Rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent gave some blunt advice on how to get around in the Hollywood landscape. The veteran artist’s first advice on Tinseltown’s subject was simple yet very deep: “Don’t trust nobody.”
On the MTV special “All Eyes on 50 Cent”, in an interview, the artist explained why prudence was key to the business of show:
“It’s a competitive place where everyone is looking out for their interests,”
he said.
“The first thing I learned was you can’t trust anybody.”
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, did not mince words in regard to his opinion on the cultural differences between California and New York. He sketched a sharp contrast between the attitudes that dominate these two iconic locales. For 50 Cent, Californians often seem shallow, to maintain concern with outward appearance and the necessity for networking. However, he describes the interactions in California as somewhat transactional, in which the relationship often seems to be about what one person can gain from another.
50 Cent says the first advice he got about Hollywood was “don’t trust nobody” and explains the difference between people in California and New York.
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In sharp contrast, however, 50 Cent considers New Yorkers to be more genuine and straight-up.
“In New York, people tell you what they think,” he said. There’s a level of honesty and directness that I appreciate. It’s not about putting on a show; it’s about keeping it real.”
These lessons came from what 50 Cent learned through his own life and experiences. He was able to reflect on the time when he nearly lost his life while on his journey to fame through being showered with a hail of bullets in 2000. This event, of course, already not only affected his musical career but posed a caution on him to better choose the identities he kept himself around. “That was a wake-up call,” Cent said. “It made me realize how important it is to have trustworthy people around you.”
The rapper also talked about his business deals, and their object lessons. There was the colossal failure of a deal with Sleek Audio headphones. Cent isn’t also sheepish to feel free to trash talk his bankruptcy attorneys whom he feels failed to look after his interests.
“But I do feel the loss, partly, of professionals who failed to fully safeguard me. I lost faith in people in general, ” he confessed. “It was a tough lesson in trust.”
Through these experiences, 50 Cent underscores the necessity of vigilance and discernment in both personal and professional relationships. His journey from the streets of Queens to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry serves as a powerful backdrop for his advice. For those navigating similar paths, his message is clear: trust is earned, not given freely.
Cent’s reflections also touch on his creative process and the importance of staying true to his roots. Despite the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, he remains dedicated to delivering strong, impactful lyrics that resonate with his fan base. “It’s about staying authentic and not losing sight of where you came from,” he emphasized.
By sharing his honesty, 50 Cent gave fans and emerging artists a very valuable view into the complexities that go with an entertainment career. He reminded all of us that behind the fame and success lies another world where trust is earned and authenticity is paramount.
