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Over the last few years, 50 Cent has steadily
emerged as one of the most celebrated acts of
hip-hop. After showcasing his raw talent in underground
"bootlegged" albums like Guess Who's Back
and 50 Cent Is the Future, 50 Cent turned
his street cred and buzz into success as a talented
songwriter and performer. It wasn't long before
label scouts were in a bidding war for this sought-after
Queens, New York native. Once 50 signed a record
deal with Eminem and Dr. Dre's imprint, Shady/Aftermath,
his impact on mainstream music was swift and unstoppable.
50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, released hit after
hit with his bold rhymes and catchy beats.
Tonight, ASCAP honors 50 Cent with the Rhythm
and Soul Songwriter of the Year Award for penning
the most winning songs: "21 Questions," "In Da
Club," "Magic Stick," "P.I.M.P.," and "Wanksta."
These top hip-hop songs contributed to the immense
success of 50 Cent's debut album, Get Rich
or Die Tryin', debuting at No. 1 simultaneously
on Billboard's Top 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop albums
chart. The infectious "In Da Club" was arguably
one of the most played singles in the history
of radio in February of 2003. 50 Cent's "Wanksta"
was also a featured song on the popular 8
Mile soundtrack. His multiple singles dominated
radio and reaffirmed his staying power as a songwriter
and artist.
50 Cent's determination and innate ability to
pair smart, clever rhymes with undeniably hot
beats made Get Rich or Die Tryin' one
of the most talked about and successful hip-hop
albums today. His stories are honest and witty
and deal with his struggles with violence during
his upbringing in Queens. With his own imprint,
G Unit Records, 50 also released the platinum
plus album, Beg For Mercy, by his other
project, G Unit.
His success includes many venerable accolades:
multi-platinum status, Vibe, XXL
and Rolling Stone covers, three Grammy
nominations, sold-out concerts and multiple singles
running concurrently on Billboard's Hot 100, Hot
R&B/Hip-Hop Singles and Tracks and Hot Rap
Tracks charts. There are no signs that things
will slow down for 50 as he continues to rank
high as one of the most respected songwriters
in the industry.
For his successes, 50 has received many awards,
including wins at the Billboard Awards, the MTV
Video Music Awards, BET Awards, Source Awards,
World Music Awards, Vibe Awards and the American
Music Awards. Recently recognized with the ASCAP
Pop Songwriter of the Year Award, he has steadily
become a major force to be reckoned with in the
world of popular music. Tonight, we are proud
to honor him with the ASCAP Rhythm & Soul
Songwriter of the Year Award. |
