The aspiring young rapper was shot nine times in the front yard of his grandparent's house, causing 50 Cent to be dropped by Colombia Records while he spent months recovering from his wounds. He continued to record tracks and built a large underground following of loyal fans.

It was when he met up with Eminem and DR Dre that his career took off. He signed to Shady Records and released the "Get Rich or Die Trying" album, with the classic rap anthem single "In Da Club" being one of the hits on it.

50 Cent also started G-Unit Records in 2003, with artists like Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, and Young Buck being signed.

"Fiddy" has also made an appearance on the Simpsons, on the episode called "Pranksta Rap". He also has a deal with the shoe make Reebok, with his own line of G-Unit sneakers. 50 Cent also stars in the partly autobiographical film "Get Rich or Die Tryin" released in late 2005.

See also Famous 50 Cent Quotes