Many rappers enjoy an initial surge of popularity; as it wanes, most move onto diversifying to remain relevant. Queen Latifah launched her clothing line; Diddy expanded into liquor distribution; 50 Cent has built his empire through music, TV shows, and other businesses.
Queens emcee Kevin Hart reached unprecedented heights through hard work and his irreverent style, building an enormous following despite harsh critics. However, not all was praise for him: his actions sometimes brought criticism in spades.
Get Rich or Die Tryin’
50 Cent has become one of the iconic figures of hip hop despite facing difficult challenges as a youth. His story has inspired other rappers to overcome hardship and pursue their goals; from music videos and business ventures, 50 has made an indelible mark on hip hop culture.
Born Curtis James Jackson III of Queens, New York City, 50 Cent was exposed to crime early on and soon got involved with drugs. Through these experiences he developed his distinctive rapping style; taking its name from a street gang he belonged to; using this experience to craft gritty lyrics that resonated with audiences and eventually leading Eminem’s Shady/Aftermath Records label in signing him on for signing their debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ as one of their stars – both are modern classics!
50 Cent is known for his intensely honest lyrics and compelling persona. As well as often dressing in body armor and carrying weapons to make himself stand out among MCs at the time, his powerful word speed and storytelling abilities contributed significantly to his success; making him one of the greatest legends of hip hop ever since he first made an impactful entrance on the scene.
50 Cent has always remained true to his integrity as both an artist and businessman, regardless of any public feuds that arise over his career. He is widely known for being one of hip hop’s hardest working artists and his hustle mentality has helped ensure his continued success throughout his career. 50 Cent is also renowned as being a formidable competitor within rap business itself and has amassed an impressive fortune through various ventures he has ventured into.
50 Cent made his debut album a massive success, but did not rest on his laurels after its release. Instead, he worked to release new albums each year, with The Massacre becoming even bigger hit and catapulting him into prominence among rappers. Around this time he also established G-Unit Records so as to bring Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo into the limelight.
The Massacre
Following the success of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent continued releasing hits, cementing himself as one of the iconic figures in East Coast Gangster Rap. He founded G-Unit Records and sold millions of albums worldwide; his story serves as an inspiring testament to determination and perseverance; considered one of the greatest rappers ever as well as known for launching numerous successful business ventures he is an inspiring example for us all to emulate.
In 2005, he released The Massacre and it quickly rose to number one on the Billboard charts. It continued his narrative of drug and crime while exploring themes about family, relationships, and faith; his signature seductive vocals also contributed to its success; it made selling music easy!
50 Cent was determined to make something of himself in spite of being involved with drugs and crime. He decided to launch a rap career and begin writing songs about his experiences on the streets. Additionally, he launched a clothing line before acting on TV shows like Power. Now an accomplished actor/executive producer of Power.
50 Cent has made headlines through various controversies and public feuds that have only served to further establish his image and reputation. From feuding with Ja Rule or engaging in battle with Sean “Diddy” Combs to an ongoing war between them both, his controversies only serve to further boost his fame and increase his fan base. While most rappers’ careers reach their end point soon enough, 50 Cent continues producing music while even expanding into film production.
He has appeared in multiple movies and is currently working on producing a documentary on Mexico’s drug cartels. With an established presence across social media and hip hop music circles, he continues to be an influential force.
Although no longer as popular musically, his impact on hip hop cannot be denied. He has opened doors for other artists to pursue their dreams and become entrepreneurs; while simultaneously shifting hip hop’s image from that of just music into that of business culture.
Power
Rapper 50 Cent’s meteoric rise from Queens streets to global fame stands as an inspiring testament to what anyone can accomplish when they remain true to themselves. His authentic lyricism, gritty storytelling, and unapologetic persona set him apart from his peers and helped define an era. Additionally, 50 Cent has demonstrated incredible business acumen by founding G-Unit Records and selling millions of albums while using his influence for social justice advocacy causes alongside his music career.
50 Cent has established himself as one of hip hop’s iconic artists despite multiple public feuds, inspiring younger rappers with his incredible resilience and pursuit of their goals in spite of obstacles. Additionally, using his platform as an advocate for healthy lifestyles and mental wellbeing.
50 Cent began his career in music before venturing into acting, production and entrepreneurship. His success in these fields helped change people’s perception of hip hop as an artform to one that embraces business practices and entrepreneurialism.
He has also been an outspoken critic of how police treat black people, as well as an advocate for social justice issues. His success has inspired an entire generation of artists and he continues to use his platform to improve lives around him.
50 Cent quickly made waves upon his arrival to Hollywood and quickly pitched networks with his vision for TV shows that combined glamorous club culture with drug trafficking. Together with writer Courtney Kemp Agbor, 50 developed Power, which premiered on Starz last year and quickly garnered both critical acclaim and viewer interest, leading to two seasons and potentially three. Power’s success also propelled G-Unit Films & Television forward as it expanded with each new project created through Power.
The Woo
50 Cent shared an exclusive preview of Pop Smoke’s music video for his collaboration with Roddy Ricch and “The Woo,” directed by Eif Rivera and featuring old footage intercut with current footage showing Roddy, 50 and women wearing bikinis, as well as exotic cars parked outside his apartment building.
On this track, Roddy and 50 of G-Unit trade verses over a Latin-influenced trap beat with flickers of Spanish acoustic guitar. Pop Smoke dances while living his good life while tv screens display clips of him dancing & living the good life; in one setting there appears to be two females engaging in intimate relations, Pop’s voice can be heard in the background while various scenes show Roddy & 50 mouthing the words to this track.
As an added treat, the clip also shows 50 Cent and his entourage partying in what appears to be a nightclub, though they were all blurred out for legal reasons. This visual comes ahead of Monday’s release of Shoot for the Stars Aim for the Moon Deluxe Edition with additional songs featuring Jamie Foxx, Gunna, Fivio Foreign Burna Boy Queen Naija and others.
50 Cent has been vocal about Pop’s legacy and the need for a more equal hip hop landscape, and has expressed his goal of expanding black women’s participation in rap games through his plan of “Black Girl Magic,” an ode to all that these wonderful black women bring.