From the streets of Queens, New York, to the halls of business prominence, Curtis James Jackson III, more popularly known as 50 Cent, is a master of reinvention.
He is not just a rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer but also a business magnate who wears multiple hats with equal panache.
From being the man behind the best-selling album of 2003, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, to steering various successful entrepreneurial projects, 50 Cent has shown himself to be a business magnate of rare skill.
Following a bankruptcy filing in 2015, he has continued his upward trajectory and built an empire with ventures ranging from the music industry to consumer electronics, fashion to spirits, and digital platforms to film-making.
If his past success is any indicator, we can expect even more exciting ventures from this multifaceted businessman in the years to come.
50 Cent’s business acumen is as potent as his lyrical flow. Here’s a closer look at six companies that 50 Cent owns, which have significantly contributed to his business empire.
G-Unit Records
50 Cent founded G-Unit Records in 2003, a move that shook the hip-hop industry and paved the way for many successful acts like Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and Mobb Deep. Initially a joint venture with Interscope Records, the Universal Music Group later acquired the label. Notably, it was under G-Unit Records that 50 released his iconic album, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’.
G-Unit Clothing Company
Also in 2003, he co-founded G-Unit Clothing Company in partnership with Marc Eckō, founder of Eckō Unltd. In 2008, the rapper took full ownership of the company, transforming it into a standalone fashion brand. G-Unit Clothing offers a wide range of streetwear, and its merchandise is widely appreciated for its unique design and quality.
SMS Audio
In 2011, he delved into the consumer electronics market by founding SMS Audio. SMS stands for “Studio Mastered Sound,” the company primarily focuses on manufacturing and marketing headphones. Acquiring KonoAudio as part of its expansion strategy, 50 Cent worked with Brian Nohe, the founder of KonoAudio, who became the President of SMS Audio.
Cheetah Vision
50 Cent and Randall Emmett launched Cheetah Vision in 2009, an American film production company focused on creating low-cost action thrillers for international audiences.
ThisIs50.com
The platform keeps fans updated on hip-hop news, music, and trends. Conceived and overseen by 50 Cent, ThisIs50.com is a hub for aficionados of the genre.
Sire Spirits
Entering the spirits market in 2017, 50 Cent launched Sire Spirits, producing premium wine and spirits under the brand names Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne. The venture received high praise from industry connoisseurs and represents yet another successful foray into a competitive market for the multi-talented entrepreneur.
