Get rich or die trying! 50 Cent was born Curtis James Jackson III 1975 in New York City. The rapper grew up in gangs, but caught the attention of Eminem with a 2002 mixtape. He produced 50’s major label debut ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2003, giving the world hits like ‘In da Club’ and ’21 Questions.’ His success would continue, selling over 30 million albums worldwide.
50 is also an actor. He made his debut in the semi-autobiographical film ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005), and was also in ‘Brave’ (2006), and the crime thriller ‘Righteous Kill’ (2008). There is simply so much that 50 Cent has done, it’s wild to look back at where he started. Want to see how 50 Cent transformed from a young rapper into a full-blown, rap legend? Look no further than our gallery here.
50 Cent in 2003
50 Cent, Eminem & Dr. Dre
Ramin Talaie/AP/Shutterstock
Eminem, left, 50 Cent, center, and Dr. Dre pose for photographers after arriving at the Roseland Ballroom for the ‘The Shady National Convention,’ concert in New York in 2004. They were dressed sharp for the event, which poked fun at political conventions. Em discovered 50, and before that Dre was the one to find Eminem as a young talent in Detroit.
Gwen Stefani, 50 Cent & Gavin Rossdale In 2005
Alex Berliner/BEI/Shutterstock
Famous friends! No Doubt frontwoman Gwen Stefani (left) and husband Gavin Rossdale (right) flank 50 Cent at CAA’s Pre-Golden Globes Party on Jan. 15, 2005.
‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’
Cent Prods/Paramount/Kobal/Shutt
50 Cent is seen in a poster for his fim debut ‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. The 2005 film was based on the rapper’s own life story and named after his debut studio album.
50 Cent In ‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’
Michael Gibson/Cent Prods/Paramo
50 Cent makes a deal in a scene from 2005’s ‘Get Rich Or Die Tryin’. Though the film received lackluster reviews, 50 was praised for his acting.