From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens
From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens book cover

From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queens

Paperback – Illustrated, August 15, 2006

Price
$12.59
Format
Paperback
Pages
240
Publisher
MTV Books
Publication Date
ISBN-13
978-0743488044
Dimensions
5.5 x 0.7 x 8.25 inches
Weight
9.8 ounces

Description

"Cool, hard, and vivid, a minor classic of a genre you might call gangster rap noir. No fluff here. 50 Cent tells the story of his life...with a novelist's economy." -- The New York Times "50 Cent is unflinchingly honest...in this raw, literate memoir.... Opinionated, unrepentant, and unabashedly self-promoting, [From Pieces to Weight] celebrates the rapper's peculiar brand of the American Dream." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)"A gripping read." -- Time Out New York 50 Centxa0(a.k.a. Curtis Jackson) is a record-breaking rap recording artist, entrepreneur, music producer, and actor. His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ , sold more than 12 million units worldwide, is certified eight times platinum, and was the basis for the semi-autobiographical film of the same title, in which he starred. He is the first artist to have four songs in the top ten of Billboard’s Hot 100 since the Beatles in 1964. He published his memoir, the New York Times bestseller From Pieces to Weight , which was hailed as “cool, hard, and vivid, a minor classic of gangster rap noir” ( The New York Times ). He is also the author of Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter . Under the G-Unit brand, his business empire includes a record label, apparel and footwear ventures, vitamin water, and more. He created the nonprofit organization The G-Unity Foundation, which aims to better the life of urban youth. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @50cent.

Features & Highlights

  • In the
  • New York Times
  • bestseller
  • From Pieces to Weight
  • , rap mogul 50 Cent, a.k.a. Curtis Jackson, lifts the veil on his complicated life, from the murder of his mother when he was twelve, to hustling on the streets; from the assassination attempt that nearly finished him to his meteoric rise to the top of hip hop royalty.
  • This violent and introspective memoir reveals not only 50 Cent's story but also the story of a generation of youth faced with hard choices and very few options. It is a tale of sacrifice, transformation, and redemption, but also one of hope, determination, and the power of self. Told in 50's unique voice, the narrative drips with the raw insight, street wisdom, and his struggle to survive at all costs—and behold the riches of the American Dream.

Customer Reviews

Rating Breakdown

★★★★★
60%
(286)
★★★★
25%
(119)
★★★
15%
(71)
★★
7%
(33)
-7%
(-33)

Most Helpful Reviews

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Worse book I've ever read

I couldn't even read this whole book (I read through half of it in high school) because it didn't sound anything like English. The autobiography of Malcolm-X (my favorite book) is way better than this, because it talks about a real struggle not some BS struggle against people of the same race for stupid reasons. In the book he talks about beefs in the hood etc... and how he rose from being an inner-city drug dealer to being a big time rap star. Don't get me wrong his music/rapping is good (not as good as 2pac like a stupid lady told me once "He's gonna be the next 2pac")if you want something that will put you to sleep then read this book, if you want something that will make you a real man read the autobiography of Malcolm-X.
2 people found this helpful
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Decent book for 50 Cent fans

I recently purchased this book for my fiance, who, obviously, loves 50 Cent. He read the first 50 pages the day it arrived, and I must tell you, he is NOT the type of person to sit down and read a book. It's about 50's life in Southside Queens and his experiences as a child up until his fame. While my fiance finds this book inspirational and exciting, I find the writing style to be fairly simple with 50 reiterating well-known facts (ex. You can't have life without death) and also presenting himself as an arrogant, almost martyr-type of character. Why do I say that? He talks about himself and his experiences in life (which may or may not be exaggerated) and repeatedly states that what he has gone through should be used as an example to others. He blames the media for his portrayal as a "bullet riddled rapper" but obviously, 50 uses it to his advantage without much complaint. He tries to come off as a mentor and inspiration, but I really did find him irritating at times. I think their are better role models for others to look up to. I'd rather read Sidney Poitier's memoirs than idolize 50 Cent. But that's just my view. For 50 Cent lovers, they'll be inspired and amazed.
2 people found this helpful
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About Drugs So Far

I’ve a long time Curtis fan. Even have a tattoo for him. I’m just on chapter 3 of the book, and so far it’s mostly about making and selling drugs. I know that’s what he did, but expected more substance in the material. I think it’s because he wrote the book when he was young, and didn’t have too much life experience outside of the drug game. Still a devoted fan. Loved his 50th Law book though.
1 people found this helpful
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Very interesting read

I have been a fan of 50 cent for a long time and this book told a lot more about his life that the movie did not touch on. The movie was obviously fictionalized but this book is supposed to be the truth of growing up in the hood. Some parts may be disturbing to some readers but overall it is not that graphic, although it does include sex, drugs and violence.
1 people found this helpful
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Was good while lasted

This book definitely had me glued for the 3 days I read it for. It had a very simple writing style which kept me running through the pages. It was creative enough to keep me entertained and it had just enough humor to keep me chuckling. I'd recommend it for anyone looking for an easy, quick, and entertaining read.
1 people found this helpful
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Great book

Enchanting.
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Great Read

This is a great book that takes you back through 50’s life and see what it was like for him growing up. It’s insightful, detailed and paints a picture of what life was like at that time and place.
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Great

Good read and quality
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It ok

It’s ok
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On time

Good read