In May 2000, the life of 50 Cent nearly ended before his music career had the chance to fully begin. The Queens-born rapper, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, was still an emerging artist trying to break into the industry when a violent attack outside his grandmother’s home changed his life forever.
That night in Queens, Jackson was ambushed while sitting in a parked car. A gunman approached and fired multiple shots at close range. By the time the attack ended, Jackson had been struck by nine bullets—an assault so severe that many believed survival would be impossible.
Among the injuries was a bullet that passed through his hand and entered his jaw, causing permanent damage that would later give his voice the distinctive slurred tone fans would come to recognize. The wounds also included shots to his legs, chest, and face, leaving him in critical condition.
Jackson was rushed to the hospital where doctors worked to save his life. For days, the outlook remained uncertain. Recovery would take months, including extensive medical treatment and physical rehabilitation. During that period, he faced the harsh reality that his career might be over before it truly began.
At the time of the shooting, Jackson had already caught the attention of the music industry and was signed to Columbia Records. But the violent incident triggered concern within the label. Executives feared that the controversy and danger surrounding the shooting could create liability for the company.
Soon after the attack, Columbia Records decided to release him from his contract.
For many artists, losing a major label deal after a near-fatal injury would have been the end of the road. Instead, Jackson used the experience as fuel. The shooting became a defining chapter in the identity he was building as an artist.
During his recovery, he returned to writing music, channeling the trauma and anger from the attack into his lyrics. The experience shaped the themes that would soon dominate his music—survival, betrayal, and the constant presence of danger in his life.
One of the most powerful reflections of that moment came through the song Many Men (Wish Death), where he openly referenced the assassination attempt and the enemies he believed were responsible. The track became one of the most personal and emotionally charged songs of his career.
As word of his survival spread, the story of the nine bullets became part of hip-hop mythology. It transformed Jackson’s public image from a struggling rapper into a symbol of resilience and defiance. Industry figures began paying attention again—especially after his underground mixtapes started gaining traction in New York.
Eventually, Jackson caught the attention of Eminem, who introduced him to Dr. Dre. The two legendary producers helped launch 50 Cent’s major comeback, leading to the release of Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
The album became a global phenomenon, selling millions of copies and turning Jackson into one of the biggest rap stars in the world. Songs like “In Da Club” dominated charts, while his backstory—surviving nine gunshots and rebuilding his career—captivated audiences everywhere.
Looking back, the attack that nearly ended his life became the foundation of his legend. What began as a brutal act of violence ultimately strengthened the persona that defined his music and career.
For fans, the story represents more than survival. It’s the origin of a rapper who turned pain into power and transformed a near-death experience into one of the most successful debut eras in hip-hop history.