Rapper 50 Cent Thinks Like a Harvard Businessman

Curtis Jackson broke into the music industry in 2002 and became the multiplatinum rapper 50 Cent. Today, he's also an entrepreneur and philanthropist. He talks with WSJ's Lee Hawkins about his latest ventures and whether he will become a billionaire.
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[@TheNightOwlsSquadron]

"I'm already a billionaire compared to where I come from." The greatest quote to describe anyone who feels accomplished after hardship.

[@PardeepSingh-ct8mw]

"Ambition is a tunnel that you run through which never ends." Amazing.

[@BENeatSPICE]

To say he thinks like a Harvard businessman is an insult.... I think he's aiming a bit higher than that.

[@nameonutube123]

Ben Spice i think you’re great

[@juniorlatu330]

facts

[@BrianAwesome]

More like he thinks like Lex Luthor and The Kingpin.

[@kasvo1199]

No, he thinks like 50

[@JH-ri5ty]

Ben Spice Harvard businessmen are more rich than 50 cent boi

[@Sonkotv514]

The secret is simple : He read books, he is dedicated and he never quit

[@MdIT93]

"I'm already a billionaire compared to where i come from" :) nice 50

[@lindahkananu7130]

Nuce

[@TISAGUCCI]

"Ambition is a tunnel you run through that never ends." One of the best motivational quotes I've heard.

[@SQBladeHands]

That like drive over motivation drive is immortal but motivation is temporary

[@Fuckdapolice25]

50 Cent is the ideal role model for a child that's living in poverty thinking he/she will never prosper in life. This man had a rough childhood, he's been through so much, and now is worth over 250 million dollars. A real started from the bottom story.

[@2yusuck]

yup and not Drake lol, his mentality is the reason he's not broke. It's a shame everyone else in G-Unit is broke like Young Buck and Tony Yayo

[@rattbasterd4655]

+ he a pimp, god bless america and god bless the Queen Elizabeth

[@keithf2375]

2yusuck I live by Tony Yayo he deff isn't broke!! His broke is prob your rich.

[@rattbasterd4655]

50 is my idol

[@Fuckdapolice25]

***** you lack basic comprehension skills, and 50 doesn't do drugs so your comment is invalid v

[@NahashonKimemia]

Black people moving in the right direction, its a great sight. Big up 50.

[@tcd12345]

oh no

[@veccinorogers8970]

This goes to shows you it's all about the mentality. With the right mentality , your mind and body will go far beyond your expectation and anyone else's. This is why 50 is my favorite rapper till this day I enjoy most of his music, but he is actually a rapper that I can listen to and then enjoy his interviews and the way he thinks. Other rappers,shouldn't even have to name them, is apart of what is wrong with this world and what is holding us back as a species. People in this day age don't build upon themselves every day. Try to make themselves better as an individual. We don't spread love, happiness,and prosperity. Now I am not naive to believe that this is all we need and that there is no evil in this world but imagine what we could be if we just strive to better than the best. If we have that hunger to change ourselves and other people.

[@rattbasterd4655]

damn right

[@shakarimartin5342]

Exactly.

[@rattbasterd4655]

exactomundo

[@denniskimani5715]

Word bro.

[@ek6764]

50 cent the only rapper who speaks like Business Administration Degree holder.

[@abdiqaniibrahim6501]

E k I’m dead , no respect 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@125henni]

that's a lie

[@lemmereto613]

Business degree does not help anything. How have that kind of degree yet they can own or manage there business?

[@andrepetrov9168]

Puff daffy is a great business man too

[@SpencerMakokis]

Same with Jay Z these 3 are really similar being from new york coming from the ground@@andrepetrov9168

[@macktavor2208]

I always reference 50 cent on my term papers. The man who started with very little, betrayed by many, and still persevered to success!!!!!

[@MrBreadboy77]

Word

[@markwhittaker6866]

PREACH!

[@NYmarlon]

4:58 50 really saw the future 8 years ago and had the insight to embrace the change, as Spotify is currently running a huge part in the distribution of music. So cool to see this interview

[@MasterPaw]

What an awesome interview. 50 cent is so much more than a rapper..

[@WORKSbaby]

MasterPaw what does that mean he is a rapper rappers are more intelligent and overall better than you

[@J0k3r4U]

No...

[@J0k3r4U]

Rappers are fuming morons. Everyone knows this...

[@darrickhulum1334]

yall quick to talk negative about 50 but what are YOU DOING???

[@DJCalimovement]

Not selling crack to my own people

[@rattbasterd4655]

nah mean, str8 up n down nikka

[@thestainNY]

"Real story...U never see this side of 50" !!!!

