
The Digest:
Rapper 50 Cent accidentally became a crypto millionaire after rediscovering 700 Bitcoin ($455,000 in 2014) from his album sales, now worth $76 million. A lesson in how forgetfulness sometimes pays.
This "accidental millionaire" story highlights the volatile yet potentially lucrative nature of cryptocurrency, where a forgotten investment can yield astronomical returns over time.
Key Points:
- In 2014, 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson III) made the unconventional decision to accept Bitcoin as payment for his album, 'Animal Ambition'
- He reportedly amassed 700 Bitcoin from album sales, which was equivalent to approximately $455,000 at the time (with Bitcoin valued at around $650 per coin).
- The rapper then reportedly "forgot" about this Bitcoin stash for four years.
- By 2018, when Bitcoin's value surged to around $10,000 per coin, his holdings were reportedly worth a staggering $7 million.
- If 50 Cent had held onto his 700 Bitcoin until today (July 2025), with Bitcoin currently valued at over $109,000 per coin, his investment would be worth over $76 million.
- This represents a phenomenal 173,434% increase from its 2014 value and nearly doubles his reported current net worth of around $40 million.
- The article also notes a contrasting perspective from a 2018 bankruptcy filing, where Jackson claimed he never personally owned any Bitcoin, and transactions were converted to USD by a third party. He reportedly stated he went along with the initial TMZ story as it was "favorable to my image or brand".
- Despite this, the widely circulated narrative remains a compelling example of significant crypto gains through long-term holding, even if unintended.
Sources: LadBible/Sportbible, TMZ, The Blast