How Many Times Was 50 Cent Shot? The Story Behind 50 Cent’s Shooting
The Day Everything Changed
On May 24, 2000, Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, was shot nine times outside his grandmother’s home in South Jamaica, Queens. The incident remains one of the most pivotal moments in modern hip-hop history and a defining chapter in the career of one of its most polarizing figures. (Explore more coverage in our 50 Cent archive.)
This was not an industry myth or exaggerated street lore. It was a real act of violence that nearly ended his life before his career fully began.
The Shooting
As Jackson stood outside the house, a car pulled up, and gunfire erupted. He was struck in the hand, arm, hip, legs, chest, and face. One bullet passed through his cheek and exited through his mouth, permanently altering his voice.
He survived after spending 13 days in the hospital, followed by months of physical recovery. In later interviews, including his appearance on Oprah’s Next Chapter, Jackson explained that he didn’t feel the pain immediately due to adrenaline. He has since described how the trauma reshaped his emotional outlook, pushing him toward aggression and emotional detachment as a coping mechanism.
Fallout and Reinvention
The professional consequences were immediate. Columbia Records dropped him. His debut album was shelved for most artists; that would have been the end.
Instead, Jackson turned to mixtapes, flooding the streets with unfiltered music that leaned into reality rather than polish. When Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was released in 2003, the shooting wasn’t framed as a tragedy or a sympathy. It was proof. (Read our full breakdown: Get Rich or Die Tryin’: A 20th Anniversary Ranking.)
Legacy Beyond the Gunshots
The shooting didn’t make 50 Cent famous. Surviving it made him unavoidable. His scars became documentation. His voice became evidence. 50’s story couldn’t be dismissed as fiction.
In later years, Jackson would even step away from music altogether, publicly calling rap “stupid” when announcing his exit from the genre. This move only reinforced how far beyond the booth his influence had traveled.
Still, his musical impact remains undeniable. From street anthems to crossover hits, his catalog continues to shape how toughness, vulnerability, and survival are expressed in rap. (Revisit the essentials in our list of the best 50 Cent songs.)
FAQ
Where did it happen?
Outside 50 Cent’s grandmother’s house in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, on May 24, 2000.
How long was recovery?
He spent about 13 days in the hospital and continued recovering over the following months.
Did it affect his voice?
Yes. A cheek injury left him with a slight slur that became part of his vocal signature.
What did 50 Cent get shot with?
A 9mm handgun.
How old was 50 Cent when he was shot?
He was 24 years old.
Why did 50 Cent get shot?
The shooting is widely believed to have stemmed from street disputes tied to his past drug activity and escalating tensions after he named a powerful figure in a song. Authorities never secured a conviction, and the incident is commonly described as a targeted attack rather than a random act.
How did it change his career?
Columbia shelved Power of the Dollar. The momentum from Guess Who’s Back? put him on Eminem and Dr. Dre’s radar, reshaping his trajectory entirely.
