50 Cent has been no stranger to controversy since emerging as a superstar. Between 2000-2004, he had a much publicised 'beef' with Murder Inc rapper Ja Rule. Both grew up in Jamaica, Queens, where the germ of the conflict is said to have started.

On one occasion, 50 Cent attacked Ja Rule at a recording studio, punching him numerous times in the face. On another, a member of Ja Rule's entourage grazed 50 Cent with a knife in a nightclub brawl.

In the song Wankster, 50 claims that Ja Rule is soft and has fabricated his gangster image, dating all the way back to the early 1990's. Ja Rule responded in kind, issuing threats to Eminem, 50 Cent and the rest of the Shady/Aftermath music label. Later that year, Ja Rule's diamond chain was stolen by a 50 Cent supporter. Rumour has it that Ja Rule was forced to pay 50 Cent for the jewellery's safe return.

Since then, 50 has traded verbal barbs with fellow rappers Jadakiss, The Game, Fat Joe, Nas, Puff Daddy and more. No matter where he goes, or how successful he becomes, it seems that 50 can't escape a life of violence.

The future

Currently, 50 Cent is on tour, promoting his third full-length album, Curtis.

In 2008, he is set to star in movies alongside Nicholas Cage (The Dance) and Robert De Niro (Righteous Kill).

50's career continues to expand and diversify. Initially considered a gimmick-rapper, known only for vulgar lyrics and the telling of criminal capers, 50 has demonstrated himself to be a very able business man.

His G-Unit (Gorilla Unit) empire produces and distributes records, clothing, films and books. Some estimates place his net worth at Rs 32,000,000,000 by the year 2009, which would make him one of the wealthiest persons of African descent in the entire world.

Also read: Jolly good Jolie!

Back

|

More