50 Cent

Curtis James Jackson III, known as 50 Cent, grew up in South Jamaica, Queens. He started rapping in local cyphers and battles, and in 2000, Eminem signed him to Shady Records. His debut album, 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'', came out in 2003 with the single 'In Da Club', which became a massive hit. That album also included tracks like '21 Questions' and 'Many Men (Wish Death)', helping define his early sound.

In 2003, 50 Cent survived a shooting that left him with nine bullet wounds. He followed up with albums such as 'The Massacre' in 2005, which had songs like 'Candy Shop' and 'Window Shopper', and 'Curtis' in 2007. He worked with artists like Dr. Dre and formed the G-Unit crew with rappers such as Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo.

Beyond music, 50 Cent has been involved in various business ventures, including clothing lines and film production. His influence in hip-hop comes from his direct lyrics and street-level perspective, heard in tracks like 'P.I.M.P.' and 'Just a Lil' Bit'.