50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York, is an American rapper, actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He is one of the most successful and influential figures in hip-hop, known for his gritty, street-inspired lyrics and his entrepreneurial acumen. 50 Cent’s early life was marked by adversity; he grew up in a rough neighborhood, raised by his mother, who was murdered when he was just 8 years old. He turned to selling drugs and eventually started rapping as a means of escaping his circumstances. His breakthrough came in 2002 when Eminem discovered him after hearing his mixtape, Guess Who’s Back?. This led to 50 Cent signing with Eminem’s Shady Records and Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment. His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003), was a massive commercial success, selling over 8 million copies worldwide and featuring hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.” 50 Cent’s success didn’t stop with music; he expanded into acting, producing, and business ventures. He starred in the semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005) and later became a producer for the hit TV show Power (2014-2020). He also became a savvy businessman, investing in companies like VitaminWater and launching his own record label, G-Unit Records. While his subsequent albums did not achieve the same level of success as his debut, 50 Cent’s impact on hip-hop and popular culture is undeniable. Known for his tough persona and entrepreneurial spirit, he remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop today.