Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson survived nine bullets and music industry exile before a series of self-released mixtapes caught the ear of Eminem and fuelled one of hip-hop's most remarkable comeback stories. His multi-platinum albums updated gangsta rap for the 21st century with polished, bombastic beats, drawling melodic hooks, a harrowing backstory and his charismatically arrogant persona. He had so many hits to spare that he built a cottage industry with his G-Unit group and label, ruling the charts through collaborations with his crew alongside solo singles.