Hip-hop star 50 Cent aka Curtis Jackson III turns 49 years old today. To mark his birthday, we take a look at all the moves he’s made to achieve stardom right from the early 2000s.

The “In Da Club” hitmaker – who stopped by Mumbai as part of his Final Lap tour in November 2023 – has often branched out into different mediums to add to his legacy. That includes acting, producing shows like Power Book II: Ghost (now streaming on Lionsgate Play) and videogames. Here are just some highlights from the decades-long run in showbiz.

Moving between music and entertainment

After a massively successful run in the rap world, with hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions,” 50 Cent ventured into businesses including Branson Cognac to entertainment, with his stardom helping establish his place as a producer and actor. 50 proved his mettle on the big screen with his semi-autobiographical film Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2005) which is a cult classic amongst budding rappers.

Power Book II: Ghost

Outside of music, 50 Cent has made memorable contributions to the entertainment industry, most recently with the crime drama Power Book II: Ghost, which premiered in 2020. Its narrative is laced with envy and deceit at every corner, with 50 Cent as executive producer as well as the character Kanan Stark. The series draws inspiration from his childhood, growing up in a drug-riddled environment while the series protagonist Ghost is also modeled off 50 Cent.

50 Cent. Photo: Live Nation

Accolades and achievements

From growing up in an unstable environment to getting discovered by Eminem and Dr. Dre, 50 Cent has come a long way in the industry. He’s sold over 30 million albums globally and garnered critical acclaim for his distinct artistry. With a Primetime Emmy Award (for his Super Bowl halftime performance in 2022), a Grammy Award and a whopping 13 Billboard Awards, 50 Cent is undoubtedly one of the most influential East Coast rappers.

Video games

One of 50 Cent’s many business interests includes video games, with two massively successful titles – 50 Cent: Bulletproof (2005) and its sequel 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand (2009). The video game reportedly sold $27 million worth of copies in the United States alone. It features 50 Cent trying to take down the hitmen who tried to attack him, with special guest voices including Eminem, Dr Dre and DJ Whoo Kid.