50 Cent is a busy man, and for a gangsta, his latest efforts look an awful lot like what’s called synergy in the modern business world:
“Get Rich or Die Tryin”‘ (Paramount, opens Nov. 9): The feature film named after 50’s debut album, which sold more than 12 million copies, tells the story of 50’s life just as “8 Mile” was Eminem’s biopic. A street orphan living with his grandparents in Queens turns to the neighborhood trade, dealing drugs, before going legit and pursuing his art: rap. Directed by Jim Sheridan (“In America”), the movie carries some buzz and weight.
“50 Cent: Bulletproof” (Vivendi Universal Games, $49.99): Take on the role of 50 as he navigates the streets of New York’s dangerous underbelly of corruption and violence in this video game out Nov. 22. From the press materials: “Teaming up with his G Unit crew, 50 Cent takes on the most dangerous crime families in the city, uncovering an international conspiracy with devastating implications.” For PS2 or Xbox. Spooky.
“Music From and Inspired By ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin” and “The Massacre: Special Edition CD/DVD” (Aftermath, $15.99): Of course there’s a 50-dominated soundtrack to the feature film, and keep your ear tuned for “Hustlers Ambition” and “Window Shopper.” The disc follows his recent rerelease of the multiplatinum “The Massacre,” which comes with a second disc of patched-together videos for every song on the CD.
“From Pieces to Weight” (MTV Books, $23): This first-person narrative was written by 50 Cent (with freelance journalist Kris Ex), something obvious from the beginning. The prose is basic and the story is direct, starting with 50’s childhood and delving into the psychology behind his recovery from an assassination attempt.
G-Unit Clothing, Sneakers and Watches (Ecko Clothing Co., Reebok and Jacob & Co., $20-$3,500): As his clothing and sneaker lines continue to do well, 50’s recently announced watch line is also making waves. The Spinner Model gets its name and look from the rims hip-hoppers love rocking on their Escalades.
“50 Cent: Refuse to Die” (New Line Home Entertainment, $19.97, available Nov. 8): This unauthorized documentary features interviews with 50’s grandfather and D.M.C. of Run-D.M.C. and takes the viewer from 50’s brutal upbringing to his date with instant superstardom.
“Groupie Love” (Bank Shot Productions, $29.95): This two-DVD set starring 50 and fellow G-Unit cats Lloyd Banks and Young Buck (alongside 17 porn actresses) is an interactive sex DVD that takes you into the XXX-rated world of a multiplatinum MC.
Formula 50 vitaminwater (Glacéau, $1.49): This grape-flavored beverage available at convenience stores promises 50 percent of your daily vitamins. “Being as healthy as I am – I don’t drink alcohol – vitaminwater helps me live a healthier lifestyle and control what goes into my body,” 50 said in a news release. Whatever. It’s Gatorade-light.
