50 Cent, the name synonymous with hard-hitting rap and captivating stage presence, has transcended the music world to become a powerhouse entrepreneur.
His influence stretches far beyond the recording booth, reaching into the boardrooms and onto the shelves of major retailers.
This article dives into the diverse business ventures 50 Cent has cultivated, showcasing his shrewd business acumen and the multifaceted empire he’s built.
From clothing lines to headphones and even filmmaking, we’ll explore the ways 50 Cent has parlayed his success in music into a thriving business landscape.
G-Unit Clothing Company
One of 50 Cent’s ventures is the G-Unit Clothing Company.
Launched in 2003, the clothing line reflects 50 Cent’s hip hop image and caters to fans of his music and style.
The G-Unit Clothing Company was a collaboration between 50 Cent and fashion designer Marc Ecko, founder of Ecko Unltd.
Interestingly, the deal was structured so that Ecko handled the marketing and merchandising of the brand, while 50 Cent maintained full ownership and the option to relaunch it independently in the future.
This was likened to the Michael Jordan and Nike partnership for Air Jordan shoes.
The G-Unit Clothing Company was a hit, generating over $100 million in sales.
However, the partnership with Ecko ended in 2008 and as of 2019, G-Unit clothing was sold exclusively online.
SMS Audio
50 Cent ventured into the world of consumer electronics with SMS Audio in 2011.
The name SMS stands for “Studio Mastered Sound,” reflecting the brand’s focus on delivering high-quality audio experiences.
SMS Audio wasn’t built from scratch. 50 Cent acquired KonoAudio, an existing headphone company, in 2011 and then rebranded it under the SMS Audio name.
He collaborated with KonoAudio’s President, Brian Nohe, to design the first line of SMS Audio headphones.
The brand gained early traction with celebrity endorsements.
DJ Pauly D and music producer Timbaland partnered with SMS Audio, and basketball star Carmelo Anthony became an investor.
SMS Audio headphones were known for their energetic sound profile, catering to fans of hip-hop and bass-heavy music.
However, by 2016, SMS Audio’s website went offline and operations were suspended.
While the reasons aren’t entirely public, the highly competitive headphone market and the ever-changing consumer electronics landscape likely played a role.
Cheetah Vision
Founded in 2009 50 Cent and Randall Emmett, Cheetah Vision was an American film production company focused on a specific niche.
They produced action thrillers, typically with lower budgets, aimed at international film markets. Their debut film, released in 2009, was Before I Self Destruct.
Cheetah Vision wasn’t just about making movies for the American market. They found success by targeting a global audience.
This strategic move was underscored in 2011 when 50 Cent secured a massive $200 million deal with George Furla’s Hedge Fund Film Partners.
This partnership funded a ten-film slate, with Lionsgate serving as the distributor. The films under this deal reportedly had budgets around $20 million each.
Cheetah Vision wasn’t without its critics. Some reviews pointed out the formulaic nature of the films, but they achieved a level of commercial success.
While the company is currently inactive, it played a role in establishing 50 Cent as a multi-faceted business mogul in addition to his accomplishments in the music industry.
Sire Spirits LLC
Launched in 2017, the company focuses on marketing and selling high-end liquors.
Their portfolio includes two award-winning brands, namely Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne.
Sire Spirits has faced some challenges. A FOX 5 NY investigation revealed a multi-million dollar embezzlement scheme that nearly caused the company’s downfall.
Despite this setback, 50 Cent has been persistent in fighting back legally.
The company has also gained recognition through partnerships, such as their deal with the Indiana Pacers basketball team, making Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne the official spirits partners for the team.
Effen Vodka
While 50 Cent isn’t the owner of Effen Vodka, he has a strong endorsement deal with the brand.
This partnership began in 2014 and has continued despite some rumours of a buyout.
Effen Vodka itself is a super-premium vodka marketed as being made from French wheat. They describe themselves as “the only vodka created by bartenders, for bartenders”.
Effen comes in a variety of flavors including Original, Black Cherry, Raspberry, Cucumber, Blood Orange and Green Apple.
Their partnership with 50 Cent has aimed to leverage his image to reach new markets. This included collaborations like a limited edition American football bottle in 2016.
Glacéau
50 Cent had a lucrative deal with Glacéau, the company behind Vitaminwater and Smartwater.
It all began in 2004 when Glacéau offered 50 Cent a stake in Vitaminwater.
He didn’t just become a brand ambassador, but also partnered to create his own Vitaminwater flavor.
50 Cent actively promoted the brand through commercials, endorsements, and even incorporated it into his music.
His influence is credited with a significant boost in Vitaminwater’s sales, jumping from $100 million in 2004 to $700 million by 2007.
The real payday came in 2007 when Coca-Cola acquired Glacéau for a whopping $4.1 billion. Thanks to his equity stake, 50 Cent earned a reported $100 million from this deal.
This savvy business move solidified 50 Cent’s reputation as a shrewd investor and demonstrated the power of celebrity influence in the marketing world.
Formula 50
Formula 50 is a fitness and nutrition book written by 50 Cent, designed to help readers achieve a sculpted physique like his.
The book centers around a six-week workout plan that utilizes metabolic resistance training (MRT).
MRT combines elements of traditional weight training and cardio, aiming to accelerate fat loss while building muscle and improving overall fitness.
50 Cent emphasizes that Formula 50 is more than just physical exercise. It’s about building mental toughness and the discipline to stick with a fitness program for long-term results.
The book includes not only the workout routines but also details about the specific dietary plan that fuels 50 Cent’s intense workouts.
