50 Cent 192481 226118508 2008-07-16T22:08:31Z Shambooee 1256243 added Pop Rap to genres {{pp-semi|small=yes}} <!--Note to editors: Please remember not to violate copyright laws and patents, not to use open opinion, and too many external links (that's spamming), and malicious vandalism. Please also remember not to use fair-use images as a free image of the subject is already available and used.--> {{Redirect|50 cent|the currency amount|50 cents}} {{Redirect|Curtis Jackson|other uses|Curtis Jackson (disambiguation)}} {{Infobox musical artist |Name = 50 Cent |Background = solo_singer |Img = 50 cent retouched.png |Birth_name = Curtis James Jackson III |Origin = [[New York City]], [[New York]] <br/>[[United States]] |Born = {{birth date and age|1975|7|6}} |Genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]] [[Pop Rap]] |Occupation = [[Rapper]], [[actor]], [[entrepreneur]], [[executive producer]] |Years_active = 1998 – present |Label = [[Jam Master Jay Records|Jam Master Jay]], [[Columbia Records|Columbia]], [[Aftermath Entertainment|Aftermath]], [[G-Unit Records|G-Unit]], [[Interscope]], [[Shady Records|Shady]], [[Violator Records|Violator]] |Associated_acts = [[G-Unit]], [[Eminem]], [[Dr. Dre]], [[Mobb Deep]], [[Sha Money XL]] |URL = [http://www.50cent.com www.50cent.com] }} '''Curtis James Jackson III''' (born [[July 6]] [[1975]]),<ref name=OMM>[http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,13887,1550804,00.html From the cradle to the grave (nearly)]. ''The Observer'' ([[August 21]] [[2005]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> better known by his stage name '''50 Cent''', is an [[United States|American]] [[rapper]]. He rose to fame with the release of his albums ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (album)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]'' (2003) and ''[[The Massacre]]'' (2005). Both albums achieved multi-[[RIAA certification|platinum]] success, selling over twenty-one million copies combined.<ref>Thornburgh, Nathan ([[September 10]] [[2007]]). [http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1660635,00.html 10 Questions for 50 Cent]. ''Time''. Accessed [[September 13]] [[2007]].</ref> Born in [[South Jamaica, Queens]], 50 Cent began [[drug dealing]] at the age of twelve during the 1980s' [[crack epidemic]].<ref name=OMM2>Campion, Chris ([[August 21]] [[2005]]). [http://observer.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,1550801,00.html Right on the money]. ''The Observer''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> After leaving drug dealing to pursue a rap career, he was shot nine times in 2000. After releasing his album ''[[Guess Who's Back?]]'' in 2002, 50 Cent was discovered by rapper [[Eminem]] and signed to [[Interscope Records]]. With the help of Eminem and [[Dr. Dre]]—who produced his first major commercial successes—he became one of the world's highest selling rappers. In 2003, he founded the record label [[G-Unit Records]], which signed successful rappers such as [[Young Buck]], [[Lloyd Banks]], and [[Tony Yayo]]. 50 Cent has engaged in feuds with other rappers including [[Ja Rule]], [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]], and [[Fat Joe]]. He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in the semi-autobiographical film ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (film)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]'' in 2005 and the [[Iraq War]] film ''[[Home of the Brave (2006 film)|Home of the Brave]]'' in 2006. ==Life and music career== ===Early life=== 50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, grew up in the [[South Jamaica]] neighborhood of [[Queens]] in [[New York City]]. He grew up without a father and was raised by his mother Sabrina Jackson, who gave birth to him at the age of fifteen. Sabrina, a [[cocaine]] dealer, raised Jackson until the age of eight, when she was murdered. Twenty-three at the time, she became unconscious after someone [[Date rape drug|drugged]] her drink. She was then left for dead after the gas in her apartment was turned on and the windows shut closed.<ref name=RS>[[Touré]] ([[April 3]] [[2003]]). [http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/5939379/the_life_of_a_hunted_man/1 The Life of a Hunted Man]. ''Rolling Stone''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref><ref name=MSNBC>Samuels, Allison ([[February 21]] [[2007]]). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6959748/site/newsweek/ The Flip Side of 50 Cent]. MSNBC. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> After her death, Jackson moved into his grandparents' house with his eight aunts and uncles.<ref name=OMM/><ref>Otto, Jeff ([[September 6]] [[2005]]). [http://au.movies.ign.com/articles/647/647683p1.html Interview: 50 Cent]. IGN. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref><ref name=MTV3>Reid, Shaheem ([[November 7]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_cent/news_feature_110705/index.jhtml 50 Cent: Return to Southside]. MTV. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He recalls, "My grandmother told me, 'Your mother's not coming home. She's not gonna come back to pick you up. You're gonna stay with us now.' That's when I started adjusting to the streets a little bit".<ref name=MTV>Reid, Shaheem ([[February 12]] [[2003]]). [http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_Cent/news_feature_021203/index.jhtml 50 Cent: Money to Burn]. MTV. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> Jackson grew up with his younger cousin, Michael Francis, who earned the nickname "25 Cent" for being his younger counterpart. Francis raps under the stage name "Two Five".<ref>Associated Press ([[December 23]] [[2005]]). [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10630290/ Two Five says success has changed 50 Cent]. MSNBC. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> [[Image:50 cent booking image.jpg|thumb|left|50 Cent's [[mug shot]], [[August 23]] [[1994]]]] Jackson began [[boxing]] around the age of eleven. At fourteen, a neighbor opened a boxing gym for local kids. "When I wasn't killing time in school, I was sparring in the gym or selling crack on the strip", he recalled.<ref>Weiner, Jonah (August 2007). [http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=2760 33 Things You Should Know About ... 50 Cent]. ''Blender''. Accessed [[September 30]] [[2007]].</ref> In the mid 1980s, he competed in the Junior Olympics as an [[Amateur boxing|amateur boxer]]. He recounts, "I was competitive in the ring and hip-hop is competitive too... I think rappers condition themselves like boxers, so they all kind of feel like they're the champ".