A true survivor, 50 Cent grew up on the mean streets of South Jamaica Queens, New York where he sold drugs at the age of twelve during the 1980's crack epidemic. He was raised by his grandmother after his mother was killed, and he was shot nine times in front of his home on May 14, 2000. His survival gave the rapper a controversial and somewhat mythical image. His remarkable story propels him to continue making hits and building his own fortune.

In 2003, 50 Cent released his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin'. It was an instant success, selling over 870,000 copies within 4 days. Interscope quickly granted him his own record label, G-Unit Records, that same year. While working with the emerging artists on his label, 50 released his sophomore album, The Massacre. It featured hits like ?Just a Lil Bit? and ?Candy Shop? featuring Olivia, the only lady on G-Unit records. His sophomore album was a hit, selling over 5 million copies and garnering a Grammy nomination for rap album of the year in 2005.

He lost that year to Kanye West, and the record breaking rappers did the legendary cover of "Rolling Stone." Both rappers had albums that dropped on September 11th, and the release was played up by the media as a rivalry. However, they both have made it clear that it is nothing more than friendly competition.

50 Cent has been keeping busy traveling around to promote his new self-titled third album, Curtis. It is another club banging, story telling, boastful 50 Cent classic. This album was highly anticipated by fans everywhere who wanted to know what was on the rapper's mind after letting go of Olivia, publicly beefing with rapper, Cameron, and competing with Kanye West in album sales. It alsoshows fans a different side of

the rapper, a more sensual side, with songs like ?Amusement Park,? which we can assure you is not a place for kids.

50 Cent promises fans that this year will be a big year. In addition to promoting his album, he recently launched his own film production company, G-Unit Films. He has been working on a feature film with Nicolas Cage, called "The Dance," and is set to star opposite Robert DeNiro in "Righteous Kill." With a production company, a record deal and several other business ventures under his belt, it is plain to see that there is a lot more to this rapper than meets the eye.