Hardcore rapper 50 cent (b. Curtis Jackson, Queens, NY) is one of the few East Coast rap artists from the late 90ies to have survived the wave of violence and to emerge with a successful career. Curtis is born in the Jamaican neighbourhood of Queens and quickly finds himself involved with elements of street crime. After various stints in prison, Jackson like many others before him turns towards the emerging crime fuelled rap genre. In 1996 Run DMC’s Master Jay signs him to his JMJ Records label after receiving a demo tape. The deal quickly disintegrates and Jackson begins work on his debut album with the production duo Trackmasters. The ‘Power of the Dollar’ is set for release through Columbia Records and three singles are released. ‘Thug Love’ (feat. Destiny’s Child) & ‘Your Life’s on the Line’ fail to make an impact, but the baiting ‘How to Rob’ becomes a minor hit. With lyrics taunting fellow artists, the consequence immediately becomes clear as 50ct is stabbed at the Hit Factory studio complex. A near-fatal assassination attempt follows and Columbia quickly withdraws the record, terminating the contract.
After a slow recovery Jackson slowly begins to rebuild his career, treading carefully this time and establishing a collective G Unit. With producer Sha Money XL mix- tapes are released, later compiled on the album ‘Guess Who’s Back’. The industry still wary off controversy attached to 50 still keep a close eye on his profile and around 2002 the climate is sufficiently changed to bring 50 cent back into the fold. This is despite a spell in jail for illegal possession of a weapon and the fatal shooting of his mentor Jam Master Jay in 2002. The ever-present Dr. Dre and Interscope manage to bring Jackson in, after Eminem has been sounding off about him. 50 cent duly appears on the soundtrack for 8 Mile and production for his second album begins. The singles ‘Wanksta’ and ‘In da Club’ precede the album, with videos featuring Dre and Eminem introducing their new act. The release date for ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin\'’ has to be moved forward to avoid extensive bootlegging.
The record is a run-away success and when released in February 2003 becomes a global success. The media attention focuses on the criminal aspect of his career and the element of fear surrounding this. Driving around in armoured vehicles with bullet-proof vests the 50 cent touring party gets on the prowl. After some difficulties over visa arrangements a global trek gets under way with considerable success in Europe in early 2004. When the press attention has died down somewhat later that year, work on a follow-up starts with Dre again producing. With ‘The Massacre’ slated for a March 2005 release the media intrusion will be reignited for 50 cent who remains one the most controversial rap artists of his time.
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50 cent lyrics 50 Cent - Lyricson Nov 04, 2005 19:43
50 cet you are the the bomb I loved your newest album. -Quantrel
50 Cent - Lyrics
on Nov 04, 2005 19:43