<ref name=MTV2>Reid, Shaheem ([[February 25]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_cent/news_feature_022505/ All Eyes on 50 Cent: The Sequel]. MTV. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> At the age of twelve, Jackson began dealing [[narcotic]]s when his grandparents thought he was at after-school programs.<ref>[http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/celebrity_interviews/50+Cent-13462.html The Phenomenon '50 Cent' Revealed]. Female First ([[February 1]] [[2006]]). Accessed [[May 21]] [[2008]].</ref> He also took guns and drug money to school. In the tenth grade, he was caught by [[metal detector]]s at Andrew Jackson High School. He later stated, "I was embarrassed that I got arrested like that... After I got arrested I stopped hiding it. I was telling my grandmother [openly], 'I sell drugs.'"<ref name=MTV/> On [[June 29]] [[1994]], Jackson was arrested for helping to sell four [[vial]]s of cocaine to an [[undercover]] [[police officer]]. He was arrested again three weeks later when police searched his home and found [[heroin]], ten ounces of [[crack cocaine]], and a starter gun. He was sentenced to three to nine years in [[prison]], but managed to serve six months in a shock incarceration [[Boot camp (correctional)|boot camp]] where he earned his [[GED]]. Jackson said that he did not use cocaine himself, he only sold it.<ref name=OMM/><ref>[http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/50cent1.html The Smoking Gun: 50 Cent]. The Smoking Gun ([[February 27]] [[2003]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Dave ([[November 2]] [[2003]]). [http://www.rapnewsdirect.com/0-202-1482-00.html 50 Cent Interview on Howard Stern Show]. Rap News Network. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He adopted the nickname "50 Cent" as a [[metaphor]] for "change".<ref name=AOL>[http://www.daveyd.com/interview50cent.html Interview w/ 50 Cent]. AOL Music ([[August 1]] [[2003]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> The name was derived from [[Kelvin Martin]], a 1980s Brooklyn robber known as "50 Cent". Jackson chose the name "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".<ref>Boots, Tone ([[August 3]] [[2005]]). [http://www.stuffmagazine.com/articles/index.aspx?id=1112 Get Rich or Die Trying]. ''Stuff''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> ===1996–2000: Early career=== 50 Cent started rapping in a friend's basement where he used [[Phonograph|turntables]] to record over [[instrumental]]s.<ref>"La Méthode Cauet" (2006). TF1.</ref> In 1996, a friend introduced him to [[Jam Master Jay]] of [[Run-DMC]] who was organizing his label [[Jam Master Jay Records]]. Jay taught him how to count [[Bar (music)|bars]], write [[Refrain|choruses]], structure songs, and make a record.<ref name=BBC>Youngs, Ian ([[December 23]] [[2002]]). [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/2591521.stm 50 Cent: The $1m rapper]. BBC News. Accessed [[August 16]] [[2007]]).</ref><ref>Tarek, Shams ([[May 16]] [[2003]]). [http://www.queenspress.com/archives/features/2003/0516/feature.htm Jamaica’s ‘Own Bad Guy' 50 Cent Making Good in the Music Biz]. ''Queens Press''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent's first official appearance was on a song titled "React" with the group [[Onyx (band)|Onyx]] on their 1998 album ''[[Shut 'Em Down]]''. He credited Jam Master Jay as an influence who helped him improve his ability to write [[hook (music)|hooks]].<ref name=MTV2/> Jay produced 50 Cent's first album, however it was never released.<ref name=RS/> In 1999, after leaving Jam Master Jay, the platinum-selling producers [[Trackmasters]] took notice of 50 Cent and signed him to [[Columbia Records]]. They sent him to a studio in [[Upstate New York]] where he produced thirty-six songs in two weeks.<ref name=MSNBC/> Eighteen were included on his unofficially released album, ''[[Power of the Dollar]]'' in 2000.<ref name=50Cent>[http://www.50cent.com/ Biography]. 50cent.com. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He also started the now-defunct Hollow Point Entertainment with former [[G-Unit]] affiliate Bang 'Em Smurf.<ref>Chery, Carl ([[May 18]] [[2004]]). [http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/5851 50 Cent's a Fake, Says Ex-G-Unit Member, Bang Em Smurf]. SOHH. Accessed [[June 5]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Williams, Houston (February 2004). [http://web.archive.org/web/20040404025215/http://www.allhiphop.com/features/?ID=747 Bang'em Smurf: Life after G-Unit]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> {{sound sample box align right|}} {{multi-listen start}} {{multi-listen item|filename=How To Rob.ogg|title="How to Rob"|description=50 Cent's first underground single in which he comically describes robbing celebrity musicians.|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{multi-listen end}} {{sample box end}} 50 Cent's popularity started to increase after the successful but controversial underground single, "[[How to Rob]]", which he wrote in half an hour while in a car on the way to a studio.<ref name=AOL/><ref name=Part5>50 Cent. [http://www.mtv.com/bands/123/50_cent/book_excerpt/index5.jhtml From Pieces to Weight Part 5]. MTV. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> The track comically explains how he would rob famous artists. He explained the reasoning behind song's content as, "There's a hundred artists on that label, you gotta separate yourself from that group and make yourself relevant".<ref name=AOL/> Rappers [[Jay-Z]], [[Big Pun]], [[DMX (rapper)|DMX]], and the [[Wu-Tang Clan]] replied to the song<ref name=Part5/> and [[Nas]], who received the track positively, invited 50 Cent to travel on a promotional tour for his ''[[Nastradamus]]'' album.<ref name=MTV3/> The song was intended to be released with "[[Thug Love (song)|Thug Love]]" featuring [[Destiny's Child]], but two days before he was scheduled to film the "Thug Love" music video, 50 Cent was shot and confined to a hospital due to his injuries.<ref name=dubcnn>Ninja (December 2002). [http://www.dubcnn.com/interviews/50cent/ 50 Cent Interview]. Dubcnn. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> ===2000–2001: Shooting=== On [[May 24]] [[2000]], 50 Cent was attacked by a gunman outside his grandmother's former home in [[South Jamaica, Queens]]. He went into a friend's car, but was asked to return to the house to get [[jewelry]]. His son was in the house while his grandmother was in the front yard.