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People can say what they want about Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, but his 2020 is kicking off to a good start. He’s part of one of TV’s hottest shows—Power—and is growing his entertainment empire with additional television and film projects. On Jan. 30, 50 Cent was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He’s among the first crop of 2020 honorees and earned it for his work in the recording industry.

Fans who’ve been rocking with 50 Cent since his debut in the early 2000s know the reputation he’s built up over the years. Therefore, it may have been a surprise to see the rapper/entrepreneur get a little bit emotional during his ceremony.

Curtis '50 Cent' Jackson
50 Cent at Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony | Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

50 Cent gives a heartfelt speech off the cuff

Ever the comedian, “Fif” stood at the podium and opened up his speech with a joke about having something written prepared. He flashed some blank pages to the crowd and began to talk about his career and the people who helped and influenced him along the way.

While he admitted he regretted not inviting Jimmy Iovine, he was glad that Courtney Kemp, Eminem, Dr. Dre, and family were among the VIPs in the crowd.

Hip Hollywood caught the moment where he spoke about Mary J. Blige calling to congratulate him, and the rapper/actor/producer got a bit choked up.

“I told her I was nervous and she was like, ‘What are you nervous about?’ I said just because it’s starting to feel really important because of who’s coming. You know, and…”

His voice tapered off and he paused for a minute, visibly feeling the weight of the celebratory moment. 50 Cent was somewhat emotional about the experience and probably thinking about his journey to arrive at this point. Peep it around the 6:00-minute mark.

The rapper is grateful to two other hip-hop figures

As you may have guessed, 50 spent time thanking both Eminem and Dr. Dre for helping him in his career and for their friendship. Calling Dr. Dre a mentor, he said the producer would guide him in ways he didn’t even realize.

When given the opportunity to speak during the ceremony, Eminem reciprocated the love to 50 Cent by telling the crowd how he was glad he and Dre trusted their instincts about him.

According to Variety, he added, “I’m here today because he’s not only a business partner to me, this is one of the best friends I’ve known in the world. He’s always been there when I needed him.” Eminem then assisted in officially inducting his friend into the Walk of Fame circle.

50 Cent has come a long way

Fans familiar with the story of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson know that before becoming a famous rapper and businessman, he was involved in crime. After his mother died in a fire when he was eight, his grandmother raised him. He started selling drugs as a child and was arrested as a teen while caught up in the street life.

By that time, he started rapping and in 2000 at age 25, was shot nine times. Post-recovery, he went hard with his mixtapes and was able to link up with Dr. Dre and Eminem. Since launching his rap career, he’s made money from music, Vitamin Water, alcohol brands, films, and television shows. He’s come a long way and it’s no wonder he had a moment while up at that podium.  

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