[@thesteelego]

you quick to talk negative to the people talking negative to 50, but what YOU DOING???

[@ismaeloliverusa]

oi meu irmão vc tem como vc se escreve no meu canal tem bastante video do 50 Cent

[@arenuzzle6282]

50cent is top . he is on my list of inspiring entrepreneurs

[@mbayaboomin375]

are nuzzle me too bruh

[@kelvinmuema44]

"You'll start to see what you are genuinely after, which is happiness" - 9:30. That made me shed a tear and gave me chills.

[@Williamtipq]

He thinks more ethically than a Harvard Businessman.

[@davidrenteria2364]

Have you ever talked to a harvard grad businessman you turd ?

[@brandonberry1154]

Haa. Good point.

[@ADAJ3KINGANGEL]

How do "ethnics" think? What's up with all of these generalizations?

[@This_tub]

***** hahahahah frogs staring at the moon

[@CamelHole]

ADAJ3 Shut up!

[@benjaminkuti2009]

"you can have 18 bedrooms and still sleep on one bed" - 50 cent

[@Abouunds]

his book in collaboration with Robert Green is the real deal

[@kljcjbslp8023]

Robbie m8888 just bought it, can't wait!

[@Abouunds]

Vana Nadzar damn, shoud've put up an affiliate link lol

[@LYNXHQ]

Man knows marketing! I think this guy is pure legend.

[@emanuelray3659]

50cent got business smarts and street smarts.

[@QuHarrison]

No denying this man's brilliance.

[@blueprint101]

***** Your mother is a bitch..

[@blueprint101]

***** he's dumb trash.. he wouldn't know that..

[@blueprint101]

***** You're lying come on .. man

[@blueprint101]

***** what the hell are you talking about ? I said someone is lying because they said 50 sounds like he's missing half his brain ....and you say this ?

[@blueprint101]

***** White Racist inbreds were always dumb ,but you're going for the record...lmao

[@thisdudesam4833]

“A fool will change something when it’s not broke” - that hit different today

[@beefcake248]

Wow, this completely changed my perception of 50 cent. I never really liked him as a rapper, but this dude's smart. A straight up businessman. This gave me a new-found respect for him.

[@RobHamm]

Nice interview! I love the fact that 50 shows his intellect during this interview instead of acting how the media views rappers. I believe that he has the potential to become a great role model for the youth. I love how he transitioned from being a thug from Queens to resembling a business man from Harvard.

[@JasonCWaite]

Bullshit. If 50 thought like a Harvidian, he'd be a dumbass employee. Get yo' ish straight. 50 is who he wants to be. PERIOD. 'A students work for C students. ~Robert Kiyosaki

[@MrBreadboy77]

Word

[@edsonraimundocongolo]

Go educate yourself before comment

[@MrBreadboy77]

Word

[@Jkwl09]

Lol that was a great quote tho

[@IceCube8185]

preach

[@vaultbull706]

50 Cent > Harvard Businessmen

[@supernova3992]

So 50 Cent > Michael Bloomberg, a man worth 33Billion?

[@Executnr]

Super Nova bloomberg is a crook

[@vaultbull706]

Super Nova Fair point, but most Harvard business grads do not make nearly as much money as 50, and most started with more advantages

[@stevebreezy]

vaultbull706 your only adding to his point 50 Cent > Harvard businessmen

[@thabomonethi7426]

I love the way 50 approached the " Billionaire one day question"

[@scottbaron]

50 is a master at adapting to situations. When he wants to sell his music, he becomes a hardcore gangster rapper, when it comes to business, he deals with the rules of trading and economics, when it comes to speaking to The Wall Street Journal, he talks like this.

[@Deedee-gl6dd]

50 is well informed, he has learned from experience and done much on educating himself almost about everything.

[@vivavaldez87]

Oooh, he's had some hardcore PR training, maybe even political level! 5:15, that hand movement upon being interrupted.

[@christophersimmons3265]

Instead of embarrassing the interviewer he touched him an let his energy flow through him. Positivity

[@jodyharlow233]

Yo I noticed that too.

[@abrahamfranco536]

7:30 marketing component, keep your messaging consistent. “Only a fool would change something that’s not broken.” 7:43 “I’m supposed to be the bad guy…so where are the good guys to fix all of this?” 🤯 That was a solid right hook, 50!

[@carltoncrypto9722]

Excellent interview great questions and answers.

[@sk8884Elliott]

A very impressive interview. Curtis, you're deep, articulate and setting new models for business. I have nothing but respect.

