By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Many would associate 50 Cent with ending careers, as opposed to helping them get re-established. What has gone overlooked is 50 Cent’s affiliation with El DeBarge, a few years ago, which resulted in a collaboration. El DeBarge appeared on TV One’s “Unsung,” alongside his siblings and their rise and fall was chronicled.
Unknown by most current urban music fans, DeBarge was hailed as the second coming of the Jackson Five during the early 1980s. However, a troubled childhood and a quick rise to stardom proved too much for the large family. Those who are familiar with DeBarge associate them with drug use, especially El DeBarge.
Close to solo success during their run, El DeBarge, much like his other siblings, got hooked on drugs. Being featured on TV One helped return El DeBarge to the spotlight and he used the opportunity to release a new album. On the album, El DeBarge shocked many with his strong vocals and assists from 50 Cent and other current stars. His album was properly titled Second Chance and was nominated for two Grammys.
El DeBarge has done fairly well since the release of his comeback album, with the exception of a drug charge, which he beat. Last fall, El DeBarge appeared at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards, performing alongside Rick Ross and Wale, of Maybach Music, on “That Way.” During a recent interview with V103 in Atlanta, El DeBarge revealed none of this would have been possible without the help of 50 Cent. Along with Babyface, it was 50 Cent who convinced him to go back to drug rehab and the results were fantastic.
