Books Written by 50 Cent
Books Written by Rapper 50 Cent
Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is known around the world as a Rap/Hip-Hop superstar, but 50 isn’t just a rapper, he’s a multimedia powerhouse, entrepreneur, actor, television producer, and author. Beyond his music, TV, and business empire, 50 has also built a reputation as a bestselling author. His books cover everything from street-smart lessons and self-improvement to personal stories and inspiration.
Through his memoirs, business guides, and fiction books, 50 Cent has proven he’s as sharp with a pen as he is with a microphone. How many books has Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson written? 14. (so far at the time of this post). Here’s a look at the books written by 50 Cent:
1. From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens (2005)
Co-written with Kris Ex
Publisher: MTV Books/Simon & Schuster
Release Date: August 9, 2005
Page Length: 223 pages
ISBN: 9780743486446
50 Cent’s debut book From Pieces to Weight is 50 Cent’s gritty and honest memoir about his early life growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, navigating hustling, violence, and the challenges that shaped his rise to fame. Co-written with Kris Ex and written at the peak of 50’s rap success, the book is part autobiography, part survival manual and offers a raw look into the environment that shaped him. This memoir is gripping and emotional, written in a narrative style that gives readers a cinematic glimpse into 50’s life before the money and fame. This book shows readers the grit behind the legend.
What’s inside From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens?:
• Insights into 50 Cent’s early years, hustling and surviving in NYC
• Raw and unfiltered stories behind 50 Cent’s rise in the music industry
• Reflections on loss, crime, and resilience
• Lessons on ambition and survival
50 Cent then released eight novels through his imprint, G-Unit Books, in 2007.
2. Derelict (2007)
Co-written with Relentless Aaron
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Page Length: 256 pages
ISBN: 9781416549499
Derelict was one of 50 Cent’s early published fiction books, written under the G-Unit Books/MTV imprint. It tells a raw street tale, staying true to the gritty storytelling style that made 50’s lyrics famous. The novel explores the struggles of survival in an unforgiving environment, weaving in loyalty, betrayal, and the consequences of choices made in the streets.
3. Death Before Dishonor (2007)
Co-written with Nikki Turner
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: January 9, 2007
Page Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 9781416531005
One of several G-Unit novels, Death Before Dishonor tells a high-stakes story centered on loyalty and betrayal in the mean streets of Richmond. The book dives into the code of the streets, where the consequences of dishonor can be very deadly.
4. The Ski Mask Way (2007)
Co-written with K Elliott
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: January 9, 2007
Page Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 9781416531012
Inspired by 50 Cent’s own song of the same name, The Ski Mask Way is a fast-paced street-lit novel. It follows the life of a hustler navigating the harsh realities of crime, violence, and ambition. The title became one of the most popular in 50’s fiction lineup, praised for capturing the raw authenticity of street life of New York City.
5. Baby Brother (2007)
Co-written with Noire
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: January 9, 2007
Page Length: 192 pages
ISBN: 9781416532026
Baby Brother is a more personal-feeling street novel, reflecting on sibling relationships in the midst of chaos. It captures the push-and-pull between family loyalty and the temptations of the streets.
6. Harlem Heat (2007)
Co-written with Mark Anthony
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Page Length: 208 pages
ISBN: 9781416549093
Set in Harlem, this novel explores the rise of a young man trying to carve out his place in the streets. True to 50 Cent’s storytelling style, Harlem Heat deals with ambition, betrayal, and the price of trying to win in an unforgiving environment.
7. Blow (2007)
Co-written with K'wan Foye
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: July 24, 2007
Page Length: 256 pages
ISBN: 9781416540601
Blow dives into the cocaine trade and the lifestyle that comes with it. With fast action and vivid storytelling, the book showcases how the lure of quick money often comes with dangerous consequences.
8. Heaven’s Fury (2007)
Co-written with Meta Smith
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: November 20, 2007
Page Length: 208 pages
ISBN: 9781416562085
Another book from the G-Unit street-lit series, Heaven’s Fury follows a revenge-driven storyline. It highlights how cycles of violence and vengeance consume those who live by the code of the streets.
9. The Diamond District (2008)
Co-written with Derrick Pledger
Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Gallery Books/G-Unit
Release Date: March 25, 2008
Page Length: 224 pages
ISBN: 9781416551799
The 9th book from the G-Unit street-lit series. This book The Diamond District focuses on New York’s diamond trade, mixing luxury with crime. It pulls readers into a world of hustlers who see jewels as both status and survival.
10. The 50th Law (2009)
Co-written with Robert Greene
Publisher: Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Release Date: September 8, 2009
Page Length: 304 pages
ISBN: 9780061774607
Inspired by Robert Greene’s book 1998 book The 48 Laws of Power, 50 Cent adds to the book with a play on his name. The 50th Law blends 50 Cent’s life lessons with Robert Greene’s mastery of strategy and power. The book is all about fearlessness, how to conquer fear in business, life, and the streets. Through 50 Cent’s experiences and Greene’s historical examples, the book offers practical lessons on mastering fear and taking control of your destiny. This book is biography mixed with philosophy.
