Leah Berenson
Leah Berenson
August 29, 2024 ·  4 min read

People still can’t believe 50 Cent’s extreme transformation is actually real

The rapper, 50 Cent, is known for his music and built physique. However, some artists, himself included, fully commit to their roles and a 2011 film showcased him in a way fans had never seen before.

Committed to the Role

LOS ANGELES - JAN 08: Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson arrives for the ABC Winter TCA Party 2020 on January 08, 2020 in Pasadena, CA
Source: Shutterstock

50 Cent is known for his successful rap career but has also appeared on the big screen. For example, he co-starred alongside Ray Liotta in the 2011 Things Fall Apart, and underwent a major physical transformation to fulfill his role. 50 Cent played Deon, a football running back who aspired to be in the NFL. However, he suffers from cancer and becomes dangerously skinny and unwell. Although his dreams are crushed, the movie follows his journey of coming to terms with his new fate and
“learning to see the bright side.”

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50 Cent Makes a Shocking Transformation

Side by side images of 50 Cent before and during his acting role in 2011.
Image Credit: LadBible

Incredibly, 50 cent opted to change physically to fit the role, rather than using CGI. He lived on a liquid-only diet and worked out on the treadmill 3 hours a day for 9 weeks. The rapper, and actor, lost 54 pounds for the role. Moreover, fans were stunned, with some claiming it was a “hoax.” Alternatively, others thought the star may have been taking Ozempic, a medication for people with Type 2 Diabetes.

50 Cent Responds to Fans

YEREVAN, ARMENIA. July 01: Curtis Jackson, aka 50 Cent is performing on the concert within the framework of the "Haya" festival
Source: Shutterstock

“Everybody talking about weight loss. I was in the gym. I was working the f— out, man. Who says Ozempic? I was running,” he insisted. “I was running, I was doing what I had to do.” He explained to fans, regarding their concern.

Photos surfaced of 50 Cent on set. Some fans were concerned about the star’s wellbeing, while others didn’t believe the transformation was possible. However, he had no problem explaining to fans that his transformation was real. “I was starving,” he said. “I’ve been eating. I’ll be back in shape in no time!”

Good Health is a Priority

New York, NY - August 20, 2019: Curtis 50 Cents Jackson attends STARZ Power Season 6 premiere at Madison Square Garden
Source: Shutterstock

In 2023, the star told Men’s Health that he takes fitness seriously, and it started after his life-threatening experience in 2000. “I’m … working out to get myself stronger, ’cause who’s to say you’re not gonna get hit again?” he shared. “I put the gym in the middle of the video because, to me, that’s where I looked the coolest,” the rapper said at the time. “That’s where I learned strong is not all muscle; it’s about being mentally and physically strong.”

A Few of Many Prestigious Awards

LOS ANGELES, CA. January 30, 2020: Curtis 50 Cent Jackson at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony honoring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. Pictures: Paul Smith/Featureflash
Source: Shutterstock

50 Cent is known for his rap hits like “21 Questions,” “In Da Club,” and “Magic Stick” featuring Lil Kim. Furthermore, he has a reputation for a well-built and muscular physique. Either way, his impressive career boasts more than 30 million albums sold worldwide. Additionally, the star has won numerous awards including 6 World Music Awards, 4 BET Awards, and 13 Billboard Music Awards.

Early Music Career

Los Angeles,CALIFORNIA US - FEBRUARY 12, 2002: 50 CENT PERFORMING AT MAXIMBET SUPERBOWL PARTY
Source: Shutterstock

Incredibly, he started his music career in 2000, planning to release his debut album but fate had other plans for the future star. 50 Cent was shot days before the album’s release date. Two years later, he dropped his first album, a “compilation album” called “Guess Who’s Back?” He was then signed to Shady Records and his career was launched, with the help of Eminem and Dr. Dre. The star has released 5 Studio albums and reportedly, working on number 6 since 2019.

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50 Cent’s Challenging Youth

Hollywood (Los Angeles), California – May 30, 2023: Star of CURTIS “50 CENT” JACKSON on Hollywood Walk of Fame, Hollywood Boulevard
Source: Shutterstock

50 Cent had a difficult life growing up, arguably a source of his creativity. He was born Curtis James Jackson in Queens, New York on July 6, 1975. He was raised by a single mom who was a drug dealer. Sadly, she died in a mysterious fire when he was only 8 years old, leaving his grandmother to raise him.

Heading On a New Path

LOS ANGELES, CA. January 30, 2020: Curtis 50 Cent Jackson at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony honoring Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. Pictures: Paul Smith/Featureflash
Source: Shutterstock

Becoming a boxer was in his early dreams. However, he quickly followed in his mom’s footsteps, following her “career” path at 12. When he was 19, he was arrested by an undercover police officer and he was sentenced to 3-to-9 years. Luckily, he had the option of boot camp, where he got his GED.

Several Business Ventures

Clarkston, Michigan - September 17 2023: 50 Cent performs at Pine Knob Music Theater on The Final Lap Tour
Source: Shutterstock

His stage name, 50 Cent, was a moniker of a Brooklyn criminal in the 1980s. His career took off and, like other celebrities, he ventured into “other markets.” For instance, he promoted and invested in Vitaminwater, purportedly earning $100 million when it sold to Coca-Cola in 2007. Additionally, he founded SMS Audio, and began acting.

50 Cent Movies

HOLLYWOOD, CA. - OCT 11: 50 cent arrives at the Los Angeles special screening of Red at Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Oct. 11, 2010 in Hollywood, California.
Source: Shutterstock

50 has been featured in over 25 movies and starred in over 10. Here are a few of the many onscreen appearances made by the star.

  • Get Rich or Die Tryin’ 2005
  • Home of the Brave 2006
  • Righteous Kill 2008
  • Before I Self-Destruct 2009
  • Streets of Blood 2009
  • Dead Man Running 2009
  • Caught in the Crossfire 2010
  • And of course,

50 Cent is a proud father of 2 boys, Marquise and Sire, and is a successful businessman. Moreover, he’s committed to fulfilling his professional roles, giving his all in everything he does. 50 Cent has wowed fans in countless ways throughout his career.

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Sources

  1. “50 Cent Overview.” IMDB
  2. 50 Cent Movies.” IMDB
  3. “50 Cent.” Biography
  4. 50 Cent Denies Taking Ozempic After 43-Lb. Weight Loss: ‘I Was in the Gym‘.” People. Vanessa Etienne. January 25, 2024
  5. People still can’t believe 50 Cent’s extreme transformation is actually real.LAD Bible. Joshua Nair. August 22, 2024.