4 Ways 50 Cent Has Turned His Brand Name From 'Rapper' To 'Mogul'
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson is an award-winning rapper, producer, entrepreneur and actor. Already, 2015 is proving to be one of the biggest years of his career. He has proven to be one of the most talented and prolific rappers of his time.
Many of us remember 50 when he hit the scene with "In Da Club" in 2003, which had many of us popping bottles in the club to celebrate our birthdays.
He has managed to dabble in other ventures outside of the music industry, including brand endorsements, new business opportunities, TV production, apparel, headphones, drinks and many other areas.
With more than 52 million social media followers, it's no question 50 Cent still has an impact on this generation.
It's also clear 50 is smart and has not limited himself. He proves to be successful in whichever way he goes. His ambition is something we Millennials can admire. No matter how you introduce yourself to the world, you can do whatever you want to do, as cliché as that may sound.
I respect 50 Cent for being more than just a "rapper," and while he hasn't completely abandoned his passion for music, he proves to be versatile, resilient and ambitious.
It's no doubt changing your public image comes with public scrutiny and question, but 50 never cracked and has taken each step as a learning experience.
1. Power
Currently 50 serves as executive producer and has a reoccurring role on the Starz hit show, "Power," which just wrapped filming its second season, set to premier June 6.
2. Big-screen actor
Additionally, this summer, 50 has two feature films set to release. On July 31, he'll co-star in The Weinstein Company's summer blockbuster, "Southpaw," alongside Forest Whitaker, Jake Gyllenhaal and Rachel McAdams.
The film, directed by Antoine Fuqua, centers on a welterweight champion (Gyllenhaal), who fights his way to the top to find fame and success, but his home life deteriorates around him.
The rapper/actor also has a role in the Paul Feig-directed CIA action comedy, "Spy," starring Melissa McCarthy, Jude Law, Jason Statham and Rose Byrne, which is set to release June 5.
3. Still releasing new music
On March 3, the recently-reunited G-Unit released its second EP, The Beast Is G-Unit.
Amongst numerous other projects this year, 50 has plans to release his highly-anticipated solo album, Street King Immortal, which has several featured guests, including Eminem.
4. Great businessman
While 50 started out ruling the music charts, he was able to take his talents to corporate America to prove he is more than just a "rapper;" in fact, he is a business mogul to be taken seriously.
In December 2014, 50 broadened his empire even further by partnering with Derek Jeter, Carmelo Anthony and Timbaland in FRIGO by RevolutionWear, leading the brand to sign an $80 million licensing deal.
His headphones, SMS Audio, have entered a lucrative deal with Disney World and Disneyland Resorts. This spring, they are collaborating to release the Second Edition Star Wars SMS Audio headphone collection, which will depict fan-favorite themes, like Tie Fighter, Chewbacca, R2-D2 and Darth Vader.
Not every "rapper" has been able to establish an alliance with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts; it is definitely an impressive accomplishment for 50.
Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has come a long way and is truly an inspirational story to many of us.
Despite his Twitter rants, fights with Mayweather and other public outbursts, there is no denying he is entertaining and keeps us wondering what he will get into next.
Citations: SMS Audio and Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Announce New Strategic Alliance (SMS Audio, LLC)