[@AlltooSerrious]

whoever set his mic needs to be fired.

[@Dan-st9mt]

too much haters hating his success. I dare anyone to try to do what he does.

[@KG26]

I felt this was an excellent interview. I have new found respect for Curtis Jackson as a man. I want to thank him for putting his insight out to the masses.

[@aabrilamor]

this interview really opened my eyes to a lot of facets of 50 Cent that I never knew & I don't think i'm alone in this...was deeply enlightening....there's more to him than meets the eye & that's a great thing! Well done, Mr. Curtis Jackson!

[@lovernthater]

HEY man!!! 100% agree with what you wrote. I'm glad i came to this video to see your post. I just wanted to say I'm real proud of you. Thats GREAT news!!! Keep up the GREAT work. Ya I'm 18 years old, female, in Canada, just started my business too a few months back. Going great so far!! I was having a shit day today, but when I seen the positivity from your post, it lifted me up. Thanks for that....you never know who, or how you could help. But you really helped me just now. thanks.

[@dfjr1990]

I suggest some of you people read the mastery book by 50 and R. Greene. Your comments would suggest you are pretty small minded iconostasis. You aren't rich so you hate this man for being a legitimate businessman? Learn to get where you need be in life, find your calling. Its sad how you sit behind the computer and came here to be negative and petty instead of growing intellectually and as a person overall

[@Mattydilly]

You preach to the blind, I see you brother.

[@S6intmiller]

You're exactly right. From a hustler, to a businessman. He is a mogul and an inspiring figure for this. He is a role model. He said it himself, and made it famous, "Get rich, or die trying."

[@robertgeorge238]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance wealth, a great career, purpose is the result hard work and hustle over time. I pray that anyone who reads this will be successful in life

[@stevesheldrack3739]

You are right Sir

[@stevesheldrack3739]

Most people don't invest due to ignorance

[@supportbillionairetrademar3907]

Speaking of Investing, forex trading is the best business in the world right now I know a couple of friends that make a lot money weekly trading with the financial markets

[@supportbillionairetrademar3907]

People are scared of Investing because of high rate scammers on the market

[@supportbillionairetrademar3907]

But of a truth there are scammers but real brokers are out there too waiting for investors

[@ariesko319]

this is a great interview!!!

[@ACGDesigns]

Great interview!

[@marvmoney9453]

I respect 50s drive regardless how you feel about him you have to respect his determination to get to where he is now

[@chrisdavy6021]

There are several elements in this video post, including the comments which is a clear example of the kind of things that hold humanity as a species and intellect back from reaching its proper potential or evolve, grow better. We have a man that's been through hell and back like it was his home, each time growing a little bit and eventually getting stronger and stronger, enough to transcend his condition, his circumstances, physically, clinically, mentally, financially, spiritually etc, eventually reaching a new level of self-awareness and awareness of those around him and the world in which he lives, to a point where he was able to open his eyes and realize that there's more to life than hoes, guns, money and the like. Realized that there's people in life and that there are values that we so hard neglect at the cost of ourselves and those around us, our neighbors, our kids, our kind. He decided to be the best human being that he can be and make his mark in this world in order to achieve true happiness and live a life of no regrets. And we have a bunch of uninformed, short-sighted, tunnel-minded, ignorant, false, jealous, mean and in some cases, quit frankly just imbecile people, hating and insulting a man that's a better person and better winner at life than they will ever be! For all of you ignorants, ask yourselves these simple questions: What have YOU really done with your life? What have YOU done good for this world? HOW hard has your life really been so far? Learn about this man's life, Curtis Jackson, picture yourself in his place, going through what he went through, would you be able to overcome all of those situations, half, quarter of those situations and come on top? Would you be able to survive adversity, survive that childhood, survive that violent environment, survive being shot like he did, survive recovery, endure, put in the work necessary, the guts, the strength, the vision, the ambition, the drive to make those crucial turning point decisions in life to get to where he is today? They say that human life is the most precious thing to exist, but lets not kid ourselves, different people have different worth, from a financial standpoint, to an educational standpoint, asset as well as most importantly sheer quality of a person. Knowing all of this, being what you are today, exactly HOW worthy are YOU to breathe the air, eat the food, drink the water, enjoy the spoils that this world offers, which could be used by someone else, a child for instance? If you live without bringing something good and useful into this world, you live for absolutely NOTHING. You are nothing but a waste of star dust and energy. Maybe a different, better person, better human being could've been born in your place. Slap yourself into reality, go out there, work hard, be a better person, be useful for yourself and others! Sad... sad... world...

