On this day in Hip Hop history, rapper and investment mogul 50 Cent was born in South Jamaica Queens, New York. Since being discovered by Eminem and signing to Shady/Aftermath in 2002, 50 Cent has found his way to stay in the public eye and maintain his title as one of the most outspoken characters in rap. As a Grammy Award winning lyricist, 50 Cent has sold millions of copies of his seven studio album and has made appearances on top music charts across the globe. His most popular single “In Da Club” was a #1 hit all around the world claiming the top spot on music charts in seven countries outside of the United States.
Although his success in music may be prominent, his prowess as a businessman is also notable. Over the years 50 Cent has been able to acquire his $150 million fortune by tapping into his hustler mind and finding the most lucrative and legitimate ventures to invest his hard earned cash in. In honor of his birthday, we have put together a list of his most profitable investments to show another side to the bulletproof gangster.
Power
In 2014, 50 Cent tried his hand at TV show production and struck gold with his Starz hit show Power. Starring Omari Hardwick and Lela Loren, the crime drama has risen to become one of the more popular premium television shows, with millions of viewers per episode (even in a world where online streaming has become king of entertainment). Critically, the show’s reviews have only grown in positivity since its release and with season three premiering this month, the world is excited to see if 50 will be able to top what he has already put out.
Effen Vodka
Based out of the Netherlands, Effen is an imported flavored vodka that has begun to make a rise in sales in the United States. In 2014, Effen and 50 came together to give 50 an undisclosed amount of the vodka brand’s sales in exchange for exclusive promotion and marketing. Although it may not yet be what Ciroc is today in Hip Hop, Effen has begun to make a rise in other circles to become more and more a drink of choice among bar goers and mixologists alike.
SMS Audio
Much like Dr. Dre with Beats, SMS Audio is a headphone company that was founded by 50 in 2011, acquiring Kona Audio in the same year. Since its debut, SMS has been constantly putting out quality headphones and has earned ambassadorships from the likes of Timbaland, Carmelo Anthony and Jersey Shore‘s DJ Pauly D.
Vitamin Water
It’s common knowledge 50 Cent is a health nut and cares very much about his body and physical health. While working out one day, 50’s personal trainer introduced him to Vitamin Water and 50 instantly became a huge fan of the beverage. In a 2004 Reebok commercial, as suggested by a member of 50’s management team, 50 Cent takes a sip of Vitamin Water and a relationship was born. Vitamin Water, who in no way was aware 50 was going to plug them the way he did, quickly began putting together an ad campaign centered around 50. Geniusly, instead of taking a large pay out, 50 Cent agreed to receiving $5 million and a 5 percent stake in the company. The success of the ad campaign led to Vitamin Water sales to increase 700 percent from $100 million to $700 million over a two year span and when the company was purchased for $4.1 billion, 50’s payout came out to a whopping $75 million after taxes, which was at least 10 times more than what he had made to date selling music.
Although his $150 million dollar fortune has recently been tangled in one of the most public and comical bankruptcy disputes in history, nothing can be taken away from 50 Cent’s skill as a businessman and entrepreneur. From everyone here at The Source, happy born day 50 Cent. May you see many more years of power, success, and lucrative investments.