<ref name=MSNBC/> On returning to the back seat of the car, another car pulled up nearby. An assailant then walked up to 50 Cent's left side with a [[9 mm caliber|9mm]] [[handgun]] and fired nine shots at close range. He was shot nine times—in the hand (a round hit his right thumb and came out of his [[Little finger|pinky]]), arm, hip, both legs, chest, and left cheek.<ref name=RS/><ref name=MTV/><ref name=TIME>Tyrangirl, Josh ([[February 17]] [[2003]]). [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1004252,00.html Rap's Newest Target]. ''Time''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> The face wound resulted in a swollen tongue, the loss of a [[wisdom tooth]], and a small slur in his voice.<ref name=MTV3/><ref name=MTV/><ref>''Get Rich or Die Tryin': The Movie'' (2003) (bonus documentary DVD). Interscope Records.</ref> His friend also sustained a gunshot wound to the hand. They were driven to the hospital where 50 Cent spent thirteen days. The alleged shooter, Darryl "Hommo" Baum, was killed three weeks later.<ref name=SOHH>Chery, Carl ([[October 24]] [[2005]]). [http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7723 50 Cent Shot by "Hommo" Reveals Tell-All Book]. SOHH. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent recalled the incident saying, "It happens so fast that you don't even get a chance to shoot back... I was scared the whole time... I was looking in the rear-view mirror like, 'Oh shit, somebody shot me in the face! It burns, burns, burns.'"<ref name=MTV/> In his [[memoir]], ''From Pieces to Weight: Once upon a Time in Southside Queens'', he wrote, "After I got shot nine times at close range and didn't die, I started to think that I must have a purpose in life... How much more damage could that shell have done? Give me an inch in this direction or that one, and I'm gone".<ref name=OMM/> He used a [[walker (tool)|walker]] for the first six weeks and fully recovered after five months. When he left the hospital, he stayed in the [[Poconos]] with his then-girlfriend and son. His workout regimen helped him attain his muscular physique.<ref name=RS/><ref name=MTV/><ref>Jenkins, Sacha ([[July 9]] [[2007]]). [http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=115223 I Was There]. ''XXL''. Accessed [[July 31]] [[2007]].</ref> While in the hospital, 50 Cent signed a publishing deal with Columbia Records. However, he was dropped from the label and "blacklisted" in the recording industry after it was discovered he was shot. Unable to find a studio to work with in the U.S, he traveled to [[Canada]].<ref name=TSG>Mace, Francis ([[September 6]] [[2005]]). [http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0906051murder1.html Surveilling 50 Cent]. The Smoking Gun. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref><ref name=Blender>Weiner, Jonah (April 2005). [http://www.blender.com/guide/articles.aspx?id=1534 Dear Superstar: 50 Cent]. ''Blender''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> Along with his business partner [[Sha Money XL]], he recorded over thirty songs for mixtapes, with the purpose of building a reputation. 50 Cent's popularity rose and in 2002, he released material independently on the mixtape, ''[[Guess Who's Back?]]''. Beginning to attract interest, and now backed by [[G-Unit]], 50 Cent continued to make songs. They released the mixtape, ''[[50 Cent Is the Future]]'', revisiting material by [[Jay-Z]] and [[Raphael Saadiq]].<ref name=50Cent/> ===2002–present: Rise to fame=== {{sound sample box align right|}} {{multi-listen start}} {{multi-listen item|filename=In Da Club.ogg|title="In da Club"|description=The breakthrough single from ''Get Rich or Die Tryin'''.|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{multi-listen end}} {{sample box end}} In 2002, [[Eminem]] listened to a copy of 50 Cent's ''[[Guess Who's Back?]]'' CD. He received the CD through 50 Cent's attorney, who was working with Eminem's manager [[Paul Rosenberg (Music Manager)|Paul Rosenberg]].<ref name=dubcnn/> Impressed with the album, Eminem invited 50 Cent to fly to [[Los Angeles]], where he was introduced to [[Dr. Dre]].<ref name=RS/><ref name=BBC/><ref name=dubcnn/> After signing a one million [[U.S. dollar]] record deal,<ref name=BBC/> 50 Cent released the mixtape, ''[[No Mercy, No Fear]]''. It featured one new track, "[[Wanksta]]", which was put on Eminem's ''[[8 Mile (soundtrack)|8 Mile]]'' soundtrack.<ref name=50Cent/> He was also signed to Chris Lighty's [[Violator Management]] and [[Sha Money XL]]'s Money Management Group. [[Image:50centinBKK.JPG|left|left|thumb|In [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]], [[February 26]] [[2006]]]] In February 2003, 50 Cent released his commercial debut album, ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (album)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]''. [[Allmusic]] described it as "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade".<ref>Birchmeier, Jason. [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:svz1z88a4yv3 Get Rich or Die Tryin' Review]. Allmusic. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' noted the album for its "dark synth grooves, buzzy keyboards and a persistently funky bounce" with 50 Cent complementing the production in "an unflappable, laid-back flow".<ref>Hoard, Christian ([[March 6]] [[2003]]). [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/50cent/albums/album/301556/review/6067729/get_rich_or_die_tryin Get Rich or Die Tryin' Review]. ''Rolling Stone''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> It debuted at number one on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]], selling 872,000 copies in the first four days.<ref name=USA>Gundersen, Edna ([[September 3]] [[2005]]). [http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2005-03-09-50-cent-sales_x.htm 'Massacre' sales top one million]. ''USA Today''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> The lead single, "[[In da Club]]", which ''[[The Source (magazine)|The Source]]'' noted for its "blaring horns, funky organs, guitar riffs and sparse hand claps",<ref>Rosario, Boo (March 2003). "Record Report". ''The Source'', p. 192.</ref> broke a ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' record as the most listened-to song in radio history within a week.<ref>[http://www.rockonthenet.com/artists-f/50cent.htm Timeline]. Rock on the Net. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> [[Interscope]] granted 50 Cent his own label, [[G-Unit Records]] in 2003.