Curtis James Jackson III, known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, musician, television producer, actor and businessman. Known for his impact in the hip hop industry, he has been described as a "master of nuanced lyrical art". Born in Queens, southern Jamaica, Jackson began selling drugs at the age of 12 during the 1980 crack cocaine pandemic. Then he started to pursue a musical career and in 2000 he produced Power of the Dollar for Columbia Records, but a few days before the planned release it was shot and the album was never released. In 2002, after 50 Cent released the compilation album Guess Who's Back ?, It was discovered by Eminem and signed to Shady Records, under the auspices of Aftermath Entertainment Company and Dr. Dre's Interscope Records. With the help of Eminem and Dr Dre, 50 Cent grew into one of the world's best-selling rappers and became the de facto frontman of East Coast hip hop group G-Unit.
Rapper and member of the East Coast group G-Unit who was awarded Billboard magazine's sixth best artist of the 2000s. His debut hit,"In da Club", became a worldwide sensation in 2003. Get Rich or Die Trying, his debut album, was certified six times platinum.
