50 Cent

More so than any other music since the blues, hip-hop is all about stories. And its stories are both criminal minded and grand, making them enthralling and unbelievable, but also making them only as interesting and convincing as the teller. That's why, despite being blackballed by the industry, without a major-label recording contract, heads still gravitated to Jamaica, Queens' realest son, 50 Cent, like the planets to the sun. 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson 26 years ago, is the real deal, the genuine article. He's a man of the streets, intimately familiar with its codes and its violence, but still, 50, an incredibly intelligent and deliberate man, holds himself with a regal air as if above the pettiness which surrounds him. Born into a notorious Queens drug dynasty during the late '70s, 50 Cent lost those closest to him at an early age. Raised without a father, 50's mother, whose name carried weight in the street (hint, hint, dummies), was found dead under mysterious circumstances before he could hit his teens. The orphaned youth was taken in by his grandparents, who provided for 50. But his desire for things would drive him to the block.

Unfortunately, caught up in industry limbo, there wasn't much JMJ could do for 50. The platinum hitmakers Trackmasters took notice of 50 and signed him to Columbia Records in 1999. He turned out 36 songs in this short period, which resulted in "Power Of A Dollar," an unreleased masterpiece that Blaze Magazine judged a classic. In April of '00, 50 was shot 9 times, including a .9mm bullet to the face, in front of his grandmothers house in Queens. He spent the next few months in recovery while Columbia Records dropped him from the label. He banged out track after track, despite no income or backing, with his new business partner and friend Sha Money XL. They released the red, white and blue bootleg, "50 Cent Is the Future," revisiting material by Jay-Z and even Rapheal Saadiq.

Not since the summer of '94, when radio would play absolutely anything Notorious B.I.G. related, has hip-hop seen buzz like this. The CD featured only one new track, "Wanksta," which was certainly not intended for radio, but the streets couldn't wait for the official single and within weeks "Wanksta" became New York's most requested record. He's coming with over ten incredible tracks stashed from last spring and newly recorded winners courtesy of Eminem, who's really cut his production teeth of late, and hip-hop's greatest, highest-selling producer Dr. Dre. Promising an LP of the caliber of rap classics like "Illmatic," "Ready to Die," and "Reasonable Doubt," 50 Cent's debut promises to set the pace for hip-hop in coming years. The product of his unrelenting drive, talent and, frankly, his real-ness, 50's official first album promises to do for him just what it says.

50 Cent

---

Guitarists...Are You A Victim and A Loser?

I was thinking today about THE most dangerous enemy of... Read More

Buying A Guitar

There are many things to consider when buying a new... Read More

Piano Playing and Performance Anxiety

I'll never forget the first time I played the piano... Read More

How Much of Your Potential Will You Release?

Do you ever feel there is an inner voice speaking... Read More

How Many Chords Are There, Anyway?

Since chords (the main component of harmony) are one of... Read More

Tips for a Great Recording Session

You know your songs are great (and so does your... Read More

Win Friends & Influence People Through Music -- Is It Possible?

The idea that studying music improves the social development of... Read More

3 Quick & Easy Steps To Playing Music by Ear

Playing by ear is the ability to play a piece... Read More

The Strange Days (mostly nights) of Guns N? Roses

Kenny "Axil" Rose (Lead vocals), D.J. "Slash (Lead guitar), Joshua... Read More

The Didjeridu

In Northern Australia the Didjeridu is seen as a phallic... Read More

Thomas Jefferson and the Chinese Gong

While Richard Nixon's diplomatic visit to China may have created... Read More

Radio - What?s Happened To It?

Remember when radio stations played great music?OK, before you accuse... Read More

If Seals Can Sing, Why Cant You?

It sounds like a side show, doesn't it? It does... Read More

The Need To Perform

I can't believe how much of the year has gone... Read More

Defining The True Artist - Do You Have What It Takes?

"The real communicating artists seek unique expression. They are not... Read More

How To Play The Violin

This article gives the essential basics for how to play... Read More

Oh My Aching Head! Can Music Really Make You Feel Better?

We all know, if only instinctively, that music has a... Read More

Composing for Dummies

When most people hear the word composer, they automatically think... Read More

The Top 10 Reasons Why You Suck At Playing Guitar

You don't 'need' to play guitar enough.If you desire to... Read More

Music Industry Secrets Revealed - How To Become Succesful The Music Industry Without A Record Deal

Before the internet, unsigned music artists couldnt make a living,... Read More

Guitar Players...Learn About The Point Of Discipline

Have you ever started learning a lick or exercise and... Read More

Independent Music Promotion on the Web: 3 Steps to Success

Let's face it, the wildfire spread of web-based portals designed... Read More

How to Improvise Using a Few Chords

When a painter is getting ready to paint, a color... Read More

Yo, is Rap Just Another Four Letter Word?

Flaunting any excessive or anti-social behavior is considered brazen. When... Read More

Growing and Keeping Loyal Fan Support

Fan support for musicians is a two way street. You... Read More

Guitar Players...Get a Balanced Guitar Practice Diet

Do you have a wide variety of things that you... Read More

The Open Position Piano Chord

Chords. They're amazing. There's no doubt about it. Especially when... Read More

Right Hand Guitar Playing Tip

This lesson can open for you a secret of high-speed... Read More

Taps; Piping Military Honors: A Ceremonial Guide for Highland Bagpipers

It has become increasingly popular for U.S. military veterans and... Read More

Piano Teachers - Whats Wrong with Them?

Most of us like to use what we learn right... Read More

Play Piano As Fast As Possible!

One of the rules of practicing we all hear over... Read More

Chords or Melody First... Which is Best?

There are basically two ways you can compose a piece... Read More

Improvising On The Piano: Jazz Musicians Do It -- Why Not Other Styles?

Why jazz piano improvisation?Why not gospel piano improvisation?Is it not... Read More