The stage name ’50 Cent,’ associated with Curtis Jackson III, is well-known, but the origin story behind it might surprise you.
You might be aware of the reasoning behind Eminem’s moniker, but what about 50 Cent? While news circulates about a potential collaboration between the two rap icons, following the Real Slim Shady’s expression of interest in working with the ‘Candy Shop’ artist, let’s delve into the story of 50 Cent’s name.
Did Curtis Jackson stumble upon 50 cents on the sidewalk? Did he earn 50 cents from his debut performance? The options seem limitless.
However, the truth is, Curtis Jackson chose the name based on someone from his formative years.
Growing up in Queens, New York, Jackson was acquainted with a young man named Kelvin Martin who resided in nearby Brooklyn.
Martin, also known in the area as 50 Cent, was involved in drug dealing. Why the name?
According to Uproxx, there are several theories, one of which suggests Martin entered a dice game with just 50 cents and left with $500.
Another theory proposes that Martin was known for robbing individuals, even for as little as 50 cents.
These stories may not appear to offer the most positive motivation for a stage name, yet Jackson has hinted at his reasons in previous interviews.
Rather than merely adopting Martin’s name—who reportedly died from gunshot wounds at 23—Jackson sees it as a metaphor for transformation.
Jackson himself was involved in drug dealing before pursuing a rap career and survived being shot in May 2000.
He explained, “I took the name 50 Cent because it says everything I want it to say. I’m the same kind of person 50 Cent was. I provide for myself by any means.”
The backstory has sparked discussions on social media.
One Reddit comment stated, “He said it’s metaphor for change. 50 CENT is the future.”
However, some long-time fans are already familiar with the tale. One remarked, “The people that didn’t know that are either casual 50 fans or are just too young. Probably were born after ‘05. Cuz they literally made a whole documentary about Kelvin Martin ‘The 1st 50 cent’ & even 50 himself (Curtis) was in that documentary… he was in it a lot actually.
“50 even said where he got the name from in ‘The New Breed’ documentary GRODT deluxe edition back in ‘03… but yea a lot of history there & behind the name.”