<ref>Winston, Dallas ([[April 9]] [[2003]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060627033910/http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1760 G-Unit Records Signs with Interscope]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> He signed [[Lloyd Banks]], [[Tony Yayo]], and [[Young Buck]] as the established members of [[G-Unit]]. [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]] was later signed under a [[joint venture]] with Dr. Dre's [[Aftermath Entertainment]]. In March 2005, 50 Cent's second commercial album, ''[[The Massacre]]'', sold 1.14 million copies in the first four days—the highest in an abbreviated sales cycle<ref name=USA/>— and peaked at number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 for six weeks.<ref>Whitmire, Margo ([[April 15]] [[2005]]). [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000881798 50's 'Massacre' Extends Chart Lead to 6th Week]. ''Billboard''. Accessed [[June 13]] [[2007]].</ref> He became the first solo artist to have three singles on the ''Billboard'' top five in the same week with "[[Candy Shop (50 Cent song)|Candy Shop]]", "[[Disco Inferno (50 Cent song)|Disco Inferno]]", and "[[How We Do (song)|How We Do]]".<ref>Montgomery, James ([[March 9]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497922/20050309/story.jhtml 50 Cent's The Massacre Makes Huge Chart Debut]. MTV. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> ''Rolling Stone'' noted that "50's secret weapon is his singing voice - the deceptively amateur-sounding tenor croon that he deploys on almost every chorus".<ref>Brackett, Nathan ([[March 10]] [[2005]]). [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/50cent/albums/album/7072060/review/7045740/the_massacre The Massacre Review]. ''Rolling Stone''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> [[Image:GUnitBKK.JPG|right|thumb|From left: With [[Olivia (singer)|Olivia]], [[Lloyd Banks]], and [[Young Buck]] in [[Bangkok]], [[Thailand]], February 2006]] After The Game's departure, 50 Cent signed singer [[Olivia (singer)|Olivia]] and rap veterans [[Mobb Deep]] to G-Unit Records. [[Spider Loc]], [[M.O.P.]], and [[Young Hot Rod]] later joined the label.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[September 2]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1508894/09022005/50_cent.jhtml 50 and Mase: The Pastor Isn't Officially G-Unit Yet, But a Song Is Already out]. MTV. Accessed [[May 31]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Chery, Carl ([[May 27]] [[2005]]). [http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7132 Pulse Report: M.O.P. Signs to G-Unit]. SOHH. Accessed [[June 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent expressed interest in working with rappers outside of G-Unit, such as [[Lil' Scrappy]] of [[BME Recordings|BME]], [[LL Cool J]] from [[Def Jam]], [[Mase]] from [[Bad Boy Records|Bad Boy]], and [[Freeway (rapper)|Freeway]] of [[Roc-A-Fella]], some of whom he recorded with.<ref>Black, Bea ([[February 8]] [[2006]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20060211050146/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=5337 Roc-A-Fella Rapper Freeway Collaborating with G-Unit for New Album]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 22]] [[2007]].</ref> In September 2007, he released his third album ''[[Curtis (50 Cent album)|Curtis]]'', which was inspired by his life before ''Get Rich or Die Tryin'''.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[April 27]] [[2007]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1558211/20070426/50_cent.jhtml 50 Cent Talks Timberlake Collabo, Star-Studded New LP Curtis]. MTV. Accessed [[October 4]] [[2007]].</ref> It debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' 200, selling 691,000 units in the first week.<ref>Mayfield, Geoff ([[September 18]] [[2007]]). [http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003642725 Kanye Crushes 50 Cent in Huge Album Sales Week]. ''Billboard''. Accessed [[October 4]] [[2007]].</ref> ==Non-musical projects== 50 Cent has established himself in a wide variety of fields outside music. In November 2003, he signed a five year deal with [[Reebok]] to distribute a G-Unit Sneakers line as part of his [[G-Unit Clothing Company]].<ref>[http://www.reebok.com/useng/ir/press/2003/Reebok+and+50+Cent+Announce+.htm Reebok and 50 Cent Announce the Successful Launch of New "G-Unit Collection by RBK" Footwear]. Reebok ([[November 13]] [[2003]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Leeds, Jeff ([[December 26]] [[2004]]). [http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/26/arts/music/26leed.html?ex=1261717200&en=7c8006d6f6a4c700&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland $50 Million for 50 Cent]. ''The New York Times''. Accessed [[June 9]] [[2007]].</ref> He provided the [[voice-over]] as the [[protagonist]] in the video game, ''[[50 Cent: Bulletproof]]'', which was released for [[PlayStation 2]], [[Xbox]], and the [[PlayStation Portable]]. Its sequel, ''[[50 Cent: Blood on the Sand]]'', is set for a 2008 release.<ref>Totilo, Stephen ([[March 26]] [[2008]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1584143/20080326/50_cent.jhtml 50 Cent Video Game Exclusive: 'Blood On The Sand' Details, First Images Revealed]. MTV. Accessed [[March 27]] [[2008]]</ref> He worked with [[Glacéau]] to create a Vitamin Water drink called Formula 50. In 2007, [[Coca-Cola]] purchased Glacéau for [[US$]]4.1 billion. ''[[Forbes]]'' estimated 50 Cent, who owns a stake in the company, to have earned $100 million after taxes.<ref>Goldman, Lea ([[September 30]] [[2007]]). [http://www.forbes.com/media/2007/09/18/igetmoney-remix-50cent-biz-media-cz_lg_0918bizigetmoney.html Forbes and 50 Cent 'Get Money']. ''Forbes''. Accessed [[September 30]] [[2007]].</ref> He has teamed up with [[Right Guard]] to launched a body spray called Pure 50 RGX Body Spray and a [[condom]] line called Magic Stick Condoms,<ref>[http://www.kyte.tv/channels/view.html?uri=channels/29254/90506 kyte: The Official HNIC2 Channel: 01/10/2008]. Kyte ([[January 10]] [[2008]]). Accessed [[January 13]] [[2008]].</ref> in which he planned to donate part of the proceeds to [[HIV]] awareness.<ref name=NYPost>Mirchandani, Raakhee ([[January 5]] [[2007]]). [http://www.nypost.com/seven/01052007/entertainment/the_merchant_of_menace_entertainment_raakhee_mirchandani.htm?page=0 The Merchant of Menace]. ''New York Post''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent has signed a multi-year deal with Steiner Sports to sell his memorabilia.<ref>Black Widow ([[May 4]] [[2008]]). [http://www.sixshot.com/news/11045/ 50 Cent Inks Deal With Steiner Sports To Sell Memorabilia ]. SixShot. