Net Worth Ranker
What Is Curtis James Jackson III’s Net Worth?
As of today, Curtis James Jackson III, most famously known as 50 Cent, has an estimated net worth of $60 million. This financial standing is the result of a multifaceted career that spans music, film, television, and various entrepreneurial ventures. While he has earned hundreds of millions of dollars throughout his career, lavish spending and legal issues have impacted his overall wealth.
Early Career and Musical Success
Curtis James Jackson III was born on July 6, 1975, in the South Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City. His early life was marked by hardship, with his mother passing away when he was only eight years old. He began dealing narcotics at age 12. By 1994, he faced multiple arrests related to drug offenses, including selling cocaine to an undercover officer. These experiences profoundly shaped his persona and later influenced his music.
50 Cent’s rise to fame began with the controversial underground rap single “How To Rob.” In May 2000, just before releasing “Thug Love” with Destiny’s Child, he survived a shooting where he was hit by nine bullets outside his grandmother’s home. This incident occurred at 159-19 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica, NY 11432. Despite the severity of his injuries, he signed a publishing deal with Columbia Records while in the hospital. However, he was later dropped by the label after attempting to release “Ghetto Qu’ran.”
In 2002, Eminem discovered 50 Cent and invited him to Los Angeles to meet Dr. Dre. This led to a $1 million record deal and the release of “No Mercy, No Fear.” His debut album, “Get Rich or Die Trying,” released in 2003, was a massive success, debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard charts and selling nearly a million copies in its first four days. The lead single, “In Da Club,” became the most-listened-to song in radio history within a week. Following this success, Interscope granted 50 Cent his own label, G-Unit Records.
His second album, “The Massacre,” released in March 2005, sold 1.14 million copies in its first four days and held the number-one spot on the Billboard charts for six weeks. While specific sales numbers for all his singles are not readily available, his studio albums have collectively sold over 21 million units to date.
Business Ventures and Investments
Beyond music, 50 Cent has made significant strides in business. One of his most successful investments was his minority stake in Vitamin Water. In 2007, Coca-Cola purchased Glacéau, the maker of Vitamin Water, for $4.1 billion. While initial reports suggested 50 Cent owned a 10% stake, which would have equated to a $410 million pre-tax windfall, it is now believed his stake was closer to 2.5%, resulting in a payout between $100 million and $150 million before taxes.
In July 2017, it was rumored that 50 Cent sold his minority stake in Effen Vodka for $60 million. While he confirmed the deal on Instagram, the specific financial details have not been officially verified. This figure originated from DJ Envy on The Breakfast Club radio show, but lacked concrete sourcing.
In October 2018, 50 Cent signed a four-year overall deal with Starz, the network behind his hit show “Power.” This deal, which includes a three-series commitment, could be worth up to $150 million if all milestones are met.
Bankruptcy and Financial Challenges
On July 13, 2015, 50 Cent filed for Chapter 11 personal bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Hartford, Connecticut. At the time, he resided in Mike Tyson’s former mansion at 50 Poplar Hill Dr, Farmington, CT 06032. His reported assets were valued between $10 million and $50 million, with debts of equal amounts. The filing occurred shortly after a jury ordered him to pay Lavonia Leviston, Rick Ross’ ex-girlfriend, $5 million for intentionally releasing a sex tape. This judgment included $2.5 million for using her image without permission and another $2.5 million for emotional distress.
Prior to this, a judge had ordered 50 Cent to pay $17.5 million in damages for a trademark infringement case related to a former partner in a headphone company. The bankruptcy filing was a strategic move to prevent creditors from disrupting his business operations, negotiate down the $5 million judgment, and prevent further punitive damages in the sex tape case.
Real Estate and Personal Life
In 2003, 50 Cent purchased a 17-acre property in Connecticut that included a 50,000-square-foot mansion with 37 bathrooms, 21 bedrooms, a gym, a casino, and a nightclub. The mansion, previously owned by Mike Tyson, was acquired for $4.1 million. 50 Cent invested an additional $6 million in upgrades, including a private movie theater, infinity pool, and helicopter pad. The maintenance costs for the property were around $72,000 per month, with utilities alone costing $18,000. He finally sold the property in April 2019 for $2.9 million, a significant loss compared to his initial investment.
50 Cent has a son, Marquise Jackson, born in October 1996, with former girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins. Tompkins later sued Jackson for $50 million, but the suit was dismissed. In May 2016, he faced public scrutiny after harassing a janitor at Cincinnati International Airport, who was later revealed to be an autistic and hearing-impaired teenager. He resolved the situation by donating $100,000 to Autism Speaks and issuing an apology.
