Queens rapper 50 Cent recently revealed to entertainment news reporters at WENN his pricy $1.6 million annual budget for security. The multi-platinum selling artist who is also one of the richest Hip Hop performers in the world, sees the expenses as an investment for his life.
“My home is surrounded by cameras. I need surveillance not only to look out for me but also to protect me. You get all these crazy lawsuits, and I need cameras to check on things,” he told WENN.
Fifty, who has overcome hardships such as drug dealing at age 12 to being shot 9 times in 2000, has installed a home surveillance close circuit TV kit throughout his Farmington, Connecticut estate which holds a price tag of about $20,000 a week.
Aaron Cohen, a high-profile security expert told CNN that one of the highest expenses that a celebrity will have annually is security services. From 24 hour surveillance, traveling and children, the cost of security increases. Also, with success come paparazzi and possible stalkers which also increases the cost.
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“It is at least a $20,000 retainer in order to boost security and add a proactive investigation to stop a stalker,” Cohen said. “You will also spend that if you are the kind of celebrity who is constantly dogged by paparazzi,” he continued.
For Fifty, whose net worth has been reported somewhere near $440 million, beating out Jay-Z in 2008 with an earnings of $150 million in one year according to Forbes, the high price for security is warranted.
The G-Unit rapper is expected to see more profit with the recent debut of his book, The 50th Law which peaked at the number four spot on the New York Times Best Seller list, as well as the much delayed studio album, Before I Self Destruct, Fifty‘s fourth and final project under Interscope Records, which is slated for release on November 10.
