How 50 Cent Survived Being Shot Nine Times Before Becoming One of Hip-Hop's Biggest Superstars

#NOLAZINE - Before 50 Cent became a worldwide hip-hop superstar, successful businessman, and television mogul, he experienced a life-threatening shooting that nearly ended his life before his music career truly took off.

On May 24, 2000, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. The rapper, who was only 24 years old at the time, suffered gunshot wounds to several parts of his body, including his hand, arm, legs, chest, and face.

One of the bullets struck his cheek, causing injuries that permanently affected his speech and contributed to the distinctive voice fans would later recognize on his records.

50 Cent survived the shooting, but his road to recovery was far from easy. He spent nearly two weeks in the hospital and faced months of physical recovery.

At the time, 50 Cent was preparing to establish himself in the music industry. He had signed with Columbia Records and was working on his debut album, Power of the Dollar. However, following the shooting, his relationship with the label came to an end, and the album was never officially released as planned.

For many aspiring artists, such a setback could have ended their careers. But 50 Cent refused to give up.

Instead, he returned to recording music and began releasing mixtapes that generated major attention throughout New York's underground hip-hop scene.

His determination eventually caught the attention of Eminem and Dr. Dre, who helped bring him to Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment.

In 2003, 50 Cent released his groundbreaking debut studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', featuring massive hits such as “In Da Club,” “21 Questions,” and “Many Men (Wish Death).”

The album became a commercial phenomenon, selling millions of copies and transforming 50 Cent into one of the biggest names in hip-hop.

Interestingly, “Many Men (Wish Death)” became one of the most personal records of his career, reflecting on the violence, betrayal, and near-death experience that shaped his journey.

More than two decades later, 50 Cent has expanded his success beyond music into television production, entrepreneurship, and entertainment.

His story remains one of hip-hop's most remarkable survival and comeback stories. A man who was shot nine times, lost his record deal, and nearly lost his life went on to build a multimillion-dollar entertainment empire.

NOLAZINE WANTS TO KNOW: Do you think surviving the 2000 shooting changed 50 Cent's mindset and helped make him the successful businessman and artist he eventually became?