Curtis James Jackson III didn't just survive being shot nine times — he turned it into the origin story of one of hip-hop's biggest empires.

Born on July 6, 1975, in South Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent broke through in the early 2000s after Eminem and Dr. Dre heard his demo and signed him to Interscope, making him the first artist on their joint label. His 2003 debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin', sold over 872,000 copies in its first week alone, went platinum within a fortnight, and was eventually certified six-times platinum — one of the biggest rap debuts of all time. The single "In Da Club" became a global anthem and remains his signature song to this day.

He followed it with The Massacre in 2005, powered by hits like "Disco Inferno," "Candy Shop," and "Just a Lil Bit," cementing his run as one of the defining voices of mid-2000s hip-hop. Around the same time, he founded G-Unit Records, signing Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck, and later joining forces with Dr. Dre to bring The Game into the fold.

But 50 Cent's story didn't stop at music. He built a genuine business empire — from the Vitamin water deal that made him a reported nine-figure sum, to Sire Spirits, to executive producing the hit Starz drama Power, which he expanded into a full television universe. He's also acted in films including Get Rich or Die Tryin', Home of the Brave, and Righteous Kill.

More recently, he's continued to make headlines as a producer, executive producing the Netflix documentary series Sean Combs: The Reckoning — which landed three Emmy nominations in 2026. On stage, he toured extensively through the 2020s, including his Final Lap Tour, bringing his catalogue of hits to arenas and festivals across the UK.

Feuds with the likes of Jay-Z, Ja Rule, The Game, Cam'ron, Fat Joe, and Rick Ross only added to his larger-than-life reputation — but four decades on, 50 Cent's influence spans music, film, TV, and business in a way few of his peers can match.

FAQs

What is 50 Cent's biggest hit song?

"In Da Club," from his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin', remains his most iconic and commercially successful song, and it's still a staple of his live performances.

How did 50 Cent get signed by Dr. Dre and Eminem?

Eminem heard one of 50 Cent's demo tapes and championed him on MTV, with Dr. Dre backing the interest. This led to 50 Cent becoming the first artist signed to their joint venture at Interscope Records.

Is 50 Cent still making music?

While his output has slowed compared to the 2000s, 50 Cent has continued to tour, including his Final Lap Tour, and remains active as a performer, actor, and producer.

What is 50 Cent's connection to the TV show Power?

50 Cent created and executive produced Power, a Starz drama that became a major hit and spawned an entire television franchise under his G-Unit Film & Television banner.

What other projects has 50 Cent produced recently?

He executive produced Sean Combs: The Reckoning, a Netflix documentary series that received three Emmy nominations in 2026.