Get Rich Or Die Tryin'.

The new 50 Cent film, "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" is being released today.

I think that this is a fascinating thing. I worked in a music store when Eminem was about to break, and to be totally honest with you, I thought that he might have a single or two on the Slim Shady LP, but beyond that, nothing else. I never would have thought that he'd achieve the level of success and fame that he has. I'll also admit that the main reason I felt that way was because he was white. The climate in the music industry was much different back then. Eminem eventually would be credited with helping to establish a standard for many hip hop artists creatively and technically, and conveyed what many thought to be a true and genuine appreciation for the art form that eventually led to the dismissing of what color his skin was. He was a true businessman as well, fully entrenching himself with arguably one of the finest producers in the history of the genre, Dr. Dre. I thought that this was a really strategic move, particularly keeping with Dr. Dre, and furthering his relationship with him into appearances in viedos and partnerships on artists and production. Long story short, the guy hooked up and aligned with one of the more credible presences in the industry, even the genre, and carved a career for himself, that continues to flourish. He had the midas touch for a while, and life was good. So good, that he went on to do a movie that went on to become a commercial and critical success. Along with the label business, clothing, records, and sell out tours, Eminem has become a folk hero of sorts, and a successful one at that.

Eminem's protege, 50 Cent, is up next. His movie, "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'" is out today, and I am interested in seeing it. They got a good name in Jim Sheridan behind the project for direction, and I am curious to see how this unfolds in terms of the box office reaction.

Is this part of the Eminem formula, that for lack of a better comparison, 5o Cent has been following to some degree, or is this the beginning of a long career?