Following an unsuccessful late-'90s run at mainstream success (foiled by an attempt on his life in 2000) and a successful run on the New York mixtape circuit (driven by his early-2000s bout with Ja Rule), Eminem signed 50 Cent to a seven-figure contract in 2002 and helmed his quick rise toward crossover success in 2003. Blige m.A.A.d City Kendrick Lamar Alright Kendrick Lamar Forgot about Dre Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Dr. Though he would later struggle with the nature of his fame as well as market expectations, 50 Cent endured substantial obstacles throughout his young yet remarkably dramatic life before becoming the most discussed figure in rap, if not pop music in general, circa 2003. Blige, Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent during halftime of the NFL Super Bowl 56 football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Feb. Dre and Snoop Dogg In Da Club 50 Cent Family Affair Mary J.