50 Cent's net worth is estimated at somewhere between $40 million and $100 million, according to various current sources -- well down from a reported peak of around $260 million in 2007 after the sale of Vitaminwater. His fortune has fluctuated significantly: he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015 with more than $32 million in debts, driven largely by a $5 million legal judgment, before rebuilding his wealth through television production, spirits, and touring.
Jackson survived a 2000 shooting to become one of hip-hop's biggest stars with Get Rich or Die Tryin', then built a business career spanning Vitaminwater, G-Unit Records, and the Starz television franchise Power, where he serves as executive producer and co-stars as Kanan Stark.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Curtis James Jackson III |
| Born | July 6, 1975, South Jamaica, Queens, New York |
| Known For | Get Rich or Die Tryin'; executive producer and co-star, Power franchise (Starz) |
| Business | G-Unit Records/Films/Television, Sire Spirits, past Vitaminwater stake |
| Legal History | Filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2015 with over $32 million in debts |
| Family | Two sons: Marquise (born 1997) and Sire (born 2012) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $40-100 million (estimates vary widely) |
Early Life
Curtis James Jackson III was born on July 6, 1975, in South Jamaica, Queens, New York. His mother, Sabrina, a drug dealer, raised him and died in a house fire when he was eight. He became involved in selling drugs as a teenager, was arrested multiple times, and served time in a shock-incarceration boot camp program before turning to music.
Breakthrough and the 2000 Shooting
Jackson began recording music in the late 1990s and signed to Columbia Records, but before his career took off, he was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home on May 24, 2000, and survived. He rebuilt his career through independent mixtapes and his group G-Unit, eventually signing with Eminem and Dr. Dre, which led to his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin' and its hit single "In da Club." His follow-up album, The Massacre (2005), sold millions of copies.
Business Ventures and Vitaminwater
Jackson built a business empire including G-Unit Records, G-Unit Clothing, G-Unit Books, SMS Audio headphones, Street King energy drinks, and a minority stake in Effen Vodka. He reportedly earned around $100 million from his equity stake when Coca-Cola acquired Vitaminwater's parent company in 2007.
2015 Bankruptcy
In July 2015, Jackson filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection with debts exceeding $32.5 million. The filing followed a $5 million jury verdict against him for invasion of privacy involving a video related to Rick Ross's ex-girlfriend, along with losses from his SMS Audio headphone venture.
Power Franchise and Current Ventures
Jackson serves as executive producer and co-stars as Kanan Stark on Starz's Power, created by Courtney A. Kemp, which ran from 2014 to 2020, and has continued executive-producing its spinoffs Power Book II: Ghost, Power Book III: Raising Kanan, and Power Book IV: Force. He has also launched Sire Spirits, a cognac brand, and continues touring.
Personal Life
Jackson has two sons: Marquise, born in 1997 with Shaniqua Tompkins, and Sire, born in 2012 with model Daphne Joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 50 Cent's net worth?
Estimates vary widely, from around $40 million to $100 million, well down from a reported $260 million peak in 2007.
Did 50 Cent file for bankruptcy?
Yes, Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2015, with debts exceeding $32.5 million, driven largely by a $5 million legal judgment.
Did 50 Cent create the Power TV series?
No. Power was created by Courtney A. Kemp; 50 Cent serves as executive producer and co-stars as Kanan Stark.