50 Cent

50 Cent (born July 6, 1976) is a New York City rapper who rose to great prominence within the hip hop community in early 2003. He was born in the neighborhood of south Jamaica in Queens, New York with the name Curtis Jackson.

A former protege of Run-DMC DJ Jam Master Jay, 50 Cent released his debut album "Get Rich Or Die Tryin" in 2003; it featured the singles "In Da Club", "P.I.M.P.", "Magicstick" and "Wanksta". This was produced by Eminem and Dr. Dre.

50 Cent had previously released underground albums, but did not gain exposure to a mainstream audience until he was discovered by Eminem, who was impressed by his talents and signed him to a joint deal between Shady and Aftermath Records. 50 Cent also gained fame for his rap feud with fellow rapper Ja Rule, which has come quite close to violence. So close, in fact, that some believe that the September 18th, 2003 shooting attack on 50 Cent was perpetrated by associates of Ja Rule, but this suspicion is generally unfounded, as there is little evidence to prove it.

Later that year, he performed at the MTV 2003 Movie Awards. He toured with Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, and Sean Paul for the "Roc The Mic Tour." He has also been featured in magazines, MTV, and BET.

50 Cent grew up in Southside Jamaica Queens until his mother was killed when he was 8 years old. He had to move in with his grandparents in Rochdale Village, a middle class neighborhood. 50 did not live in the projects nor did he claim to, he lived near the South Jamaica housing projects. He attended Andrew Jackson High School but was kicked out for posessing crack cocaine in the school. He was eventually convicted on a drug possession charge and served jail time.