News of the move came as 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, was discussing his new series of novellas, 'The Ski Mask Way', 'Death Before Dishonour' and 'Baby Brother'. The rapper told the New York Post that the series complement the music he makes and the books feature themes of drugs, women and sex.
"The kids, and people in general, become immune when you constantly beat them over the head - 'read a book, read a book, read a book'. We have to be a little more creative about it. It's the same with safe sex. As opposed to being part of a safe-sex campaign, I'm going to make condoms and donate a part of the proceeds to HIV awareness," he said.
'The Ski Mask Way' is already scheduled to be made into a film, according to reports, and will feature 50 Cent in some way. He appeared in the film 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' in 2005, a film loosely based on the rapper's life before he found fame. The promotional posters caused huge controversy in the US, offending anti-gun lobbyists. On the posters, 50 Cent is shown from the back with a gun tucked into his belt and holding a baby. The image was taken from promotional material for the film, in which he plays a character whose story is based on his own life as a drug dealer turned rap star.
That controversy followed an earlier storm over 50 Cent's role in Reebok's 'I Am What I Am' campaign. A TV ad showing the rapper counting to nine -- referring to the number of times he was shot at in a planned hit in 2000 -- was pulled by Reebok after 55 complaints.
50 Cent also has his own line of G-Unit branded clothing, vitamin water and video games.
However, 50 Cent is not the only musician using his notoriety to promote a clothing range. Arctic Monkeys' drummer Matt Helders has designed a line of clothing for urban clothes line Supremebeing. The Supremebeing Arctic Monkeys Collection consists of T-shirts, a hooded jacket and a coat, all designed by the drummer. The collection is due to go on sale in May both online and in-store.
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