was called "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade" by AllMusic. The album sold 872,000 copies in its first four days. Its main song, "In da Club", became the most listened-to song in radio history within a week.

50 Cent in 2006

In 2003, Interscope Records started helping Jackson's label, G-Unit Records. He signed Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck as members of 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 1.14 million copies in its first four days. It was number one on the Billboard 200 for six weeks. He was the first solo artist to have three songs in the Billboard top five at the same time: "Candy Shop", "Disco Inferno", and "How We Do". His video game, 50 Cent: Bulletproof, was released in November 2005. 50 Cent played himself in the game and provided his voice.

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

After The Game left, Jackson signed Olivia and rap group Mobb Deep to G-Unit Records. Other artists like Spider Loc and M.O.P. also joined later.

Later Albums and New Directions

In September 2007, 50 Cent released his third album, Curtis. It was inspired by his life before Get Rich or Die Tryin'. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200. This album was released on the same day as Kanye West's Graduation.

His fourth album, Before I Self Destruct, was released in November 2009. It reached number 5 on the Billboard 200. This made it his fourth album in a row to be in the top 5 in the U.S.

In 2010, Jackson said he was working on a new album called Black Magic, inspired by European dance music. He later decided to change his next album to The Return of the Heartless Monster. He wanted his new music to have the same strong energy as Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

Jackson released the song "Outlaw" from his fifth album in June 2011. He also planned to write a young-adult novel about bullying. This book was different from his earlier books, which were about his own life.

His fifth album, Street King Immortal, was planned for release in 2012 but was delayed. Its first promotional song, "New Day" with Dr. Dre and Alicia Keys, came out in July. The second promotional song, "My Life" (with Eminem and Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine), was released in November 2012.

In January 2014, Jackson announced he would release Animal Ambition first, followed by Street King Immortal. In February, he left Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and Interscope. He then signed with Caroline and Capitol Music Group. He said his friendships with Eminem and Dr. Dre helped him leave his contract early.

Animal Ambition was released on June 3, 2014. It debuted at number four on the U.S. Billboard 200, making it his fifth album in the top five.

Recent Music and Projects

50 Cent in 2017

In May 2015, Jackson released "Get Low" as the first song from his sixth album, Street King Immortal. The song featured rappers 2 Chainz and T.I., and singer Jeremih.

In 2020, Jackson became an executive producer for the late rapper Pop Smoke's first album, Shoot for the Stars, Aim for the Moon. Pop Smoke was a big inspiration for Jackson. Jackson helped finish the album after Pop Smoke passed away. He contacted many artists for the album and also appeared on the song "The Woo".

In July 2021, 50 Cent confirmed that he had decided not to release his Street King Immortal album after working on it for ten years. He said he planned to release a completely new project instead.

Focus on Acting and Media Production

In May 2021, Curtis Jackson moved to Houston. This move was partly for lower taxes and new business opportunities, including writing new TV shows. Jackson also started a project with Horizon United Group and Houston Independent School District. This project helps high school students learn business skills.

In August 2021, he was confirmed to be acting in the movie Expend4bles, which was released in September 2023.

In September 2021, Starz began showing BMF. This series is based on a true story about two brothers in Detroit who ran a large business operation. Jackson is an executive producer for the show. He also performed the show's theme song, "Wish Me Luck."

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

From December 2024 to January 2025, Jackson had a series of shows in Las Vegas called 50 Cent: In da Club. He also announced plans to produce a documentary for Netflix. In January 2025, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera was released. Jackson helped produce this movie and had also starred in the first Den of Thieves film.

Artistic Influences

Jackson has mentioned several artists who influenced his rapping style. These include Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane, The Juice Crew, EPMD, and KRS-One. He also said that LL Cool J inspired him when he wrote the song "21 Questions". While working on Animal Ambition, Jackson also drew inspiration from Nas, Rakim, and The Notorious B.I.G..

Business Ventures

Jackson has had a very successful business career. He has invested in many different industries. He is involved in managing artists, producing records, TV shows, and films. He also has businesses in footwear, clothing, fragrances, drinks, video games, mobile apps, books, headphones, and health supplements.

He started his own record label, G-Unit Records, in 2003. In November 2003, he signed a deal with Reebok to sell a line of G-Unit Sneakers for his G-Unit Clothing Company. Jackson said his businesses often do well because he sees all his projects as connected to his public image.

Jackson also started a book publishing company, G-Unit Books, in 2007. He has written several books, including a memoir called From Pieces To Weight in 2005. He also wrote a book with Robert Greene called The 50th Law, which is a modern take on The 48 Laws of Power. In November 2011, Jackson released 50 Cent's Playground, a young adult fiction novel about a boy who learns from his mistakes.

One of Jackson's first business projects was with Glacéau to create a drink called Formula 50. In 2004, Jackson became an investor in the company. He helped create a new grape-flavored "Formula 50" version of VitaminWater. He also mentioned the drinks in his songs and interviews. In 2007, Coca-Cola bought Glacéau for $4.1 billion. Jackson, who owned a small part of the company, earned a large amount of money from the deal.

He also worked with Right Guard to create a body spray and supported Magic Stick products. Jackson signed a deal with Steiner Sports to sell his items. He also announced plans for a company that sells health supplements.

