Rapper-turned-mogul 50 Cent has been keeping up with the challenging action scenes on The Expendables 4. Stunt coordinator Alan Ng told PopCulture.com that the rapper/actor was “very powerful and strong, like a tank,” so much so that he inadvertently injured a stunt performer while filming the fourth installment in the star-studded action franchise.
“He was actually so strong that in one of the scenes, he was supposed to barge into a stunt performer and his strength resulted in the guy going flying and dislocated his finger,” he said. “The guy and his finger are okay now, of course.”
Ng added, “50 Cent is very powerful and strong so that made it very easy to work with him.”
Following Ng’s interview, 50 Cent (real name Curtis Jackson) shared a screenshot of the headline to Instagram, offering some additional context.
“I was 237 lbs in EXPENDABLES 4 I’m back down to 208,” Jackson wrote in the caption. “I still got a little POWER check out the movie.”
50 Cent is one of the biggest names in rap but how did he get that name? After all, “Curtis Jackson” — the rapper-turned-mogul’s real name — is a far cry from “50 Cent.” Lots of rappers have entertaining stories behind their rap names, so what is his?
How Did 50 Cent Get His Name?
Like many rappers who got their starts in the ’90s, 50 Cent was inspired by a personal hero. However, while stars like Wu-Tang Clan took their inspirations from kung-fu movies and comic books, and others, like Nas and Tupac, used versions of their real names, 50 Cent split the difference, creating his persona from a hero that was a little more grounded and close-to-home.
Kelvin Martin was a drug dealer and stick-up kid from Brooklyn, New York, which shares a phone area code with Queens, where Curtis Jackson grew up. While growing up, he heard stories about the exploits of Martin, who was nicknamed 50 Cent. There are conflicting accounts of how the original 50 Cent, Martin, got the title, from his readiness to rob anyone, no matter how much (or little) money they had on them at the time, to a supposed win in a dice game that started with 50 cents and ended with Martin $500 richer.
Unfortunately, Martin, who inspired Jackson’s eventual stage name, was shot to death at the age of just 23 years old. His greatest claim to fame outside of the neighborhoods he once terrorized is inspiring the rapper who went on to sell 11 million copies of his debut album. In past interviews, 50, who was also short early in his career but survived unlike Martin, explained, “I took the name 50 Cent because it says everything I want it to say. I’m the same kind of person 50 Cent was. I provide for myself by any means.”
In early 2003, Eminem released the third single from his fourth album The Eminem Show. The track was called “Superman” and it became a big hit rising all the way up to number 15 on the Hot 100. It also turned up on the 2003 year-end charts at number 98. The track features collaborations from a singer called Dina Rae. Rae appears as a vocal guest on a number of the rapper’s tracks but unfortunately, she appears to have fallen on hard times.
Back in March, she made a GoFundMe to try and get the money for some necessary medical care. She ultimately required corrective surgery for her neck and spine. She had the expensive procedure done at UCLA Hospital and anticipates facing massive bills afterward. “As I’m sure you know, this is an expensive surgery and during this procedure and after I will be entirely responsible for all associated costs, and unable to work as I recover,” the homepage of the GoFundMe reads. Check out a post about it below.
hey guys, I need your help! dina rae, the voice behind one of eminem’s most popular song (superman) just had spin surgery and the recovery process forces her to not work. she has a gofundme to help cover different expenses. if you can’t donate, pls share the link…
Rae elaborated more on her request for help. “I am raising money so I can have this procedure, because the fact is, I’ll need some help as I recover and rehabilitate. I’m hoping to cover rent bills and the basic expenses for a few months, I thank you all so much.” The GoFundMe currently sits with just $1600 of its $33k goal raised but Em’s fans online have ben spreading it recently.
Eminem has spoken out a few times recently getting fans’ attention. He called 50 Cent his “best friend” causing the rapper to reflect on their career development together. That comment emerged from Em joining 50 Cent on stage during a Detroit stop on his massive ongoing “The Final Lap” tour. The interaction caused Em fans online to reminisce on their favorite moments between the two. What do you think of a former Eminem collaborator being forced to start a GoFundMe to afford surgery? Let us know in the comment section below.
Earlier this year, Ed Sheeran shared his new album – (Subtract). That’s already being followed with another LP called Autumn Variations, coming later this month.
On Tuesday (September 19), Sheeran opened up for John Mayer at his Heart And Armor Foundation concert in Los Angeles. He performed a handful of unexpected covers, including an acoustic rendition of 50 Cent’s “In Da Club.” The rapper shared a video of the performance on his Instagram with his approval: “Ed Sheeran right now in LA at the John Mayer concert Killing sh*t ! BOOM,” he wrote in the caption.
