Jackson grew up in New York in poverty-stricken circumstances, and moved in with his grandparents after his mother was killed during a drug deal when he was eight years old.

He became immersed in the drug trade around his native neighborhood, and by embracing that reputation, 50 Cent began a large following in New York before he had even signed a major record deal. He then met up with Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC fame, signing him up to write music for the artist's label, and teamed with a hip-hop production duo after leaving Jam Master Jay's label. In 1997, 50 Cent was signed to Columbia records, and released a series of singles which caused quite a controversy around him before he left Columbia records after being shot in 2000.

His debut album was helved before this period, and the rapper Eminem brought a mixtape of Jackson's work to rap producer and artist Dr. Dre, after which 50 Cent signed with Interscope records. After signing with the record label, 50 Cent's music was on film soundtracks before the music videos began being played in heavy rotation on most of the music networks of the time. The songs were played on radio stations across the country. After 2004, 50 Cent had his own label, and began signing acts such as Mobb Deep and Mase.

Throughout 2005, Jackson has had a number of endorsements which have propelled him and his label to the forefront of popular attention, and has produced a number of products as varied as sneakers and video games.

Also, in 2005, he starred in a semi-autobiographical film based on his life, and produced a memoir of his life up to his success in August of that year. Since this time, 50 Cent has had a number of controversial run-ins with other rappers of fame, and has gone far to dispute any and all disparaging information about he and his associations.

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