In a revealing disclosure, rapper 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, shared the surprising origin of his iconic stage name, revealing that he borrowed it from Kelvin “50 Cent” Martin, a notorious figure from Brooklyn’s criminal underworld. This connection has sparked renewed interest in the life of the original 50 Cent, whose fearsome reputation and violent exploits defined the streets of New York during the crack epidemic of the 1980s.

Kelvin Martin, known for his ruthless approach to crime, grew up in the Angola Houses, adjacent to the Walt Whitman houses on Myrtle Avenue, an area infamous for its high crime rates. As a young man, Martin rose to infamy, feared by many for his violent methods that included armed robbery and extortion. His moniker, “50 Cent,” has various theories behind it; some say he earned it after a successful dice game, while others claim it reflected his penchant for robbing anyone of their last 50 cents.

While Martin was small in stature, his reputation loomed large. He operated without fear, often robbing those who appeared to be more powerful or affluent, leaving behind a trail of victims, many of whom bore scars from violent encounters with him. His brazen methods included committing thefts in broad daylight, confident that his street smarts would protect him. He was often armed, favoring a Colt 45 and a 357 Magnum, and he never concealed his identity during his crimes, a tactic that both terrified and fascinated those in his vicinity.

Martin’s criminal career was intertwined with the notorious Supreme Team gang, and he had connections that extended to other well-known figures in the hip-hop community. His friendship with Jimmy Henchman, a fellow ex-convict, further solidified his standing in the underworld. However, as the violence of the streets escalated, Martin’s life was marked by numerous close calls and attempts on his life. Ultimately, his life was cut short when he was betrayed by a member of his own crew, leading to his murder in 1987.

In an ironic twist of fate, Curtis Jackson adopted the name “50 Cent” when he launched his music career in 1999. Unlike Martin, Jackson sought to escape the criminal lifestyle, channeling his experiences into his music rather than violence. His debut single, “How to Rob,” echoed the life of his namesake but framed it within the context of the music industry. Curtis was determined to honor the legacy of the real 50 Cent while carving out his own identity in an unforgiving world.

As Jackson rose to prominence, he faced challenges rooted in the violent legacy of the name he chose. In 2000, he was shot nine times in an ambush that mirrored the tumultuous life of Kelvin Martin. Surviving this attack only bolstered Jackson’s resolve to prove himself, not just as a rapper but as a figure who could navigate the complexities of street life and the music industry.

Over the years, 50 Cent has openly acknowledged the influence of Kelvin Martin on his life and career. In a poignant gesture, he financed a tombstone for Martin, recognizing the complicated legacy of a man whose life was marked by chaos and violence. Despite the stark differences in their paths, both men share a narrative of rebellion, survival, and the struggle for respect in a world rife with danger.

Today, as 50 Cent continues to thrive in the entertainment business, the story of Kelvin Martin serves as a reminder of the stark realities of street life and the heavy burden of a name that carries both respect and fear. The question remains: had Kelvin not met his untimely demise, would Curtis Jackson have emerged as the 50 Cent we know today? While the answer may forever remain a mystery, their intertwined legacies continue to captivate the public’s imagination.