The comments are polarized. Some fans also enjoy the cover and think Ed can pull of anything with his acoustic guitar, others ask the simple question: “What am I hearing?” Busta Rhymes, however, was in the comments with a slew of fire emojis, also expressing approval.
One fact has proven true in these current times: nostalgia sells. When news broke of the development of a fan-favorite Hip Hop classic film, 8 Mile, as a TV series, excitement for what is to come has steadily built up. The award-winning, semi-autobiographical film depicted the life of the young veteran rapper Eminem and his journey within the gritty Detroit music scene. A huge success during its run, it is no wonder that a reboot is underway.
Part of the growing anticipation is owed to the names involved in this project. The acclaimed rapper, movie producer, and actor 50 Cent revealed his collaboration with Eminem on the adaptation. This iconic team up of two illustrious icons has, of course, strongly built up anticipation. Soon enough, 8 Mile is expected to bring to our screens a modernized remake of a unique come-up story.
8 Mile, The Movie
The 2002 film 8 Mile was a massive hit on the silver screen. Furthermore, the film was not only a success at the box office but also in the commercial music space. Grossing about $242.9 million dollars and receiving RIAA certifications, the movie was easily one of the best films of that year. The title emanated from the name of a roadway in Detroit called 8 Mile Road. Detailing the struggles and story of Jimmy “B-Rabbit” Smith Jr. (played by Eminem) and his rise to fame, the film became a major crowd-pleaser classic.
There’s not much more alluring than a typical but well-done underdog storyline based on true events. 8 Mile was exactly that and more, as it also featured phenomenal music and performances from Eminem. The hit song off the movie’s album, ”Lose Yourself” was well received in the music scene. The track earned Eminem his first No. 1 on the US Billboard 200. The single also went on to receive the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2003.
Besides its many awards and achievements, the impact of 8 Mile was, by and large, a notable one for Hip Hop. The movie not only accentuated the Detroit rap scene but also served as a beacon of hope for aspiring artists. The thematic elements employed in the film greatly resonated with the audience two decades ago and can potentially repeat history in the newer generation with this adaptation.
What To Expect From 8 Mile
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 30: Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and Eminem attend the ceremony honoring Curtis “50 Cent” with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 30, 2020 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
The Power producer unveiled plans concerning 8 Mile on Big Boy TV earlier this year. He stated, “I’m gonna bring his 8 Mile to television…It’s gonna be big, I ain’t got no duds, I’m battin’ a hundred.” Considering the success of the series and spin-offs he has produced, his guarantees stand to hold some weight. When asked on how far along in the process they were, he simply responded, “We in motion.”
However, during a sit down with Men’s Health in August 2023, 50 Cent shed more insight on what viewers can expect. He promised that the upcoming television series will be “just as big as the feature film, just huge.” Following his remarks, he offered more information about why the series will stand out. 50 Cent divulged that a modern retelling of the classic story will showcase how the music business operates today. “The interest in it is because the time period of 8 Mile was capturing per the bat…” he continued. “So as we move it into modern times you’ll see things about how we function now, how technology changed the way people enter the music business.”
Release Date
Details on directing, casting, and the release date have not yet been publicly announced. Also, it’s uncertain whether the original 8 Mile cast members will have anything to do with the project. Mekhi Phifer has, however, revealed he has no interest in returning for a sequel to the hit film. Furthermore, 50 Cent and Eminem have remained reticent on any specifics. Nonetheless, details will be forthcoming later on.
The collaboration on the reboot of a classic has most certainly attracted high hopes from fans and critics alike. Many questions have been raised regarding its possibilities and potential level of success. Can the two seasoned performers and rappers transcend the feats of the 2002 film? Can a modern approach be well-executed? And will the series live up to 50’s hype?
50 Cent’s Final Lap tour is continuing its run across America and when it pulled up to Detroit, The D’s favorite son popped out. Eminem joined his protege to perform his verse from “Patiently Waiting.”
After the initial performance, Eminem would go on to deliver a performance of “Crack a Bottle.”
Busta Rhymes has been serving as an opening act on 50 Cent’s ongoing Final Lap Tour, and the trek hit St. Paul, Minnesota on Friday, September 15. During Busta’s set, he drew some attention over some NSFW shenanigans on stage. At one point, he propped his microphone up against his crotch and acted like it was… well, not a microphone. He then smacked it down before lifting it back up and giving it a suggestive stroke.
50 couldn’t let this slide without commenting: On Instagram today (September 19), 50 shared a fan-shot clip of the moment and wrote, “[laughing emoji] BUSTA stole this move from me, I use to do this to magic stick 10 years ago. LOL [shrugging emoji] Now it just feels dirty, inappropriate unnecessary LMAO this is giving, your old uncle at the barbecue that won’t go sit down vibes right !”
