On May 24, 2000, Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, was shot nine times in a brazen attack that would change the trajectory of his life and career. The incident occurred outside his grandmother’s home in South Jamaica, Queens, as he was getting into a friend’s car to retrieve some jewelry. Just moments after he settled into the backseat, a gunman emerged from a nearby vehicle and opened fire. Jackson was hit multiple times in the hands, legs, and face, suffering serious injuries but miraculously avoiding damage to vital organs. His survival was nothing short of a miracle, as he spent 13 days in the hospital recovering from the traumatic ordeal.
The violent attack was not an isolated incident but rather a culmination of longstanding tensions between Jackson and the local drug trade, particularly involving Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a notorious drug lord. Jackson had previously crossed paths with Supreme, and his growing reputation in the music industry was seen as a direct threat to the criminal enterprises operating in Queens. Shortly after the shooting, the man suspected of carrying out the attack, Darrell “Darl” Homo, was shot dead, further complicating the narrative surrounding Jackson’s life and the motives behind the assault.
Born on July 6, 1975, in Queens, Jackson’s early life was marred by tragedy. His mother, a drug dealer, was killed when he was just eight years old, leaving him to be raised primarily by his grandparents. Despite the hardships, Jackson found solace in boxing and music, but he ultimately gravitated toward the drug trade, becoming involved in selling crack cocaine at a young age. His dual existence—as a street hustler during the day and a loving grandson at night—shaped the man he would become.
Jackson’s foray into music began in the mid-1990s when he caught the attention of hip-hop legends, including Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC. He started to hone his craft, writing and recording tracks that would later lead to his signing with Columbia Records. However, the conflict between him and JAY-Z’s Murder Inc. label, particularly with rapper Ja Rule, would soon escalate into a highly publicized rivalry. The animosity stemmed from perceived disrespect and competition, with both artists trading barbs in their lyrics.
As Jackson’s musical career began to take off, his past in the streets remained a constant shadow. He recorded a controversial track titled “How to Rob,” where he called out several prominent figures in the industry, further solidifying his position in hip-hop while alienating many. The tension with Murder Inc. became palpable, leading to confrontations and altercations, including a violent incident at a recording studio where Jackson was assaulted and stabbed.
Despite these challenges, Jackson’s resilience shone through. After surviving the shooting, he channeled his pain and experiences into his music. The attack not only fueled his drive for revenge but also solidified his resolve to succeed in the music industry. He eventually signed with Eminem’s Shady Records, releasing his groundbreaking debut album, “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” which catapulted him to superstardom.
Today, 50 Cent stands as a testament to the power of survival and reinvention. The scars from that fateful day serve as a reminder of the struggles he endured, but they also symbolize his triumph over adversity. From a life marked by violence and loss to becoming one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, Jackson’s journey is one of resilience, proving that the only way to thrive is to rise above the challenges that life throws your way.