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008].</ref> In 2005, 50 Cent made a [[cameo appearance]] on ''[[The Simpsons]]'' episode "[[Pranksta Rap]]", in which he makes light of his legal troubles. The same year, he starred alongside [[Terrence Howard]] in the semi-autobiographical film ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (film)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]''. He starred in the 2006 film, ''[[Home of the Brave (2006 film)|Home of the Brave]]'', as a soldier returning home from the [[Iraq War]], traumatized after killing an Iraqi woman.<ref>Topel, Fred ([[December 12]] [[2006]]). [http://www.craveonline.com/music/articles/04647206 CraveOnline Talks to 50 Cent]. Crave Online. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent is working on a role as a fighter in an [[Angola]] State Prison in ''Spectacular Regret'' alongside [[Nicolas Cage]], and is set to star opposite [[Al Pacino]] and [[Robert De Niro]] in 2008's ''[[Righteous Kill]]'', a movie regarding a police death.<ref>Brevet, Brad ([[December 11]] [[2006]]). [http://www.ropeofsilicon.com/news.php?id=4860 Interview: 50 Cent on 'Home of the Brave']. Rope of Silicon. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He also started the film production companies [[G-Unit Films]] in 2007 and Cheetah Vision in 2008.<ref>Rock Steady Eddy ([[January 22]] [[2008]]). [http://www.wooohah.com/2008/01/the-economics-b.html The Economics Behind 50 Cent's New Film Production Company]. Woohah. Accessed [[February 18]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555498/20070326/nas.jhtml For The Record: Quick News on Eminem, Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Slayer, Marilyn Manson, Nas, Public Enemy & More]. MTV ([[March 23]] [[2007]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> In August 2007, 50 Cent announced plans to launch a dietary supplement company in conjunction with his movie ''Spectacular Regret''.<ref>Jokesta ([[August 21]] [[2007]]). [http://www.defsounds.com/news/view/2315-5-cent-launches-new-company.html 50 Cent launches dietary supplement company]. Def Sounds. Accessed [[August 21]] [[2007]].</ref> Shortly before appearing in ''Get Rich or Die Tryin''', 50 Cent released a [[memoir]] about his life and how he became successful titled ''From Pieces to Weight: Once upon a Time in Southside Queens''. On [[January 4]] [[2007]], he launched his [[G-Unit Books]] imprint at the [[Time Warner Building]].<ref>Strong, Nolan ([[January 2]] [[2007]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070106202831/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6557 50 Cent to Launch G-Unit Books, Meet Fans]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> He also co-wrote ''The Ski Mask Way'', a novel about a small-time drug dealer who attempts to rob his employers, which is to be turned into a film.<ref name=NYPost/> 50 Cent said he read [[Robert Greene (author)|Robert Greene]]'s ''[[The 33 Strategies of War]]'' and worked with the author on a book titled ''The 50th Law'', an urban take on ''[[The 48 Laws of Power]]''.<ref name=NYPost/><ref>Richburg, Chris ([[6 February]] [[2007]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20070208020348/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6676 '48 Laws' Author Robert Greene Working with 50 Cent on New Book, QD3 on New Film]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> ==Personal life== On [[October 13]] [[1997]], 50 Cent's then-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins gave birth to a son, Marquise Jackson.<ref name=OMM2/><ref>B96jobo ([[September 6]] [[2007]]). [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfAVwvweZw0 50Cent Pt 2 Interviewed by B96 Jobo, Erica & Showbiz Shelly]. YouTube. Accessed [[September 9]] [[2007]]</ref> The birth of his son changed his outlook on life, "when my son came into my life, my priorities changed, because I wanted to have the relationship with him, that I didn’t have with my father".<ref>Williams, Kam. [http://aalbc.com/reviews/50_cent_interview.htm 50 Cent’s 2 Cents on Shooting Scenes, Samuel L., and His Son]. AALBC. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He credited his son for inspiring his career and being "motivation to go in a different direction".<ref>[http://www.ilikemusic.com/interviews/50_Cent_interview_Get_Rich_Or_Die_Tryin-2068 50 Cent chats to ilikemusic.com]. I Like Music (2005). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent has a [[tattoo]] of "Marquise" with an axe on his right biceps. "The axe is 'cause I'm a warrior. I don't want him to be one, though",<ref name=Blender/> he explains. He also has "50", "Southside", and "Cold World" inscribed on his back because "I'm a product of that environment. It's on my back, though, so it's all behind me".<ref name=Blender/> 50 Cent dated actress [[Vivica A. Fox]] in 2003. After a few months, he announced their split up on the ''[[The Howard Stern Show]]'' when pictures from a photo shoot they did ended up on the cover of ''Today's Black Woman'' magazine without his knowledge.<ref name=Playboy>Tannenbaum, Rob (April 2004). "Playboy Interview: 50 Cent". ''Playboy'', p. 140.</ref><ref>[http://www.langfieldentertainment.com/VIVICAFOX.htm Exclusive Interview with Vivica A. Fox]. Langfield Entertainment ([[May 1]] [[2005]]). Accessed [[June 23]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent expressed support for President [[George W. Bush]] in 2005 after rapper [[Kanye West]] criticized him for the slow response in assisting the [[Hurricane Katrina]] victims.<ref>Lynskey, Dorian ([[January 20]] [[2006]]). [http://arts.guardian.co.uk/filmandmusic/story/0,,1690036,00.html 'I'm not trying to save the world']. ''The Guardian''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> If his felony convictions did not prevent him from voting, he claimed he would have voted for Bush.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1514482/20051123/50_cent.jhtml For the Record: Quick News on 50 Cent, Kanye West, Irv Gotti, Beyoncé, Zack de la Rocha, Alice in Chains & More]. MTV ([[November 23]] [[2005]]). Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He later stated that Bush "has less compassion than the average human. By all means, I don’t aspire to be like George Bush".<ref>Williams, Ben ([[July 23]] [[2007]]). [http://nymag.com/arts/popmusic/features/34721/ Influences: 50 Cent]. ''New York''. Accessed [[August 1]] [[2007]].</ref> In 2007, ''[[Forbes]]'' recognized 50 Cent for his wealth, placing him second behind [[Jay-Z]] in the rap industry.