This isn’t the only recent performance 50 has poked fun at: Earlier this month, he set his sights on Ja Rule. Ja performed at the 2023 BMI R&B/Hip Hop Awards and had a biblical visual theme. To that, 50 Cent hopped on Instagram and wrote in response, “Look at this sh*t head, is he supposed to be Jesus. WTF you can’t make this sh*t up. LOL so stupid!”
“[Eyeballs emoji] Bro when I do anything with EM people just go crazy they know he really my boy,” 50 captioned it. “I love him till death!”
50 Cent also posted a video of Eminem initially surprising the audience, walking out on to the stage during “Patiently Waiting” from 50’s debut album, Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, which is celebrating its 20th birthday — the impetus of his The Final Lap Tour.
This January, 50 Cent teased that he wanted to adapt Eminem’s 8 Mile to television. First, he’ll have to finish The Final Lap Tour. The North American leg is scheduled to wrap on September 22 in Toronto before the international dates begin on September 28 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The sprawling tour’s grand finale is set for December 14 in Auckland, New Zealand. See all of the remaining dates here.
Ed Sheeran and Mary J. Blige are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Celebrities run in to their fans all the time, but it’s not often that they share the hilarious encounters with their social media followers. 50 Cent, who has never shied away from speaking his mind about ongoing affairs online, decided to change this on Thursday (September 14). The New York-based rapper hopped on Twitter to reveal that, during a recent workout amid his The Final Lap tour, he was caught lacking in terms of his pop culture history knowledge. Ever the gentleman, though, Fif was sure to say sorry when he learned of his ignorance.
Last night, the father of two shared four photos in a tweet explaining what happened when a woman approached him about his shirt. “I’m in the gym working out and this girl says, ‘You like Michael Jackson? .” I said, ‘This a Drake shirt fool,’” 50 wrote. In the first image, he poses in the black top, which shows nothing more than a close-up of Drake’s eyes across his chest. The other images reveal where the 36-year-old got his inspiration from – Jackson’s Dangerous World Tour in the early ’90s.
I’m in the gym working out and this girl says you like Michael Jackson? I said this a Drake shirt fool, then I googled and this popped up WTF I had to apologize ! #bransoncognac#lecheminduroipic.twitter.com/ZCyDgpuF9l
“Then I Googled and this popped up,” Fif admitted. “WTF . I had to apologize!” his story concluded. Drake has yet to respond to the funny moment, though it likely won’t be long before he has something to say. The 6ix God and his friend have been making headlines together consistently over the past few weeks, particularly due to the Power producer’s desire to be showered in bras by fans as the “Over” hitmaker has.
On the topic of Michael Jackson, the Virgo icon has been in the news frequently following what would’ve been his 64th birthday. While plenty of artists have paid tribute to the “Thriller” hitmaker since his untimely death, none of them are doing it quite like Offset. Read what the rapper’s wife, Cardi B, had to say about her man’s portrait tattoo of MJ at the link below, and tap back in later for more hip-hop/pop culture news updates.
Monday (September 11) was a big day in hip-hop history, particularly for fans of Kanye West and 50 Cent. 16 years ago, in 2007, the former took us to his Graduation, while the latter introduced us to Curtis. Both LPs have strong replay value and were heavily celebrated on social media amid the other ongoing Hip-Hop 50 festivities. The Power producer even chimed in on the conversation regarding his project. He shared some throwback snapshots from a marketing photoshoot that found him sharing extreme PDA with a beautiful, nearly nude model.
When Curtis Jackson first shared the photo dump, it wasn’t long before followers began calling him out in the comments. Some were under the impression that the woman in the NSFW images was Ciara. This notably sparked outrage on behalf of the performer’s husband, Russell Wilson. As Page Six points out, she and the “I Get Money” rapper dated from 2007 to 2010, leading many to naturally assume that he tapped her to pose with him. However, a rep for Fif has since provided some clarity on the situation to the outlet.
Before She Married Russell Wilson, Ciara Spent Some Time with 50 Cent
Ciara and 50 Cent perform onstage during Screamfest ’07 at Madison Square Garden on August 22, 2007, in New York City. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
“Two different models are featured on the ‘Curtis’ album cover,” Amanda Ruisi explained. “Neither of whom is Ciara,” she additionally noted. While the soon-to-be mother of four tied the knot with Wilson in 2016 (following a chaotic relationship with Future), her ex has been happily coupled up with Cuban Link for some time now. Earlier this year there were engagement rumours surrounding the pair, but they’ve since denied that gossip.
If you missed the celebratory throwback Curtis photos when 50 Cent first posted them, you can check them out at the link below. Are you surprised to find out that Ciara isn’t the woman modelling with the New Yorker? Let us know in the comments.
.” I said, ‘This a 
WTF 
I had to apologize ! 