50 Cent with Val Kilmer at the 2009 American Music Awards

Jackson has started two film production companies: G-Unit Films in 2003 and Cheetah Vision in 2008. Cheetah Vision makes action movies with smaller budgets for international markets. In 2010, Jackson brought back G-Unit Films, renaming it G-Unit Film and Television, Inc. This company has worked with other production companies. Jackson has sold projects to six different TV networks. One of these was Power, a crime drama where he acted and was an executive producer. Power started in June 2014 and ended in February 2020. Jackson is also an executive producer for three spin-off shows: Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force.

In July 2011, Jackson started a project to help provide food for people in Africa. He joined Pure Growth Partners to introduce Street King. A part of the money from each Street King purchase helps provide a daily meal to a child in need. In 2011, he founded SMS Audio, a company that sells headphones. He promised to donate a part of their sales to charity.

In 2014, Jackson became an investor in Effen Vodka, a brand of vodka from the Netherlands. He promoted the product at his concerts and on social media. In December 2014, Jackson signed a deal with FRIGO Revolution Wear, a luxury underwear brand. He became the main fashion designer for their boxers.

Investments and Financial Matters

Over the years, Jackson invested his earnings from music and endorsements in various companies, real estate, and stocks. Some of his investments lost value during the 2008 financial crisis. In 2008, he said he had lost several million dollars in the stock market.

In January 2011, Jackson reportedly earned a large amount of money after promoting a marketing company on Twitter. He owned a part of this company. He made a stock recommendation on Twitter, which caused the company's stock value to rise.

In 2013, Jackson became an investor in Hang w/, a mobile app for live video broadcasting. Many celebrities use this app to share their daily activities and chat with fans.

Boxing Promotion

In July 2012, Jackson became a licensed boxing promoter. He started his new company, TMT (The Money Team). He signed several boxers, including gold medalist Yuriorkis Gamboa and Olympic medalist Andre Dirrell. In December 2012, Jackson and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. decided to work separately. Jackson then took over the promotion company and started SMS Promotions.

Financial Challenges

In July 2015, Jackson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. This means he asked the court for help with his debts. His lawyers explained that legal fees and court judgments were the main reasons for this filing. His assets were listed between $10 million and $50 million, and he had a similar amount in debt.

His court documents showed that he owned seven cars worth over $500,000. His monthly expenses were high, including money for gardening. He reported a monthly income mainly from his music and businesses.

Personal Life

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

Forbes magazine noted Jackson's wealth in 2007, ranking him as one of the richest in the rap industry. He lived in a large house in Farmington, Connecticut. In 2019, the house was sold, and a portion of the money was donated to charities.

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

Family

On October 13, 1996, Jackson's girlfriend, Shaniqua Tompkins, gave birth to their son, Marquise. Marquise's birth changed Jackson's view on life. He said, "When my son came into my life, my priorities changed." He felt his son inspired his career and motivated him to make different choices. 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.

In 2003, Jackson briefly dated actress Vivica A. Fox.

Jackson also has a second son, Sire Jackson, with model Daphne Joy, born on September 1, 2012. When Sire was two years old, he modeled for a children's headphone brand and earned a significant amount of money from his contract.

In 2024, Jackson shared on Instagram that he was practicing celibacy. He explained that he was focusing on his goals and meditating. He also mentioned that he does not plan to marry, stating, "I'm safe. I'm not a happy hostage. I'm here. I'm free."

Political Views

In 2005, Jackson supported President George W. Bush. He later said that Bush "has less compassion than the average human." In September 2007, he told Time that he "liked Hillary [Clinton]" for president.

Six months later, he told MTV News that he supported Barack Obama after hearing him speak. When asked about President Obama's support for gay marriage in 2012, Jackson said, "I'm for it."

Jackson supported Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. He turned down an offer from the Trump campaign to appear on their behalf. However, he supported Donald Trump in 2020 because he did not like Joe Biden's tax plans. A week later, he changed his mind and supported Biden.

In June 2025, Jackson posted a video on Instagram about New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's tax policy. Jackson wrote that he would give the candidate money to leave New York.

Legal Matters

In 1994, Jackson faced legal trouble. He was arrested again a few weeks later. He served six months in a special program and earned his high school diploma.

In December 2002, Jackson and four people with him were arrested. They were charged with having weapons.

Jackson was given two years of probation in July 2005. This was for an incident in May 2004, where he was charged with assault after jumping into an audience.

Lawsuits

Use of Image

Jackson filed a lawsuit against an advertising company in July 2007. He said they used his image in a way that threatened his safety. The lawsuit asked for money and for the company to stop using his image without permission.

Use of Name

In 2008, Jackson sued Taco Bell because they used his name in an advertisement without his permission. Taco Bell had invited him to change his name for one day to match their prices. The case was settled out of court in his favor in November 2009.

Janitor Incident

In May 2016, while at an airport, Jackson had an interaction with a janitor. The janitor was a teenager with hearing impairment and autism. The janitor's parents felt Jackson's actions were disrespectful and wanted to sue him. The lawsuit was settled for a donation to Autism Speaks and an apology from Jackson.

Other Matters

One of his New York homes caught fire in May 2008 while he was filming.

In August 2013, Jackson pleaded not guilty to charges of vandalism. A model-actress accused Jackson of damaging her property during an argument.

A judge ordered Jackson back to court because of his Instagram posts. She said he was not clear about his money, pointing to posts where he showed stacks of cash. In March 2016, Jackson said he would no longer use Instagram himself.

In 2020, Jackson was involved in a viral video where he gave money to a Burger King restaurant on behalf of a local person who later faced legal charges.

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

Film

Television

Video games

Images for kids

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  50 Cent performing in 2011

See also

In Spanish: 50 Cent para niños