Hustle harder, hustle smarter

The successful rap artist and media mogul reflects on surviving the streets of Queens, New York, blowing up in the 2000s hip-hop scene, and now thriving in the executive boardroom.Ive managed to make it to the top twice, writes Jackson, popularly known as 50 Cent, who distinguishes himself from the gangster persona he adopted in order to help deal with the chaos and insanity that I saw all around me growing up. After semiretiring from a generation-defining hip-hop career (more than 30 million albums sold worldwide), his transition into Hollywood with the hit drama series Power landed him one of the biggest deals in premium cable history. Jacksons previous book, The 50th Law, co-written by 48 Laws of Power author Robert Greene, was a bestseller; here, the author emphasizes the maturity and growth, as well as the ruthlessness, that come with moving in corporate America. Through nine interrelated principlesfans will know he survived being shot nine timesJackson lays out a key framework for improving ones personal and professional lives. While the Machiavellian-esque advice (see how to influence others, maintain control) may read a little rehearsed and rehashed, what promises to keep readers intrigued are the scintillating short stories that reveal the advices utility. The author has consistently made headlines through the detailed advertising of the behind-the-scenes lives of celebrities. Indeed, that is one of the lessons: How To Control the Conversation. Just like his rhyming, Jackson is adept at delivering a big punchline, such as his call to embrace honesty: Whether youre the boss, a partner, or just a worker, you have to create an environment where people can be honest about their character with you. Otherwise, youre going to build unsustainable situations. Thats what ruined Ja Rules career.Savor the celebrity gossip and push through to the lessons of one of hip-hops most successful businessmen ever. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.