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50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, has a complex personal life marked by relationships with both family and romantic partners. He has two sons, Marquise and Sire, with whom he has experienced strained relationships, particularly with Marquise, stemming from a tumultuous relationship with Marquise’s mother, Shaniqua Tompkins. In interviews, Jackson has noted that becoming a father changed his perspective on life, motivating him to distance himself from crime. Additionally, his lifestyle choices include being a teetotaler, stating that he does not drink due to previous negative experiences with alcohol.

Beyond music, 50 Cent has established a diverse business empire that includes G-Unit Records, clothing lines, and beverage brands. His most notable success came with VitaminWater, where he held a minority stake. After Coca-Cola acquired Glaceau, the parent company of VitaminWater, for $4.1 billion, 50 Cent pocketed approximately $100 million from the sale. Additionally, he has launched the G-Unity Foundation, which focuses on educational programs and community support. His ventures also include SMS Audio, a headphone company, and various investments in real estate, liquor, and entertainment production, achieving a net worth estimated at over $30 million during his peak.

Curtis James Jackson III, known as 50 Cent, was born on July 6, 1975, in New York City, specifically in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens. Raised by his mother, who was a drug dealer, life took a tragic turn when she died in a fire when he was just eight years old. After her death, Jackson was brought up by his grandparents, which led him to selling drugs during his childhood to help support himself. By the age of 12, he was dealing narcotics, which eventually resulted in his arrest in 1994 for selling cocaine. This tumultuous upbringing gave Jackson a complex view of the world, influencing both his music and his business ventures later in life.

Throughout his career, 50 Cent has garnered numerous awards and accolades, including a Grammy Award, 13 Billboard Music Awards, and 3 American Music Awards. His 2003 album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' not only achieved critical acclaim but also solidified his status as one of the best-selling rappers, with over 30 million albums sold worldwide. Moreover, in 2023, Billboard recognized him as the 17th greatest rapper of all time, reflecting his lasting impact on the hip-hop industry. Recognitions like these underline his influence, not just musically, but culturally.

50 Cent's musical style was highly influenced by a diverse range of artists and genres, grounding his work in a rich hip-hop tradition. He cites Boogie Down Productions, Big Daddy Kane, and KRS-One as significant influences on his rapping technique and lyricism. Additionally, he has noted that LL Cool J inspired his approach to songwriting, particularly evident in his popular track '21 Questions'. As he matured in his career, artists like Nas and Rakim also shaped his musical identity, prompting him to delve into more meaningful content in albums like 'Animal Ambition'. Through these influences, 50 Cent has crafted a signature style that combines lyrical savvy with catchy hooks that resonate with audiences.

50 Cent has skillfully leveraged his celebrity status to create a multifaceted business empire that spans music, television, and product endorsements. His foray into business began with G-Unit Records, and he made headlines with his partnership with Glaceau for VitaminWater, which netted him a substantial return when Coca-Cola acquired the brand. Jackson's hands-on approach and insightful marketing strategies have led him to explore multiple sectors, including fashion with G-Unit Clothing Company and alcohol with Branson Cognac and Effen Vodka. His diverse investments not only reflect his understanding of market trends but also highlight his commitment to charity, with initiatives aimed at helping disadvantaged youth through his G-Unity Foundation.

50 Cent's political views have evolved considerably throughout his career. Initially, he expressed support for President George W. Bush but later shifted his perspective, aligning himself with Barack Obama during the 2008 election. He has passionately spoken about economic issues, especially concerning tax policies, which led him to briefly endorse Donald Trump during the 2020 campaign but quickly retracted after public backlash. His commentary often intertwines personal experiences of overcoming poverty with the wider societal implications of political decisions, underscoring his desire to empower financially disenfranchised individuals. This political journey reveals a dynamic view that adapts to contemporary issues while remaining grounded in his life experiences.

50 Cent is well-known for his high-profile feuds with other artists, which significantly shaped his public persona and career trajectory. His longstanding rivalry with Ja Rule began in the early 2000s over allegations of disloyalty and escalated to various diss tracks and public altercations. This feud not only created buzz around his music but also helped define the 'gangsta rap' era as artists began to engage in more public forms of competition. Additionally, conflicts with other artists like Fat Joe and The Game enriched his narrative and expanded his fan base. While some disputes were contentious, others led to eventual reconciliations, showcasing his complex relationships within the industry and demonstrating his ability to remain relevant through controversy.

Growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, 50 Cent faced significant hardships early in life, which profoundly influenced his music and business decisions. After losing his mother to a fire and being raised by his grandparents, Jackson pursued boxing and later turned to drug dealing to survive. He often cites these experiences as vital to shaping his gritty lyrical style, which reflects the challenges of urban life. These details are evident in his later music, where themes of struggle and resilience are prevalent. His background not only inspired his lyrics but also instilled a strong entrepreneurial spirit, causing him to seek success beyond music, eventually branching into varied business ventures such as G-Unit Records and his own clothing line.

50 Cent's career took off after he was discovered by Eminem in 2002. After being shot nine times in a 2000 incident, he had been dropped by Columbia Records, but his 2002 mixtape 'Guess Who's Back?' caught the attention of Eminem and Dr. Dre, leading to his signing with Shady Records. His debut studio album, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'', was released in February 2003 and received critical acclaim, selling over 872,000 copies within its first four days. The album featured hit singles like 'In da Club', which became a cultural phenomenon and broke records for radio play in its debut week, solidifying his status in the hip-hop world.