By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Well into his career, 50 Cent is considered one of the biggest moguls ever. Outside of music, 50 Cent has his hands in several pots, owning portions of many businesses. While 50 Cent has received praised for his smart business tactics, he learned a lot of his skills from Chris Lighty. A little over a week ago, Chris Lighty died in an apparent suicide.
Until 2004, 50 Cent was primarily known as New York City’s top mixtape rapper, who eventually landed a deal with Interscope Records. With his popularity at heights never previously seen, his commercial debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin,’ would go on to sell 11 million copies. 50 Cent was soon granted a vanity label, G-Unit Records, and gained many endorsement deals.
Chris Lighty was the man brokering many of those deals, including the Vitamin Water deal, which allowed 50 Cent to join the $100 million club. In the wake of Chris Lighty’s death, many rappers, friends and foe, have come together to mourn, as Lighty helped them all. 50 Cent would speak on this, and much more, during his interview with “The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.”
Listen to the entire interview below:
