50 Cent

Full Name: Curtis James Jackson III
Profession: Rapper, Actor, and Businessman

Biography: Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, and entrepreneur who came to fame with his 2003 album Get Rich or Die Tryin' and further established his presence in the industry by founding G-Unit Records the same year.

With a successful leap into television, particularly as the producer of the series Power from 2014 to 2020, and with over 30 million albums sold globally, 50 Cent has won numerous awards, including a Grammy, and Billboard have named him one of the best rappers of all time.

Born in Queens, New York, Jackson's mother died when he was young, leading him to be raised by his grandparents. With a troubled youth that included boxing since age 11 and involvement in drug dealing, he faced serious consequences by age 19, serving six months in boot camp for a narcotics charge.

Adopting the moniker "50 Cent," inspired by a Brooklyn criminal of the 80s, Jackson embarked on his music career with guidance from Jam Master Jay. His initial popularity grew from the controversial track "How to Rob," but it was his brush with death from a shooting in 2000 and the subsequent release of the mixtape Guess Who's Back? in 2002 that set the stage for his major breakthrough.

Eminem's discovery of Jackson in 2002 was a pivotal moment, leading to a record deal and the release of his celebrated album Get Rich or Die Tryin'. However, the period was also marked by rivalries, including a high-profile feud with Ja Rule and various legal issues.

2003 saw Jackson's venture into the business world with the establishment of G-Unit Records, which boosted the careers of artists like Lloyd Banks and Young Buck.

Jackson's second album, The Massacre in 2005, confirmed his status, but his subsequent work, including Curtis in 2007 and Before I Self Destruct in 2009, experienced a drop in sales. He attempted a musically comeback with Animal Ambition in 2014, but by then, his focus was shifting more towards his film and TV production efforts, with Power becoming a notable success.

Beyond the entertainment world, Jackson saw significant financial gain from his investment in VitaminWater, especially after its acquisition by Coca-Cola. Additionally, he ventured into book publishing and launched a line of headphones. His philanthropic work includes the G-Unity Foundation and a goal to feed a billion people in Africa through a partnership.

Jackson's personal life has not been without controversy, including legal challenges and disputes with other rappers such as Ja Rule, The Game, and Rick Ross. As a father of two sons, Marquise and Sire, he has lived in various residences, notably a Connecticut mansion previously owned by Mike Tyson.

Born: July 6, 1975
Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
Age: 49 years old

Generation: Generation X
Chinese Zodiac: Rabbit
Star Sign: Cancer