[@olasanni5145]

Word. I agree with this 100%!

[@carb10]

Absolutely fantastic response. Take a bow.

[@rattbasterd4655]

nah mean

[@sherrythomason8698]

This is great to see. Perspective.

[@janestillspeaking]

This was a GREAT interview!

[@flake1107]

Loved 50cent the rapper when he first broke onto the scene, but love 50 cent the business man even more !!! Do your thang 50 !!

[@hectorknoxx2724]

One thing that Harvard will never teach. Knowledge from the streets.

[@1jtl]

wow. that was a great interview.

[@massmom8919]

I could listen to 50 ALL DAY! 50 should start doing talks. I know I'd attend.

[@tannerstarks5190]

Artist Development! I need this!

[@fog812]

RESPECT MY BROTHER

[@onlinekingofentertainmenta6060]

Knowledge is Power..very humble

[@josephbustos9853]

Great interview

[@donatellasery7657]

50 is so smart

[@queenb9621]

I am excited to see a strong, handsome, intelligent, human being that has a big heart and savvy business mind. Mr. Jackson may God bless you richly in all your future endeavors.

[@ScaryTerry44]

Great Interview

[@jerrelljwhite]

Great interview...

[@OMARNOIR]

Q: "Do you see yourself becoming a billionaire one day?" A: I'm already a billionaire, compared to where I come from." That's why he's my biggest role model. So humble, so hard working, so intelligent and so talented. Great interview 50... Once again

[@faster770301]

he `s evolved in a good way of speaking....more respect for him from now

[@KeepItNmotion864]

10 yrs later and 50cent is still the 🐐

[@40thCapeRifles]

This just blew me away. This is awesome.

[@kalicosmetics]

I wouldn't be a successful business owner if it wasn't for this man. ❤

[@ladylordess]

As long as he doesn't think like a Harvard Lawyer, he should be a success.

[@TheYoungTurdz]

I hear that!

[@TylerH2055]

hes already a sucess?

[@ladylordess]

TylerH2055 You think that he is at the top???? Far from it. He can keep going if he is smart. He seems to be that.

[@rattbasterd4655]

lol

[@Balls69Mcgee]

well put.

[@zooloo4436]

50 is the kind of person who will adapt and thrive in any environment. I think he continues to prosper not only because his own personal skills but because he gives to others and therefor receives positive things in return. I like how he backs his products as well and is hands on. Rap was his avenue to all these other business ventures and without that skill he may have never even been known like he is today.

[@gsolee]

There ought to be limiting laws on what haters can say. How can some people seat themselves in front of their computer/ tablet/ cell phone screens, with their pot bellies, and spew insults on people who are actually working hard and making real profit? FOR SHAME!

[@rattbasterd4655]

nah mean, str8 the fuck up sista

[@ToniMattTony]

I agree with you 100%. He seems like a good man.

[@TigardMikeR]

gsolee and you just imposed limiting free speech.. brighten up.

[@gsolee]

Michael Roberts when freedom of speech is used to create negative influence, and destruction in whichever form, yes it should be curtailed. Which is why some people get sued for deformation of another person's image, or even treason. Free speech don't mean run free with your tongue and experience no consequences... Michael, you wisen up.

[@TigardMikeR]

L M A O

[@40thCapeRifles]

"You can have 18 bedrooms and you're still going to sleep on one bed." That ought to be on a billboard. That was good.

[@BenQuartermain]

Respect to 50. He comes across as a well spoken, well informed gentleman in this film. Wish him all the best in his future endeavours .

[@powerrentersworkshop8302]

amazing young man, that is changing the world

[@luiscampos5413]

50 Cent's vocabulary has changed over time. he sounds more professional

[@unknownunknown4028]

50 cent changed a lot. good job 50 cent.

[@goldenboys9357]

Buy sound equipment, contact WSJ, and offer them your services as a Sound Operator. Otherwise, don't fucking complain.

[@2Baiforev]

This is why I love 50 cent. He's smart and thinks smart and thinks about other people. 50 is really a good person. May God continue to bless him. More rappers need to be like him. Everybody needs to study business and think like an entrepreneur who so also conscious. This will make a world a better place.

[@noobowner10]

respect and your new mixtape is great 50

[@SandraTillmansandratillman1]

50 is very handsome and cleans up well in a suit...he's also very intelligent...I hope he kicks the thug image and just be about business...it would really send a strong message to young men and boys that just because you grew up in the streets and sold drugs doesn't mean you have to play out your life as a thug as you get older. Yeah he done his rap music and made millions etc... but now he financially has a chance to change his image to a more positive one and become even more successful as a real business man because now he has a following who will stick with him no matter how he evolves because his rags to riches story would be so inspiring. I adore him just not a fan of his music. God bless him!

