50 Cent consists of Curtis Jackson.
Curtis James Jackson III (born July 6, 1975), known commonly as 50 Cent, is a popular rapper who rose to fame following the success of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin' and The Massacre. 50 Cent is regarded as one of the most popular rappers in hip-hop.
Originally from Jamaica, Queens, New York, 50 Cent is considered a part of gangsta rap. Before signing to a record label, 50 Cent was living with his grandparents. He soon became immersed in the drug trade, hustling around his native neighborhood by the name of "Boo Boo." When the rapper was young, his mother was murdered in an drug deal and he was shot nine times and stabbed. Though that reputation 50 Cent built a large rap empire in New York before ever signing a major record deal.
50 Cent met up with Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC fame and was signed to his label. After leaving Jam Master Jay he teamed up with the hip-hop production duo Track Masters, who explored his talent. 50 Cent was signed to Columbia Records in 1999. The controversial single "How to Rob", was an ode to robbing a slew of industry rappers, was a hit on the radio. The next single "Ghetto Qu'ran" started a feud with drug kingpins throughout New York. His debut album Power of the Dollar was shelved, and left Columbia Records shortly after his shooting in 2000.
Eminem first encountered 50 Cent from listening to one of his mixtapes and brought it to Dr. Dre's attention. Eminem sought interest with the rapper on MTV. After numerous labels negotiations 50 Cent officially signed to Interscope Records. The rapper, is the first to sign to a joint effort between Eminem's Shady Records and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment. Interscope marketed 50 Cent as the "real deal", and his appearance on the 8 Mile Soundtrack (" Wanksta") immediately went into heavy rotation on BET, MTV, and radio stations across the country.