If you liked The 48 Laws of Power, this book is its street smart cousin. It’s one of the most respected crossover books in hip-hop and business culture. It’s became an instant classic in both rap/hip-hop and business circles.
What’s inside 50 Cent & Robert Greene’s The 50th Law book?:
• Each chapter ties a moment in 50 Cent’s life to a broader life principle
• Strategic, motivational, and deeply philosophical lessons.
• Lessons on The power of embracing risk and Turning setbacks into opportunities
• Real-world strategies for self-empowerment
11. Playground (2011)
Publisher: Razorbill (Penguin Books)
Release Date: November 1, 2011
Page Length: 320 pages
ISBN: 9781595144348
This was a surprising entry in 50 Cent’s catalog, Playground is a young adult novel inspired by his own childhood and the issue of bullying. It tells the story of a 13-year-old bully named Butterball who’s forced to see the impact of his actions. Illustrations by Lizzi Akana.
50 wrote Playground after revealing that his own son was bullied. It’s proof of his desire to reach younger generations with meaningful, relatable messages. The book showed 50 Cent’s versatility as a writer and his interest in connecting with younger audiences.
What’s inside 50 Cent’s Playground book?:
• An honest look at bullying and redemption aimed at teens but relatable for all ages
• Literature inspired by 50’s own experiences with bullying growing up
12. Formula 50: A 6-Week Workout and Nutrition Plan That Will Transform Your Life (2012)
Co-written with Jeff O'Connell
Publisher: Avery (Penguin Books)
Release Date: December 12, 2013
Page Length: 240 pages
ISBN: 9781583335321
Switching gears from fiction, 50 Cent released Formula 50 as a fitness and nutrition guide. Drawing from his personal health transformation and partnership with celebrity trainer Jay Cardiello, the book presents:
• A six-week progressive workout plan
• Nutritional advice designed for peak performance
• Insights into mental discipline and personal growth
Formula 50 reflects 50 Cent’s entrepreneurial mindset and shows how discipline in fitness can translate to success in life.
13. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter (2020)
Publisher: Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Release Date: April 28, 2020
Page Length: 304 pages
ISBN: 9780062953803
Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter is a deep dive into business, branding, and personal growth. Part memoir and part self-help, it shares lessons he’s learned in music, acting, and entrepreneurship. This book is a guide to success, written with the voice of experience. Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter is full of business lessons, personal stories, and strategies for staying focused in a world full of distractions.
It’s less of a memoir and more of a playbook, perfect for entrepreneurs, artists, and anyone building their own lane. This book helped cement 50’s role not just as a rap legend, but as a respected businessman and mentor.
What’s inside 50 Cent’s Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter book?:
• Behind-the-scenes of 50’s moves in music, film, and business
• Candid reflections on his own flaws and failures
• Tips and strategies on branding, leadership, decision-making and discipline
• Lessons on the importance of adapting to change
14. The Accomplice: A Novel (2024)
Co-written with Aaron Philip Clark
Publisher: Amistad (an imprint of HarperCollins)
Release Date: September 3, 2024
Page Length: 272 pages
ISBN: 9780063312913
In 2024, 50 Cent expanded his catalog with The Accomplice: A Novel, a gripping story that dives into the complexities of loyalty, trust, and betrayal in the criminal underworld. The novel follows two close friends whose bond is tested when they’re drawn into dangerous schemes where every choice carries life-altering consequences. True to 50’s signature storytelling style, The Accomplice combines raw street authenticity with suspenseful twists, making it a page-turner for fans of both crime fiction and hip-hop culture. It also shows 50 Cent’s evolution as a writer, proving that his talent for crafting narratives extends far beyond music.
50 Cent’s books show success isn’t just about talent, it’s about mindset. By writing about his rough beginnings and giving readers inspirational tools to succeed, 50 gives the same energy and fearlessness that made him a legend. 50 Cent’s books cover a wide range of topics; street survival, philosophy, youth struggles, and business wisdom. Just like his music, they’re raw, motivational, and unapologetically real. If you’re looking to understand his life story, sharpen your mindset, or get inspired to hustle harder, 50 has a book that delivers. These books show 50 Cent is not just a rapper, but as a thinker, a strategist, and a storyteller. 50 Cents books are great for fans of Rap/Hip-Hop culture.
Want to read more Hip-Hop books like any of these titles? Check our full collection at HipHopBooks.com for the greatest books in Rap/Hip-Hop.
A book every Rap/Hip-Hop fan should have in their library is the Rap Dictionary.