Is it 50 Cent or 50 Scent? With his latest venture in men's fragrance, rapper, Curtis Jackson, could go by either moniker. Jackson makes an appearance at Macy's Perimeter on Saturday to greet fans. A purchase of $68.50 or more of his new fragrance "Power," a woodsy blend of black pepper, oak moss, and more, earns an autographed photo with Fifty. The fragrance is one of several new projects for this mogul who is also releasing his fourth album "Before I Self Destruct," later this month and a 90-minute film of the same title which he directed. A book, "The 50th Law" (HarperStudio, $19.99) written with Robert Greene debuted this fall. We chatted with Fifty about everything from his grooming habits to that $400 million VitaminWater deal.
On his new fragrance "Power": I was inspired to go into fragrance after I had success with Right Guard RGX Pure 50 Bodyspray. Once you are exposed to people from the fragrance world, it is amazing the things they will say. When they show you the individual notes, it is a really interesting process. "Power" has dark woods and black pepper. I was like, "Wow, I just know I really like it." I want it to be masculine and sexy and build confidence. I think power lies there, when you possess the ability to be yourself in front of people. I think any guy could wear it. It is really good. If I came up with something that wasn't good...I would let it go to market very quietly.
On grooming: People probably would assume that I only use deodorant and don't bother to take the time to make myself smell right. I use more than deodorant. I go to the spa and have massages. I spend a lot of time in airplane seats so you develop a strain in your back from sitting like that so often. I kind of like the idea of women touching me.
On VitaminWater: I only associate myself with things that can be applied to my lifestyle. Vodka is the leading selling beverage, but it's not part of my life. After my first album, I put on a little weight. I turned into a chubby guy, then I got a trainer and got into health and fitness. I was looking for an alternative to soda and that was VitaminWater. I was just doing the thing that felt like it made sense to me.
On the deal he walked away from: I walked away from a sex toy option. They wanted it to be an exact physical replica of me. I said, "I don't think I want that one."
On his new album "Before I Self Destruct": Most rap artists write about the life they aspire to, but because I have accomplished what has become success as an artist, I feel it is more significant to focus on the struggle and how far I came. I focus on things that happened prior to "Get Rich or Die Tryin" on this project.
On passion (the professional kind): It changes. I drift. Because I'm creative I can become consumed with my ideas at different points, but music for me is the initial reason why I could generate enough interest for people to entertain the idea of me even being in business.
Event Preview
Personal appearance by 50 Cent. 12 p.m. -- 2 p.m. Saturday. Macy's Perimeter Mall, Main Floor, 4300 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E., 770-394-4270. www.perimetermall.com
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