<ref>Goldman, Lea ([[August 16]] [[2007]]). [http://www.forbes.com/home/business/2007/08/15/hip-hop-millionaires-biz-cx_lg_0816hiphop.html Hip-Hop Cash Kings]. ''Forbes''. Accessed [[August 20]] [[2007]].</ref> He resides in [[Farmington, Connecticut]], in the former mansion of ex-[[boxing|boxer]] [[Mike Tyson]].<ref>Bernard, Sarah ([[August 22]] [[2005]]). [http://nymag.com/nymetro/shopping/columns/economy/12452/ How Would 50 Cent Spend $3.5 Million?]. ''New York''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> He put the mansion for sale at [[United States dollar|US$]]18.5 million to move closer to his son who lives in [[Long Island]] with his ex-girlfriend.<ref>Keil, Braden ([[May 4]] [[2007]]). [http://www.nypost.com/seven/05042007/news/regionalnews/for_sale__fitty__swanksta_crib_regionalnews_braden_keil.htm For Sale: Fitty Swanksta Crib]. ''New York Post''. Accessed [[May 27]] [[2007]].</ref> On [[October 12]] [[2007]], the Mayor of [[Bridgeport, Connecticut]] declared it "50 Cent Curtis Jackson Day". He was honored with a key to the city and an official proclamation.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1572042/20071016/madonna.jhtml Madonna Signs Live Nation Deal; Plus Foxy Brown, 50 Cent, Linkin Park, 'Hannah Montana' & More, in ''For the Record'']. MTV ([[October 16]] [[2007]]. Accessed [[October 28]] [[2007]].</ref> One of his homes in [[New York]] purchased for 2.4 million dollars in January 2007 and at the center of a lawsuit between 50 Cent and ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins caught fire on [[May 31]] [[2008]] while he was out of town filming for a movie in Louisiana. <ref>Chicago Tribune (May 31, 2008). [http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-50_cent_firemay31,0,878756.story 'Suspicious' blaze leaves 50 Cent home gutted]. ''Chicago Tribune''. Accessed June 13 2007.</ref> ==Controversy== ===Murder Inc.=== Before signing with Interscope, 50 Cent engaged in a well-publicized dispute with rapper [[Ja Rule]] and his label [[The Inc. Records|Murder Inc. Records]]. The rappers engaged in mixtape "[[wikt:diss|disses]]". 50 Cent claimed the feud began in 1999 after Ja Rule spotted him with a man who robbed him of his jewelry.<ref name=Playboy/> However, Ja Rule claimed the conflict stemmed from a video shoot in [[Queens]] because 50 Cent did not like seeing him "getting so much love" from the neighborhood.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/bands/j/ja_rule/news_feature_031103/index.jhtml Ja Rule on 50 Cent, God and Hip-Hop]. MTV ([[November 3]] [[2003]]). Accessed [[June 4]] [[2007]].</ref> In March 2000, while at [[The Hit Factory]] studio in New York, 50 Cent had an altercation with Murder Inc. associates. He was treated for three stitches after receiving a stab wound.<ref name=Playboy/><ref>Smith, Dominic (July 2005). [http://www.classic.fhm.com/site/interviews/interview.asp?GID=73 50 Cent Interview]. ''FHM''. Accessed [[July 11]] [[2007]].</ref> Rapper [[Black Child]] claimed responsibility for the stabbing, saying he acted in self-defense because he thought someone reached for a gun.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[April 25]] [[2003]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1471546/20030425/story.jhtml DJ Tells 50 Cent, Ja Rule: One More Dis Record, Then Quit It]. MTV. Accessed [[June 5]] [[2007]].</ref> [[Image:Ant-50 Cent billboard in Tribeca by David Shankbone.jpg|thumb|An anti-50 Cent billboard in [[Tribeca]], New York.]] An [[affidavit]] by an [[IRS]] agent suggested that the label had ties to [[Kenneth "Supreme" McGriff]], a New York [[drug lord]] who was suspected of being involved in the murder of [[Jam Master Jay]] and the shooting of 50 Cent. An excerpt of the affidavit read: {{quote|The investigation has uncovered a conspiracy involving McGriff and others to murder a rap artist who has released songs containing lyrics regarding McGriff's criminal activities. The rap artist was shot in 2000, survived and thereafter refused to cooperate with law enforcement regarding the shooting. Messages transmitted over the Murder Inc. pager indicate that McGriff is involved in an ongoing plot to kill this rap artist, and that he communicates with Murder Inc. employees concerning the target.<ref name=TSG/>}} ===New York rappers=== Before releasing ''The Massacre'', 50 Cent recorded a song, "[[Piggy Bank (song)|Piggy Bank]]", which was leaked before the album's release. The song takes aim at rappers including [[Fat Joe]], [[Nas]], and [[Jadakiss]].<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[February 22]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497344/20050222/50_cent.jhtml 50 Cent's LP Pushed Up, Harsh 'Facts' Sound Like Disses on Leaked 'Piggy Bank']. MTV. Accessed [[May 23]] [[2007]].</ref> Fat Joe responded with a song, "My Fo, Fo", accusing 50 Cent of taking [[steroid]]s, hiding in his home, and being jealous of [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]]. Jadakiss also responded with a song, "Checkmate", and said that 50 Cent was trying to "create a buzz for his new album".<ref name=PB>Reid, Shaheem ([[March 10]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497957/20050309/jadakiss.jhtml Jadakiss, Fat Joe Retaliate for 50's 'Piggy Bank']. MTV. Accessed [[May 23]] [[2007]].</ref> The "Piggy Bank" music video portrays animated [[caricature]]s of Jadakiss (as a [[Ninja turtle]]), Fat Joe (as an overweight boxer who receives a [[knockout]]), Nas (as a kid chasing a "milkshake" truck in a [[Superman]] costume), and The Game (as [[Mr. Potato Head]]).<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[August 4]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1506954/20050804/story.jhtml 50 Mocks Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Game, Nas in 'Piggy Bank' Video]. MTV. Accessed [[May 23]] [[2007]].</ref> {{sound sample box align left|}} {{multi-listen start}} {{multi-listen item|filename=Piggy Bank.ogg|title="Piggy Bank"|description=A track in which he takes aim at numerous rappers.|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{multi-listen end}} {{sample box end}} 50 Cent spoke negatively about [[Bad Boy Entertainment]] mogul [[Sean Combs]] and recorded a song, "Hip-Hop", revealing the reasons behind his negative feelings: primarily, a contract dispute over [[Mase]]. In the song, he implied that Diddy knew about [[The Notorious B.I.G.]]'s murder and threatened to expose him through former associates.