However, 50 Cent's rise to fame was not without its setbacks. He was dropped by Columbia Records before he could release his debut album, and he was forced to regroup and reassess his strategy. That's when Eminem, the real Slim Shady, stepped in to help. Impressed by 50 Cent's raw talent and determination, Eminem signed him to his Shady Records label and introduced him to Dr. Dre, the legendary producer and co-founder of Aftermath Entertainment.

: While 50 Cent didn't actually retire, the results marked a turning point where "gangsta rap" began to lose its mainstream stranglehold to more experimental, electronic-influenced sounds. A Different Side of "Curtis"