What is 50 Cent's Net Worth?
50 Cent, an American rapper, producer, actor, and entrepreneur, boasts a net worth of $40 million. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" shot him to international fame, going platinum multiple times with hits like "In Da Club." Subsequent albums, including "The Massacre," also achieved significant success. Known for his distinctive style, 50 Cent has sold millions of albums globally. But his influence extends beyond music. His investment in Vitamin Water led to a substantial payout when the company was sold to Coca-Cola. Moreover, he's successfully transitioned into film and television, with his semi-autobiographical TV series "Power" being a major hit and spawning several spin-offs.
Throughout his career, 50 Cent has earned at least $200-300 million from various endeavors, including record sales, touring, and brand partnerships. Nevertheless, his lavish spending on real estate, cars, and lawsuits led him to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2015. At his peak, 50 Cent’s fortune topped $100 million.
Early Life
Born Curtis James Jackson III on July 6, 1975, in Queens, New York City, 50 Cent was raised in the South Jamaica neighborhood by his drug-dealer mother, Sabrina, until her death when he was eight. After her passing, he was raised by his grandmother. By age 12, he was dealing narcotics after school. His teenage years were marked by arrests, including an incident in 10th grade when he was caught with guns and drug money at school. In 1994, he faced multiple arrests for selling drugs and possession of narcotics and firearms, eventually serving six months in a boot camp and earning his GED during his sentence.
Early Career and Shooting
50 Cent gained initial recognition with his underground single "How To Rob." In May 2000, just before releasing his single "Thug Love" featuring Destiny's Child, he was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home. Despite severe injuries, he survived and spent 13 days in the hospital. During this time, he signed a publishing deal with Columbia Records but was later dropped after trying to publish "Ghetto Qu'ran." Blacklisted in the U.S. recording industry, he moved to Canada to produce mixtapes, eventually releasing "Guess Who's Back?" in 2002.
Rise to Fame
In 2002, Eminem discovered Jackson and invited him to Los Angeles to meet Dr. Dre. Signing a $1 million record deal, 50 Cent released "No Mercy, No Fear." His debut album "Get Rich or Die Trying" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 2003, selling nearly a million copies in its first four days. Its lead single, "In Da Club," set a record as the most-listened-to song in radio history in one week. Following this success, Interscope granted him his own label, G-Unit Records. His second album, "The Massacre," sold 1.14 million copies in its first four days and held the number one spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. Over his career, he has sold over 21 million units worldwide.
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Other Pursuits
Beyond music, 50 Cent founded G-Unit Records and launched the G-Unit clothing company. He has acted in several movies alongside legends like Al Pacino and Robert De Niro. In 2012, he also formed a boxing promotion company, The Money Team.
Bankruptcy Filing
On July 13, 2015, 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 personal bankruptcy protection in the US Bankruptcy Court in Hartford, Connecticut. At that time, he resided in Mike Tyson's former mansion in Connecticut, with assets valued between $10 million and $50 million and holding debts of similar amounts.
This filing came just days after a jury ordered him to pay Lavonia Leviston, Rick Ross's ex-girlfriend, a $5 million judgment for releasing a sex tape without her consent. Further compounding his financial issues, a previous court ruling required him to pay $17.5 million in damages over a trademark infringement case related to a former partner in a headphone company.
The bankruptcy filing was strategic for three main reasons:
- Preventing the judgment creditor from disrupting his business operations and placing liens on his assets.
- Forcing the creditor to the negotiating table to reduce the $5 million judgment.
- Preventing the jury from awarding additional punitive damages in the sex tape case.
50 Cent explained:
"When you're successful and stuff, you become a target. I don't wanna be a bullseye. I don't want anyone to target me with astronomical claims. I’m taking precautions any good business person would take."
His lawyer added:
"The filing permits Mr. Jackson to continue his business endeavors and entertainment work while organizing his financial affairs."
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Vitamin Water Deal
50 Cent's most successful financial move was negotiating a minority stake in Vitamin Water in exchange for being its celebrity spokesman and marketing the "Formula 50" drink. In 2007, Coca-Cola acquired Glacéau, the maker of Vitamin Water, for $4.1 billion. 50 Cent’s stake was initially reported to be 10%, which would have netted him $410 million pre-tax. However, financial analysts estimate his stake at 2.5%, equating to $100-$150 million before taxes.
Earnings By Year
- 2007: $32 million
- 2008: $150 million
- 2009: $20 million
- 2010: $8 million
- 2011: $6 million
- 2012: $7 million
- 2013: $7 million
- 2014: $8 million
- 2015: $4 million
- 2016: $6 million
- 2017: $5 million
- 2018: $4 million
- 2019: $4 million
Total: $261 million
Effen Vodka Deal
In July 2017, rumors circulated that 50 Cent sold his minority stake in Effen Vodka for $60 million. Although 50 Cent confirmed the sale on Instagram, he did not confirm the amount. The $60 million figure was reported by DJ Envy on The Breakfast Club radio show but lacked verification. Therefore, this amount has not been factored into 50 Cent's net worth.
Starz Deal
In October 2018, 50 Cent inked a four-year overall deal with Starz, home to his drama show "Power." The deal includes a commitment to three-series and could be worth $150 million if all milestones are met.
Personal Life
50 Cent has a son, Marquise Jackson, born in October 1996, with former girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins. Tompkins later sued Jackson for $50 million, but the suit was dismissed. The two have had numerous public feuds on social media.
Although he supported President George W. Bush in 2005, Jackson later backed Barack Obama in 2008 and Hillary Clinton in 2016. Despite his song lyrics, 50 Cent refrains from drugs and alcohol. In May 2016, 50 Cent faced backlash after posting a video where he harassed an autistic, hearing-impaired teenager at Cincinnati International Airport. Following demands from the teenager's family, 50 Cent apologized and donated $100,000 to Autism Speaks.
Connecticut Mansion
In 2003, 50 Cent bought a 17-acre estate in Connecticut, featuring a 50,000-square-foot residence with 37 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, a gym, casino, and nightclub. Previously owned by Mike Tyson, the mansion cost Jackson $4.1 million plus $6 million for upgrades, including a private theater, infinity pool, and helicopter pad. During his 2015 bankruptcy proceedings, it was revealed that maintaining and financing the property cost around $72,000 per month. Initially listed for $18.5 million in 2007, the house price was reduced to $4.995 million by 2018 and finally sold for $2.9 million in April 2019, resulting in an $84% discount from the original listing price.
