How time flies. Its hard to believe that its already 15 years ago to the day that Curtis Jackson AKA 50 Cent from Baisley Projects in South Suicide Jamaica, NY – a true son of Queens – had the market on smash as nearly 400,000 people copped his major label debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin.
The album was a throwback classic, with every song a banger. By the end of that week he would move close to a million units, 872,000 to be exact. Nas claims to be the first Queens rapper to bring a platinum plaque back to the projects. Thats true, but 50 has taken the Queens, Hip-Hop entrepreneurial spirit and raised standards.
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15 years ago today, 50 Cent released Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
Sparked by the success of a flood of street mix tapes that already established him as a force on the underground, 50 caught the ear of Eminem which led to a $1 million deal with Shady/Aftermath and the rest is history. With the credibility, co-sign and musical resources of Eminem and Dre behind him, 50s tempered savagery soared and he locked down the game.
His music was a heavy hitting, serious, but melodic mixture of beats and spirited lyrics directly reflecting his Queens sound, but enhanced for the times with a Southern Twang that added to his unique delivery. His persona was enhanced by the reality of getting shot nine times in these grimy streets. You could hear the authenticity of the pain in his voice.
50 Cent – In Da Club (Int’l Version)
Best of 50 Cent: https://goo.gl/PgrRic Subscribe here: https://goo.gl/o954jF Music video by 50 Cent performing In Da Club. (C) 2003 Shady Records/Aftermath Records/Interscope Records #VEVOCertified on February 13, 2012. http://www.vevo.com/certified http://www.youtube.com/vevocertified
You could visualize the masterful tutelage and mentorship of Jam Master Jay, teaching 50 how to craft songs and effectively implement hooks.
‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Interview
http://www.hollywood.com ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ Interview Scott Huver interviews 50 Cent, Quincy Jones, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, and Terrence Howard. For more celebrity interviews, movie trailers, and entertainment news visit Hollywood.com!
50 made the industry submit to his intelligence and truth. His debut album entered at the top of the Billboard Albums charts and by the end of 2003, the RIAA reported six million sales of the album that earned five Grammy nominations and parlayed his career into that of a multi-faceted mogul with ventures into everything from liquor to fashion and acting to award-winning cable productions.
