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50 Cent

50 Cent (born Curtis James Jackson on July 6, 1975[1] in Queens, New York) is a popular African-American rapper, also known as Fitty or Fifty, who rose to fame following the success of his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

Biography
Once almost unknown outside his hometown of Southside Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent is currently one of the most well-known and commercially successful rappers of the decade. Because the success of an artist in gangsta rap often depends on street credibility and reputation, Interscope Records has sold 50 Cent as the "real deal". His mother was murdered in a drug deal. He has been shot, stabbed, and he built a large rap empire in New York City before ever signing a major record deal.

50 Cent's continued success seems guaranteed by his modest underground fanbase and the street credibility he has gained by appearing on almost every major mix tape sold in New York in the past few years. The rapper, who was the first to sign to Shady Records, was scouted before knowing Eminem. He is currently signed to Eminem's Shady Records and Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment.

Eminem first encountered 50 Cent with MTV News reporter Sway Calloway, apparently having not heard any of his performances before seeing him in person. He then appeared on the 8 Mile soundtrack with an accompanying song and video ("Wanksta") that immediately went into heavy rotation on BET, MTV, and radio stations across the country. The famous gangster Mr. Soane has allegedly
tried to assassinate
50, but ended up killing his collegue, Mr. Ajimal.

Before signing to Interscope, 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" with fellow Queens native Tony Yayo. In June of 1994, Jackson was arrested on felony drug charges. Being a second time offender, Jackson was able to plead out of significant prison time by accepting seven months in a "shock incarceration" boot...