50 Cent

50 Cent is one of hip-hop’s most legendary names, amulti-talented lyricist, singer, songwriter, actor, entrepreneur and aninspiration to all those who seek to “get rich or die tryin’.” Curtis JamesJackson III has risen from the streets of Queens, New York to the very top ofthe global rap game, known to fans across the world as one of the genre’s mosticonic artists and performers, and a defining figure in 21^st centurymusic.

Throughout his 20-year career, 50 Cent has sold more than 30million albums and earned himself thirteen Billboard Music Awards, four BETAwards and a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group, anaccolade he shared with contemporaries Dr. Dre and Eminem for the 2009party-starter ‘Crack a Bottle’. Close collaborators with 50 Cent, these two raptitans are partly responsible for his rise to rap stardom: Eminem was the firstmajor figure in the music scene to take note of 50’s talents, signing him to ShadyRecords and working with Dr. Dre to produce his debut album Get Rich or DieTryin’, a record that spawned instantly recognisable singles such as ‘In DaClub’ (which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 for nine weeks straight and hit the Top10 in charts across the world) ‘P.I.M.P’ and ’21 Questions’.

Since his debut release upended the hip-hop game and made 50 Cent a household name, the rapper has issued four further studio albums and made hugely successful forays into television, film and entrepreneurship. He remains one of the hip-hop’s most influential names and a central figure in 21^st century pop culture and entertainment as fans await the release of his fifth full-length project, Street King Immortal.