50 Cent Has Morphed Into A Media Mogul Right Before Our Eyes

50 Cent may have gotten his start by dominating the microphone, but this New Yorker has transcended the rap game to become one of the top business moguls.

Curtis Jackson kicked off his music career with the 2000 EP “Power of a Dollar.” While day-one fans have long praised the project, it did not reach commercial success. He signed with Interscope Records in 2002, followed by his February 2003 album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which solidified 50’s position in the rap game.  The masterpiece debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, moving over 870,000 units in its first week, thanks in part to lead singles “In Da Club” and “Wanksta,” which was included as a bonus track.  The iconic release spawned other hits such as “21 Questions,” “Many Men,” and “P.I.M.P.” 

After his success with Interscope, the Grammy award winner was given the green light to form his own syndicate, G-Unit Records.  He introduced Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck.  Their debut album, “Beg for Mercy”  was released in November 2003. The joint effort sold 377,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200.  As 50 pushed the solo efforts of his G-Unit signees, he made his film debut with a movie titled after his album in 2005.  The flick was released through MTV, Interscope/Shady/Aftermath Films, and 50’s G-Unit Films, serving as the production companies’ first release.

In 2014, he introduced the “Power” series in conjunction with Starz, another exultant play by 50, helping to grow his cinematic empire. The franchise has spawned spin-offs “Power Book II: Ghost,” “Power Book III: Raising Kanan,” and “Power Book IV: Force.” Another popular show under G-Unit is “​​Black Mafia Family,” following the rise of BMF founders Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory and Terry “Southwest Tee” Flenory. 

As if these moves were not impressive enough, 50 has made lucrative investments. He partnered with Vitaminwater in 2004. As a minority stakeholder, once the parent company, Glaceau, was sold to Coca-Cola in May 2007, 50 made an estimated $60 to $100 million.

With the expansion of his massive media compound in Shreveport, Louisiana, it’s evident the 49-year-old has big plans for the future as he continues to reach monumental heights.

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