The name 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson) conjures images of diamond chains, mega-selling albums, and the sharp, sometimes ruthless, business acumen that built an empire. Yet, behind the “Gangsta” image that dominated the airwaves with hits like “In Da Club” and “Candy Shop,” lies a surprisingly grounded, almost childlike fear of one woman: his grandmother. Despite owning massive properties and holding a net worth accumulated through music and shrewd business moves—like his stake in Vitaminwater, which reportedly earned him about $100 million—the rapper still reverts to his childhood self when visiting his family.
The Grandparent Rule: Garbage Duty and a Forbidden Soda
In a candid 2012 interview with Oprah Winfrey on Oprah’s Next Chapter, 50 Cent confessed that his grandmother, who took him in after his mother was tragically murdered when he was eight, remains the one person he truly fears disappointing. During the interview, he revealed that he maintains a strict household ritual: taking out the trash himself. More amusingly, the “terror of the American hip-hop world” was once caught in a moment of minor rebellion. The Incident: His grandmother, deeply concerned about his health, had a strict ban on sugary beverages like soda. The moment she caught him with a carbonated soft drink, the multi-millionaire rapper was immediately reduced to a scolded child, quickly hiding the can behind his back. The Quote: He succinctly summarized the dichotomy of his life: “I am 50 Cent in the streets, but at home I am just my little grandson Curtis.”
Expanding the Empire: From Rap Icon to TV Mogul
This vulnerability was a surprising revelation, especially given 50 Cent’s public persona, which was built on the raw authenticity of his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ (2003), which sold over 12 million copies globally. 50 Cent’s success story is defined by his ability to transition his fame into a diverse business portfolio, showcasing that he is, in fact, an astute businessman. In a major career pivot, 50 Cent became a successful television executive producer and co-star. His hit crime drama series, Power, and its subsequent spin-offs, proved his versatility and solidified his status as a powerful Hollywood figure. This personal anecdote about the forbidden soda and the mandatory garbage duty offers a rare, humanizing glimpse into the life of a global superstar. It reminds us that no matter the fame or fortune, for Curtis Jackson, the most demanding executive producer is still the woman who raised him: his grandmother.
@bet A grandmother’s love is so PURE. I can go on and on about the way my grandma has impacted my life. From homecooked meals, THE BEST ADVICE and lastly, showing me unconditional love. @50cent talks about the impact that his grandma had on his life on TheWineDownBET. I was all in my feels. Watch the full episode on DEMAND.