Giving Back: 50 Cent Visits Famine Victims In Africa

Lately, rapper-turned-businessman Curtiss ’50 Cent’ Jackson has been reforming his image. After slaying foes and slanging drugs on wax for years, the Queens M.C. is trying to use his fame for a good cause.

Last year, Fiddy announced that he would be donating one billion meals to hungry children around the world via the U.N.’s World Food Program, and Wednesday he made good on part of his plan.

This week, Jackson traveled to Kenya and Somalia to visit famine victims and spread the world about his initiative to feed hungry children.

50 posted on Facebook: “I’m in Somalia this week to show the world the devastation that is taking place,” he wrote. “Children going hungry everyday, even dying everyday from hunger. I am going to keep sending thru images from out here. I need you to take these photos and re-post to your friends. The world needs to see what is going on.”

Thousands of women and children have fled the region, which has been plagued by drought and famine for months. Although the U.N. has declared an end to the famine, the British government estimates between 50,000 to 100,000 people died because of its effects and many more are still in peril.

In addition to pledging one billion meals, Fiddy has also agreed to donate 10 cents from the sale of each of his new Street King energy drinks to the U.N.’s World Food Program.

In an culture which celebrates excess and materialism, it’s nice to see 50 using his popularity and pocketbook to help those who need it most.

*Photo credit: Abby Ross