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[September 6]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1540168/20060905/50_cent.jhtml 50 Goes after Diddy on New Mixtape]. MTV. Accessed [[June 4]] [[2007]].</ref> The feud was resolved, with both rappers appearing on [[MTV]]'s ''[[Total Request Live|TRL]]'' and ''[[Sucker Free]]'', respectively, stating that there were no longer problems.<ref>Strong, Nolan; Jeffries, Alexis ([[September 7]] [[2006]]). [http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2006/09/07/18131472.aspx Exclusive: 50 Cent, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Declare 'Cease Fire']. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> On [[February 1]] [[2007]], [[Cam'ron]] and 50 Cent had a live argument on ''The [[Angie Martinez]] Show'' on [[Hot 97]] radio. 50 Cent commented that [[Koch Entertainment]] was a "graveyard", meaning [[major record labels]] would not work with their artists.<ref name=NYT>Sanneh, Kelefa ([[February 27]] [[2007]]). [http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/27/arts/music/27koch.html?ex=1330232400&en=450b007f34cc7d4d&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss Rappers Find That a Small Label Can Have Its Uses]. ''The New York Times''. Accessed [[May 22]] [[2007]].</ref> Cam'ron then ridiculed the record sales of [[G-Unit]] members [[Lloyd Banks]] and [[Mobb Deep]] by stating that [[Jim Jones (rapper)|Jim Jones]] outsold their albums despite being signed to an [[independent label]] and that his group, [[The Diplomats]], had a distribution deal from several labels.<ref name=NYT/> Both rappers released "diss" songs with videos on [[YouTube]]. 50 Cent suggested in "Funeral Music" that Cam'ron is no longer able to lead The Diplomats and that Jim Jones should take his place. Cam'ron responded with "Curtis" and "Curtis Pt. II", in which he makes fun of 50 Cent's appearance, calling him "a gorilla, with rabbit teeth".<ref>Petipas, Jolene ([[February 9]] [[2007]]). [http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/10860 It's Official, 50 Cent Starts War with Cam'ron]. SOHH. Accessed [[May 25]] [[2007]].</ref> 50 Cent responded by releasing "[[Hold On (Young Buck song)|Hold On]]" with [[Young Buck]].<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[March 28]] [[2007]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555587/20070326/west_kanye.jhtml Kanye, Cam'ron, More MCs Skip Million-Dollar Videos, Go Straight to the Web]. MTV. Accessed [[May 25]] [[2007]].</ref> ===The Game=== {{Main|G-Unit vs. The Game feud}} In early 2005, 50 Cent began a feud with [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]], whom he was close to before releasing his debut album ''[[The Documentary]]''. After its release, 50 Cent felt The Game was disloyal for saying he did not want to participate in G-Unit's feuds with other rappers and even wanting to work with artists they were feuding with. He also claimed that he wrote six songs on the album and was not receiving proper credit for his work, which The Game denied.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[March 1]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497638/03012005/50_cent.jhtml 50 Cent and The Game — Doomed from the Very Beginning?]. MTV. Accessed [[May 25]] [[2007]].</ref> {{sound sample box align right|}} {{multi-listen start}} {{multi-listen item|filename=Not Rich, Still Lyin'.ogg|title="Not Rich, Still Lyin'"|description=A track in which he takes aim at [[The Game (rapper)|The Game]].|format=[[Ogg]]}} {{multi-listen end}} {{sample box end}} 50 Cent later dismissed The Game from G-Unit on Hot 97 radio. After the announcement, The Game, who was a guest earlier in the evening, attempted to enter the building with his entourage. After being denied entry, one of his associates was shot in the leg during a confrontation with a group of men leaving the building.<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[February 28]] [[2005]]). [http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1497589/20050228/50_cent.jhtml 50 Drops Game from G-Unit; Shots Fired at Radio Station]. MTV. Accessed [[June 2]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Hope, Clover ([[March 2]] [[2005]]). [http://allhiphop.com/blogs/news/archive/2005/03/02/18129789.aspx 50 Cent Cancels New York Appearance amid Shooting Inquiry]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> When the situation escalated, both rappers held a press conference to announce their reconciliation.<ref>Fresh, Remmie ([[March 9]] [[2005]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20050321072947/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4163 The Game and 50 Hold Press Conference Today to End Dispute]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> Fans had mixed feelings as to whether the rappers created a publicity stunt to boost the sales of the albums they had just released.<ref>Rodriguez, Jayson ([[March 1]] [[2005]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20050306234231/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4129 Update: Man Shot Not with 50 Cent; Violator Offices Shot Up]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> Nevertheless, even after the situation deflated,<ref>Williams, Houston ([[May 9]] [[2005]]). [http://allhiphop.com/blogs/features/archive/2005/05/09/18133221.aspx Game: Winds of Change]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> G-Unit criticized The Game's [[Wiktionary:street credibility|street credibility]]. The group denounced The Game and announced that they will not feature on his albums. During a [[Summer Jam]] performance, The Game launched a [[boycott]] of G-Unit called "G-Unot".<ref>Rodriguez, Jason ([[June 6]] [[2005]]). [http://web.archive.org/web/20050617073858/http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4469 The Game Taunts 50 Cent, Jay-Z Returns at Hot 97’s Summer Jam]. AllHipHop. Accessed [[July 20]] [[2007]].</ref> After the Summer Jam performance, The Game released a track, "[[300 Bars and Runnin']]", which addresses 50 Cent and G-Unit.<ref>Chery, Carl ([[June 24]] [[2005]]). [http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/7244 Game gone wild]. SOHH. Accessed [[June 8]] [[2007]].</ref> He continued his attacks in a ''[[Stop Snitchin, Stop Lyin']]'' DVD. After numerous songs aimed at G-Unit, 50 Cent responded to The Game's rebuttals on mixtapes. One track, "Not Rich, Still Lyin'", imitates The Game, attacks his credibility, and mentions his feud with his brother, Big Fase 100.<ref>Chery, Carl ([[February 3]] [[2006]]). [http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/8275 The Game takes on Spider Loc, 50 Cent strikes back]. SOHH. Accessed [[June 2]] [[2007]].