[@TheInterviewHDTVLLC]

+Mils615 that was smart ...he knows what he's doing going bankrupt doesn't mean you don't have money ..now who's the dummy?? not Curtis

[@wxaviere1]

+Wilfred "I Tapped Dat Ass" Kensington .....man.....they got on u bro.. lol

[@abdallasandal8751]

Is that really he is handsome or you just kidding

[@alvie00Alvie]

He filed for chapter 11, lmao the guy is smart as fuck. as mentioned above he's worth/has millions, he just doesn't wanna pay no ones babay mama

[@zacbiggs]

He will never kick the thug image. Without that thug mentality he wouldn't be where he is today, and using that thug way of thinking in a business environment he will keep moving up.

[@DizzyD]

Mentality

[@4life50Gunit]

Real talk! Salute

[@frankieshimo5334]

one of my favorite rappers of all time. I still play get rich or die tryin' on a daily basis. to me he's the definition of you can be what ever you want to be and dont let anyone tell you you cant, even if you're from the very bottom of society. everyone is worth something, you just have to find what it is and keep trying.

[@Joesire]

8:44 "Im already a billionaire compared to where I come from"

[@Annanoory]

Im proud of you!!! May ALLAH give you even more wealth!!!

[@joevilafa]

seriously someone to look up too! mad love

[@SDoTT07]

This shows the importance of knowing what you're talking about and in what direction you're going. Knowledge is Power

[@urbancowgirl6753]

i think hes hot

[@compactfoxable]

***** LOL xD

[@stronger715]

P diddy and jay Z are richer

[@stronger715]

***** i mean if you talk about thinking like a harvard student for a rapper then the best exemple would be the richest in this industry. 50 is a good one too. But i was thinking an interview with p diddy or jay z would be more accurate

[@truthdagodsend]

stronger715 you know why fifty cent is qualified because look at this way for this interview is cause yes jay z and p diddy is richer but look at it this way look how long it took them to get where there at and look how long it took 50 cent to sit in there seats and be rite there with him so i say 50cent is very accurate

[@SunsetSheen]

Jay Z came out 7 years before 50. Puff came out like 11 years before 50. Both those guys are 6 years older than 50. I'm sure by the time he's their age he'll be worth just as much as they are now.

[@stronger715]

***** Your mother.

[@dalooloo28]

HA but whos the gangster among them

[@martinnderitu5708]

Every time i see 50, i just think he is a kid from my hood. Come back home to Nairobi Kenya. Such brilliance I dare say...the icing on the cake of rappers' world! Come do a project for the inner city kids in Nairobi. They know you big tyme. God bless...

[@mossimock]

Just got inspired. Well done Curtis

[@davidrenteria2364]

At the end of the day 50 still doesnt know how to wear a pocket square

[@YungStatikz]

see .... that's why you will always be broke

[@parijatsigh]

that is a pocket octagon tho.

[@barackobama2133]

There different ways to wear a picket square smh

[@shahnawazsooba7904]

shut up boomer.

[@yohan-electwordofguardthem9173]

GENIOUS Minded & actions True WISE timing and work KEEP GROWING Fifty.🤑💸🏦☥

[@seungminjeon950]

He had a difficult childhoHe had a difficult childhood and is now in a better position. He has done a number of things, sometimes suffering and adversity, but now he is a good entrepreneur and rapper.od and is now in a better position. He deserves to be happy.

[@hios2030]

speaks always the truth

[@dallasbagley]

I can't help but respect the hell out of 50. His business mind is inspiring.

[@wandajokes5055]

It something about a brother in a tailored suit Sweet 50 cent. I like his mentality and admire his drive!!!

[@iriesoldjahs]

That's cool man. I respect 50 for doing these projects. Mad respect

[@KINGMARS]

Excellent

[@christieatuh]

Great example and refocusing for rappers.

[@danielreyes2730]

He's come a mighty long way. Good for him.

[@nathaniel011]

Found it really impressive that both his business ventures are giving back to the people and he had that in the mindset of creating a template for followers not just tax cut

[@ladyjedi]

Curtis is one of the artist that I respect the most in the music industry. He is a smart business man and understands his time and moment in the industry. He has managed his image and brand in order to maximize this opportunity. I hope other artist take a page from his evolution and mastery of branding.