When one thinks about the modern Hip-Hop industry, few artists — if any — have had the success of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. His infamous story of getting shot nine times — and surviving — has become part of a larger mythos that belies his success in nearly every aspect of the business he’s ever pursued. From being the head of his own record label to building a television and film empire, 50 Cent is in a class of his own.

While many rappers have gone on to become actors — like LL Cool J, Will Smith, and Ice-T — few have stepped behind the camera and become successful at it. But 50 Cent did exactly that. When he re-launched the previously-defunct G-Unit Films, he partnered with a legend in the film and television industry, and subsequently created a whole new television series that has earned its place in the annals of history. Hit series “Power” and its subsequent spin-offs — which was followed up by “BMF” — are proof that the best advice the rapper got was advice he should have followed a long time ago.

“A man I met said you can’t do business with people who haven’t had success already. If there’s too much hunger there, they’ll jump at the chance to take advantage of you,” he told the Robb Report.

It’s no wonder, then, that his $40 million estimated net worth (per Celebrity Net Worth) was well-earned — and well deserved. At the height of his popularity, though, he was worth more than $260 million. “He has also spent lavishly (especially on real estate, cars, and lawsuits), which caused him to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2015,” according to the outlet. However, even through his losses, he stuck true to the credo of getting rich, or dying while trying. And each time, Jackson has come out on top.

Let’s take a look at the myriad of ways he’s made his money through the years.

Editorial note: The net worth listed in this piece is a speculative estimate drawn from a variety of online sources.

Curtis Jackson

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