50 Cent

50 Cent

Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons has applauded rap superstar 50 Cent's pledge to feed one billion African people, comparing his efforts to that of civil rights leader Malcolm X.

The In Da Club hitmaker grew up in poverty and famously turned his life around from being a drug dealer in New York to becoming one of the world's most popular rap artists.

He has amassed a huge fortune from his various business deals and ventures since his 2003 debut and he is determined to use his fame to help those most in need.

In a post on his Twitter.com page over the weekend, he wrote, "I want to impact people's lives more. I created a new goal for myself, I want to feed 1 billion people in Africa over the next 5 years."

And philanthropist Simmons has hailed the charitable move.

He tells GlobalGrind.com, "It is always inspiring to see people who come from 'hell' who want to create heaven. Like Malcolm X and many others who have come from struggle, it is the journey out of darkness to become advocates of light that is the most impressive.

"What I read from 50 shows the maturation of an artist and the maturation of a man. As I have always said, celebrity ain't (sic) worth s*** unless you can help people. Keep pushing 50, we will follow your lead!"