More than 8,500 people rap “You can find me in the club, bottle full of bub'” – it’s the song that made 50 Cent a world star. Of course, his most famous song “In Da Club” couldn’t be missing from his show on Saturday in Hamburg.
The performance in the almost sold-out Barclays Arena was the restart of his German concerts. The 47-year-old will be on stage in Stuttgart and Munich as part of his “Green Light Gang World Tour” in October. He has already been to Cologne, Frankfurt and Berlin this year.
50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, is considered one of the most successful rappers in the world. His breakthrough came almost 20 years ago with the album “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” – his audience in Hamburg includes both young and older fans. According to the organizers, he is in Hamburg for the first time in twelve years.
Great joy for the fans
The 48-year-old Yvonne can still remember the first album well. “The newer songs aren’t really my thing. But I thought, since he’s here, I have to take him with me.” Karsten came to the concert with his son. “He really wanted to see it and because he’s still a minor, I’m there,” says the 46-year-old, who used to listen to similar music. “Of course it’s nice as a father and son at 50 Cent.”
The fans let the tickets cost up to 150 euros. The rapper is worth it, says 24-year-old Jan. “It’s a unique experience, 50 Cent is one of the greatest artists ever.” A few visitors are wearing fan shirts or white undershirts like 50 Cent used to wear. With his five studio albums he has reached several million people worldwide. “50 Cent is my whole family,” says the 23-year-old Christian and laughs. “The song “Best Friend” is very strong and has accompanied me for a long time.”
What excites many of them about 50 Cent is the journey the award-winning gangsta rapper has come through. He grew up in poor conditions on the outskirts of New York in Queens. He never met his father, his mother sold drugs and died when he was eight years old. After his own years as a dealer, he slowly worked his way up as a rapper. Not even nine shots could stop him from realizing his dream. “After being shot at point-blank range nine times and not dying, I thought maybe I should have a purpose in life,” 50 Cent wrote in his biography From Pieces To Weight.
“For me, he’s just a legend,” says the Bonn rapper Sugar MMFK, who opened the show in Hamburg. There are things that money can’t buy – being on stage with 50 cents is one of those things. “I still can’t believe it. It’s like an accolade for me,” says the 29-year-old. 50 Cent has been his hip-hop hero ever since he saw him hanging upside down from the ceiling in the music video for “In Da Club.”
50 Cent delivers the usual quality
And today? 50 Cent, as we know him, appears in a white T-shirt and cap, glittering jewelry and a broad grin. He gives the fans what they want. His biggest hits from “P.I.M.P.”, “Outta Control” and “Just A Lil Bit” to “Window Shopper” and “21 Questions” to “How We Do” and “Candy Shop” roar through the arena. The 47-year-old just needs a short breather now and then. A pyro show, confetti rain and four scantily clad dancers belie this.
In addition to the superstar, a drummer and a guitarist also create a good atmosphere. After an hour and a half, 50 Cent is ready. The audience leaves the concert in a good mood. Will there be a sequel? “There will be a next time,” the rapper announces on stage.
