N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN are the Drink Champs. In this episode of the Drink Champs podcast, the guys drink it up with the one and only 50 Cent.

The hip-hop mogul and cultural icon 50 Cent sat down with N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN for a candid and energetic conversation that spanned his legendary career, the evolution of hip-hop, and his ambitious business moves. From the streets of Southside Jamaica, Queens, to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, 50 Cent has lived through it all, and he shared some raw insights into his journey to the top.

The Early Hustle: Growing Up in Southside Jamaica, Queens

50 Cent’s rise to fame didn’t come easy. Raised in one of the toughest neighborhoods in New York City, 50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, had to hustle from a young age. Reflecting on his early years, he talked about how the streets of Southside Jamaica, Queens, shaped his mindset and survival instincts. 50 Cent explained how early exposure to street life and the challenges of living in a rough environment helped him understand the importance of strategy and resilience. His experiences instilled in him the hunger for success, teaching him how to navigate adversity.

“You learn so much from the struggle,” he said. “I wasn’t just trying to survive—I was trying to get out.”

His story is one of transformation: from dealing with hardship to finding his way into the music business. In his words, he’s not just a product of the streets—he’s someone who used his past to fuel his rise to fame.

From the Streets to the Mixtape Scene: Breaking Into Music

When 50 Cent first entered the music scene, he did so with a chip on his shoulder. The grind of making mixtapes and performing in local clubs wasn’t easy, but it laid the foundation for his breakthrough. He spoke about his early days recording with the likes of Jam Master Jay and how his skills as a rapper were shaped by the harsh realities of his environment. But what truly made 50 Cent stand out was his relentless ambition.

The turning point came when he dropped his mixtapes, gaining major attention in the underground scene. He soon caught the ear of hip-hop legends Eminem and Dr. Dre, who took him under their wings and helped him take his career to the next level. 50 Cent recalled how being signed to Shady Records was a game-changer, propelling him into the limelight and giving him the opportunity to work with two of the biggest names in the industry.

“I was grinding, making music, but it wasn’t until I got with Em and Dre that things really changed,” 50 Cent explained. “They believed in me and gave me the platform to show the world what I could do.”

Get Rich or Die Tryin’: The Game-Changing Debut

As the conversation shifted to his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent reminisced about the creation of the record that would go on to define his career. Released in 2003, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was an instant classic, blending raw storytelling with catchy hooks and street anthems. Tracks like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions” became radio hits, solidifying 50 Cent as a household name.

For 50 Cent, the album wasn’t just about making hits—it was about telling his story. The album’s themes of survival, ambition, and overcoming obstacles resonated with fans worldwide. He talked about how the success of Get Rich or Die Tryin’ wasn’t just about numbers—it was about connecting with people on a deeper level.

“It wasn’t just about the money,” he said. “It was about the message. I wanted people to hear my story and understand where I was coming from.”

The album’s success catapulted 50 Cent into superstardom and changed the landscape of hip-hop, setting a new standard for what it meant to be an artist. He proved that authenticity and real-life experiences could resonate with mainstream audiences while still keeping it true to the streets.

Expanding Beyond Music: The Evolution of 50 Cent as a Business Mogul

While 50 Cent’s success as a rapper was undeniable, he wasn’t content to just ride the wave of his musical achievements. He had his eyes set on bigger things—much bigger. As his music career continued to thrive, 50 Cent started exploring other business ventures, including acting, producing, and branding.

One of the biggest moves in his career was the creation of Power, the hit TV series that took the world by storm. Not only did 50 Cent star in the show, but he also served as an executive producer, helping shape the storylines and bring his vision to life on the screen. The success of Power further cemented 50 Cent’s status as a multi-dimensional mogul, capable of making moves outside of the music industry.

But 50 Cent didn’t stop there. He has since expanded his empire with partnerships in various industries, including health, beverages, and fashion. His partnership with Vitamin Water, which eventually led to a multi-million-dollar deal when Coca-Cola acquired the brand, is often cited as one of the best business moves in hip-hop history.

“I’ve always believed in diversifying my portfolio,” he shared. “It’s not just about music. It’s about creating opportunities in different spaces.”

Staying Authentic: Navigating Fame and Controversy

Throughout his career, 50 Cent has never been one to shy away from controversy. Whether it’s beefs with other artists or outspoken opinions on social media, 50 Cent has remained unapologetically himself. During the interview, he spoke about the challenges of maintaining authenticity while being in the public eye.

“People expect you to change, but I’ve always stayed true to who I am,” he said. “If I say something, I mean it. I don’t do things just for the camera. It’s about staying grounded.”

He also touched on the importance of building and maintaining a solid team around him, emphasizing that success is not just about individual talent—it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people who believe in your vision.

Legacy and Influence: Inspiring the Next Generation

As the interview neared its conclusion, 50 Cent reflected on his legacy and the impact he’s had on hip-hop and beyond. His story has been one of persistence, innovation, and resilience, inspiring countless artists and entrepreneurs. But for 50 Cent, his greatest achievement isn’t the platinum records or the business deals—it’s the way he’s been able to motivate others to pursue their dreams and create their own success.

“I want people to look at my journey and say, ‘If he can do it, I can do it,’” he said. “I’ve shown you that if you hustle hard enough and stay focused, anything is possible.”

Make some noise!!!

50 Cent’s appearance on Drink Champs was a masterclass in ambition, hustle, and staying true to yourself. From his early struggles in Queens to his rise as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures, 50 Cent has proved that with hard work, vision, and a little bit of grit, anything is possible. His journey is far from over, and if the past is any indication, 50 Cent will continue to break new ground in both music and business.

This episode was originally released as a 2 part series on July 15 & July 22 of 2016.