50 Cent

50 Cent is a rapper and actor from Queens, New York. 50 Cent burst onto the scene with his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin in 2003 and followed it up with The Massacre in 2005, both of which achieved multi-platinum success, selling over twenty million records worldwide.Squidoo: 50 in da house bounce

On May 6, 2009, 50 Cent posted a note on his website saying he had been cleared of suspicion with respect to a 2008 fire at his residence on Long Island, but the same day, the police said the fire was "highly suspicious" and the "case is still open and ongoing."Digital Spy: Police: '50 Cent not cleared in fire' (May 7, 2009)

A fast-moving fire destroyed 50 Cent's mansion in Dix Hills on May 30, 2009. His ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins, their 11-year-old son and four other people escaped the blaze by jumping off a rear roof.PollStar: 50 Cent Not Yet Innocent (May 8, 2009)

50 Cent didn't live in the house and was in Louisiana filming a movie but Tompkins accused 50 Cent of having the fire set because an eviction notice had been stayed.PollStar: 50 Cent Not Yet Innocent (May 8, 2009)

On March 27, 2009, The New York Times revealed that 50 Cent's Twitter account is actually updated by a ghost writer named Chris Romero. The ghost writer said, "He doesn't actually use Twitter, but the energy of it is all him."The New York Times: When Stars Twitter, a Ghost May Be Lurking (March 27, 2009)

A feud developed between 50 Cent and Rick Ross, after Ross released "Mafia Music" online, and 50 Cent was offended by the lyrics that be believed were aimed at him. In response, 50 Cent released "Officer Ricky" and a video interview with Ross' former girlfriend Tia, that disparaged Ross. On March 12, 2009, he allegedly threatened to release a porn video of the mother of one of Ross' children.Vibe.com: 50 Cent Allegedly Plans Porn... (March 12, 2009)

In February, 2009, 50 teamed up with Eminem and released "Crack A Bottle." The song went from #78 to #1 and had over 400,000 digital downloads the first week. The video, which 50 Cent said would probably be animated, is being produced by Paul Rosenblog.RapBasement: Eminem, Dre, 50 Cent "Crack A Bottle" Video PreviewFebruary 24, 2009)

Hollyscoop blogsite reported on February 4, 2009, that 50 Cent is launching a new line of men's grooming products. The line is said to contain night creams, moisturizers and health supplements. The rapper already has a clothing line, as well as a partnership with Vitaminwater.Hollyscoop: 50 Cent Launching Line of Male Grooming Products (February 4, 2009)

50 Cent won a lawsuit on February 5, 2009, filed by his ex-girlfriend Shaniqua Tompkins claiming that she was entitled to approximately half of the rapper's assets. A judge dismissed the case stating that their relationship was "an unfortunate tale of a love relationship gone sour."TMZ: Fitty Won't Have to Pony Up 50% to Babymama (February 5, 2009)

On July 23, 2008, 50 Cent filed a federal lawsuit against fast food chain Taco Bell. The lawsuit alleged that Taco Bell used 50 Cent's name and image to promote their products without his permission. As part of their "Why Pay More" campaign, Taco Bell released an advertisement encouraging 50 Cent to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent.Yahoo! News: 50 Cent sues Taco Bell... (July 24, 2008)

On May 24, 2000, shortly before 50 Cent's debut album Power of the Dollar was set for release, he was shot nine times. Although he survived, Columbia Records decided not to release Power of the Dollar and 50 Cent returned to prove himself once again in New York's underground rap scene.allmusic: 50 Cent Biography

• 2003: Get Rich or Die Tryin
• 2005: The Massacre
• 2007: Curtis
• 2009: Before I Self Destruct

• Ticketmaster: 50 Cent