Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has built a career on resilience, success, and fearlessness — from Get Rich or Die Tryin’ to his television hits Power and BMF. Yet, in a rare moment of vulnerability, the rapper and mogul recently revealed that the hardest battle he faces is not in business or entertainment, but in fatherhood. He has been estranged from his eldest son, Marquise Jackson, for more than 16 years.
“I don’t talk to my son,” 50 Cent said quietly. “And that’s something that’ll always hurt — no matter how much money, fame, or success you have. There are some things you can’t fix with a check.”
The Beginning of the Rift
The relationship began to fray in the mid-2000s, during the height of 50 Cent’s success following The Massacre (2005). He acknowledges that his youthful perspective missed the importance of presence over provision.
“When you’re young and angry, you don’t see how your choices echo,” he explained. “Back then, I thought being a provider was enough. But my presence was what he really needed.”
After his split from Marquise’s mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, public disputes and social media exchanges compounded the strain, and by 2009, father and son had stopped communicating entirely.
The Two Messages He Never Sent
In the interview, 50 Cent shared that he still has two unsent messages on his phone — one drafted for his son’s high school graduation, the other for his 25th birthday.
“The first one said, ‘I’m proud of you,’” he admitted. “I typed it out, looked at it, and deleted it. I didn’t think he’d want to hear it from me.”
The second message simply read, “I miss you, son.” He never sent it, citing pride, fear, and the difficulty of reopening a long-closed chapter.
A Father’s Regret
Known for his bluntness, 50 Cent’s tone softened when discussing regret.
“When you lose family to pride, it’s worse than losing them to death,” he said. “Because they’re still out there — living, breathing — but you’re ghosts to each other.”
He credits therapy and reflection for changing his view on fatherhood. “Back then, I was focused on survival. Being a father isn’t about being tough. It’s about being available.”
Marquise’s Perspective
Marquise Jackson has publicly shared feelings of abandonment, expressing frustration over his father’s fame and absence. In 2022, Marquise extended an olive branch via Instagram, offering to meet and talk — an offer 50 Cent admits he saw but did not respond to.
“I watched it,” he confessed. “But I didn’t believe it was real. After all these years, I wanted it to come from his heart — not the internet.”
Healing Through Art
50 Cent notes that his experiences with fatherhood influence his creative work. In Power, his portrayal of Kanan Stark — a father who manipulates and harms his own son — resonated deeply.
“When I filmed Kanan’s scenes with his son, I saw myself,” he said. “Art imitates life — and sometimes it hurts to see your mistakes played out on screen.”
A Father Still Waiting
Despite years of silence, 50 Cent remains hopeful for reconciliation.
“Always,” he said. “You never stop being a father. You just pray for another chance — one that doesn’t come too late.”
For now, the two unsent messages remain on his phone — a reminder of silence, distance, and enduring love.
“Maybe one day,” 50 Cent said softly. “Maybe one day I’ll finally hit send.”
If you want, I can also create a shorter, punchy version with a headline and pull quotes perfect for online or magazine publication.