</ref> The Game also released mixtape covers parodying the group. After he displayed pictures of G-Unit dressed up as the [[Village People]], 50 Cent posted a cover of The Game's head on the body of a male [[Exotic dancer|stripper]].<ref>Reid, Shaheem ([[July 10]] [[2006]]). [http://www.mtv.com/bands/m/mixtape_monday/071006/ Mixtape Monday: 50 Cent Strips Down The Game]. MTV. Accessed [[June 15]] [[2007]].</ref> Although he was signed to Aftermath Entertainment, The Game left the label and signed with [[Geffen Records]] to terminate his contractual obligations with G-Unit.<ref>Petipas, Jolene ([[August 1]] [[2006]]). [http://sohh.com/articles/article.php/9503 Update: The Game Officially Leaves Aftermath]. SOHH. Accessed [[June 9]] [[2007]].</ref> ===Lawsuit=== On [[July 21]] [[2007]], 50 Cent filed a [[United States dollar|US$]]1 million lawsuit against advertising company Traffix Inc. of [[Pearl River, New York]] for using his image in a promotion which he says threatens his safety. He learned about the internet ad after one of his staff members saw it on a [[MySpace]] page. According to court documents, the ad features a cartoon image of the rapper and the message: "shoot the rapper and you will win $5000 or five ring tones guaranteed". Though the ad did not use his name, the image allegedly intended to resemble him, suggesting he endorsed the ad. The lawsuit calls it a "vile, tasteless and despicable" use of 50 Cent's image that "quite literally calls for violence against him". The lawsuit also seeks for unspecified [[punitive damages]] and a permanent [[injunction]] against the use of his image without permission.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/story/2007/07/21/50cent-lawsuit-ad.html?ref=rss 50 Cent says ad threatens his life, files lawsuit]. CBC ([[July 21]] [[2007]]). Accessed [[July 23]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2007Jul20/0,4670,People50Cent,00.html 50 Cent Sues over 'Shoot the Rapper']. Fox News ([[July 20]] [[2007]]). Accessed [[July 27]] [[2007]].</ref> ==Discography== {{Main|50 Cent discography}} *2003: ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (album)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]'' *2005: ''[[The Massacre]]'' *2007: ''[[Curtis (50 Cent album)|Curtis]]'' *2008: ''[[Before I Self Destruct]]'' ==Awards== {{Main|List of 50 Cent awards}} ==Filmography== {| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 90%;" |- bgcolor="#B0C4DE" align="center" ! Year ! Film/show/video game ! Role ! Other notes/episode |- | [[April 15]], [[2003]] | ''[[50 Cent: The New Breed]]'' | — | [[Documentary film|Documentary]] [[DVD]] |- | [[February 13]], [[2005]] | "[[The Simpsons]]" ||Himself ||''[[Pranksta Rap]]'' |- | [[November 9]], [[2005]] | ''[[Get Rich or Die Tryin' (film)|Get Rich or Die Tryin']]'' | Marcus | Motion picture debut |- | [[November 17]], [[2005]] | ''[[50 Cent: Bulletproof]]'' | — | [[Video game]], voice only |- | [[December 15]], [[2006]] | ''[[Home of the Brave (2006 film)|Home of the Brave]]'' | Jamal Aiken | — |- |rowspan="4"|[[2008 in film|2008]] | ''The Ski Mask Way''<ref>IMDB. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0944844 "The Ski Mask Way" at the IMDB]. IMDB. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008]].</ref> | Seven | ''on hold'' |- |''[[Righteous Kill]]'' | Spider | ''post-production'' |- | ''[[50 Cent: Blood on the Sand]]'' | Himself | ''to be released in the [[2008 in video gaming|Fall of 2008]]'', [[Video game]], voice only |- |''Live Bet''<ref>IMDB. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0803031 "Live Bet" at the IMDB]. IMDB. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008]].</ref> | — | ''announced'' |- |rowspan="2"|[[2009 in film|2009]] | ''Streets of Blood''<ref>IMDB. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1203523 "Streets of Blood" at the IMDB]. IMDB. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008]].</ref> | — | ''post-production'' |- | ''Spectacular Regret''<ref>IMDB. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1216510 "Spectacular Regret" at the IMDB]. IMDB. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008]].</ref> | — | ''pre-production'' |- | [[2010 in film|2010]] | ''The Dance''<ref>IMDB. [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0790637 "The Dance" at the IMDB]. IMDB. Accessed [[July 15]] [[2008]].</ref> | — | ''on hold'' |} ==References== {{Reflist|2}} ==External links== {{commons}} {{Wikiquote}} *[http://www.50cent.com Official website] *{{Ning|thisis50|50 Cent}} *{{amg name|2:359225~T0}} *{{allmusicguide |id=11:wbfpxqqjldse}} *[http://sessions.aol.ca/?id=507 50 Cent] at [[AOL Sessions]] *[http://www.bebo.com/50cent 50 Cent] at [[Bebo]] *{{imdb name |id=1265067 |name=50 Cent}} *[http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/50_cent/artist.jhtml 50 Cent] at [[MTV]] *{{myspace|50cent}} *{{YouTube channel|50CentMusic|50 Cent's}} {{50 Cent}} {{G-Unit}} {{G-Unit Family}} {{Persondata |NAME=50 Cent |ALTERNATIVE NAMES=Jackson, Curtis James, III |SHORT DESCRIPTION=Rapper |DATE OF BIRTH=[[July 6]] [[1975]] |PLACE OF BIRTH=[[New York City]], [[New York]], [[United States]] |DATE OF DEATH= |PLACE OF DEATH= }} {{DEFAULTSORT:#50 Cent}} [[Category:50 Cent|50 Cent]] [[Category:1975 births]] [[Category:Shooting survivors]] [[Category:African American actors]] [[Category:African American rappers]] [[Category:Aftermath Entertainment artists]] [[Category:American businesspeople]] [[Category:American film actors]] [[Category:American music industry executives]] [[Category:East Coast rappers]] [[Category:G-Unit members]] [[Category:G-Unit Records artists]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:New York City rappers]] [[Category:People from Queens]] [[Category:Shady Records artists]] [[af:50 Cent]] [[als:50 Cent]] [[ar:50 سنت]] [[az:50 Cent]] [[bs:50 Cent]] [[bg:Фифти Сент]] [[cs:50 Cent]] [[da:50 Cent]] [[de:50 Cent]] [[et:50 Cent]] [[es:50 Cent]] [[eo:50 Cent]] [[fa:فیفتی سنت]] [[fr:50 Cent]] [[ko:50 Cent]] [[hi:५० सेंत]] [[hr:50 Cent]] [[id:50 Cent]] [[is:50 Cent]] [[it:50 Cent]] [[he:50 סנט]] [[ka:50 Cent]] [[sw:50 Cent]] [[ku:50 Cent]] [[lv:50 Cent]] [[lt:50 Cent]] [[hu:50 Cent]] [[nl:50 Cent]] [[ja:50セント]] [[no:50 Cent]] [[nn:50 Cent]] [[pl:50 Cent]] [[pt:50 Cent]] [[ro:50 Cent]] [[ru:50 Cent]] [[sq:50 Cent]] [[simple:50 Cent]] [[sk:50 Cent]] [[sl:50 Cent]] [[sr:50 Cent]] [[fi:50 Cent]] [[sv:50 Cent]] [[ta:50 சென்ட்]] [[th:50 เซ็นต์]] [[vi:50 Cent]] [[tr:50 Cent]] [[vls:50 cent]] [[yi:פופציק צענט]] [[zh:五角 (歌手)]]