Branding An Image: Beyond the Music of 50 Cent

It’s almost a cliché these days for musicians to make it big, and then branch out into as many other areas as possible. Artists are brands, and the modern music world is about far more than selling records. 50 Cent is a huge shining example of what it is to be a global brand: he has a record label (G-Unit) through Interscope, his own clothing line, and even a deal with Ecko and Reebok to distribute G-Unit sneakers. Then there are the movies, the video games and the obligatory sign of fame, appearing in The Simpsons.

It’s not like 50 is the first rapper to branch out into other areas or look for new ways to make money, however he certainly has put himself and his brand above a lot more than most. The videogames are one thing, and for what it’s worth, I think the idea is kind of cool, although I’m old enough to remember the Aerosmith and the Moonwalker Coin-op games, which are enough to make any hardened gamer wary of musicians straying into their domain. That being said, not everybody gets to star in their own video game, but 50 Cent definitely does (in his game ‘Blood On The Sand’).

In 2007, Coca Cola bought energy drinks company Glacéau, which produced Formula 50 flavored water. Because 50 had a stake in Glacéau at the time of the buy, reports suggest that he made over 100 million after tax from the deal, which is not a bad day at the office.

But for artists like 50 who work in so many fields, I have to wonder in terms of 50 Cent, the brand, does he make new music now as a way to promote his other investments?  Is the new album merely marketing fodder for the potential new platinum jewelry that is being discussed? Or is it that the reality TV shows, branded water, clothing and so on are just gimmicks to sell more records?

I can certainly understand why, in the modern music industry, an artist would want to have a variety of income streams beyond CD sales. For one, it’s much less common to pirate a bottled water and give it to your friends for free. Even so, by appearing in movies and games, you have to wonder where an artists priorities lie.

Questions aside though, it’s impossible to deny that 50 Cent isn’t one to just sit back and chill. When you take a look at the range of branded goods and investments that 50 Cent has, along with his musical career, it’s hard to not feel somewhat impressed.

Oh, and apparently he makes music from time to time. I’m personally not the biggest fan of 50 Cent the rapper, however in just a few years as 50 Cent the business man, he has made so much money it’s hard to have anything but respect for the way he’s carried on.  Forbes even put him second behind Jay-Z on the rap rich list, which isn’t bad when you consider that he signed with a major in 2002.  I think the future is definitely bright for 50 Cent.