In a year filled with achievements and a music scene where videos come and go, 50 Cent’s “Candy Shop” has cemented a lasting legacy that many artists aspire to. Nearly 20 years after its release, the iconic music video features a captivating Olivia and catchy lyrics that people can’t help but remember, and it has reached an impressive 1 billion views on YouTube. This milestone places “Candy Shop” alongside his hit “In Da Club,” which also crossed the billion-view mark earlier, highlighting 50 Cent’s enduring popularity.

Released in 2005 as part of his album “The Massacre,” “Candy Shop“ quickly took the world by storm, spending nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became famous for its mix of daring lyrics, an infectious beat, and a sultry video that everyone was talking about. It featured appearances from artists like Lil Scrappy, Young Buck, and Lloyd Banks, showcasing the G-Unit crew. Now that the song has hit 1 billion views, it’s evident that nostalgia and great music keep fans returning for more.

This milestone comes as 50 Cent prepares for his first-ever residency in Las Vegas, which is set to begin next month. He’s excited about this new venture and told fans, “My first Vegas residency is going to be an experience; you don’t wanna miss this!” He will be performing six exclusive shows at Planet Hollywood from December 27 to January 4, and he even teased a special New Year’s Eve celebration featuring his own Sire Spirits, making it a highly anticipated event for fans.

While fans are eager for new music, 50 Cent’s focus has shifted slightly. At a recent event, he shared, “I have to tap into the st*pid side of me to write the right thing,” explaining that today’s music landscape doesn’t always inspire him. With so many projects on the go, including TV shows and business endeavors, it’s clear that 50 Cent is building his legacy far beyond just music, and this latest achievement is a testament to his impact on different generations.

In a story reminiscent of a romantic movie script, Jamaican dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel, after nearly a decade of resilience defying the odds, has taken a heartfelt leap in his relationship with longtime girlfriend Sidem Öztürk. Engaged since his days in incarceration, Kartel’s recent proposal to Öztürk exemplifies a bond that’s been tested, strengthened, and made all the more resilient by love, loyalty, and redefined devotion.

Vybz Kartel was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014, a development that significantly altered the trajectory of his life and career. While many presumed that his influential voice would be silenced within the confines of his cell, an unexpected turn of events unfolded. Öztürk emerged as a beacon of dedication, captivating music fans worldwide during this challenging period. As Kartel articulated on social media, she provided steadfast support throughout his most difficult times, conveying messages of encouragement and affection across the barriers of incarceration. Their relationship, sustained through regular phone calls, prison visits, and unwavering loyalty, evolved into an unconventional yet profoundly impactful love story.

Following his recent release, Kartel didn’t miss a beat in reaffirming his commitment to Öztürk. On November 4, he took to Instagram to share a deeply personal, celebratory video, flashing a ring with excitement before kneeling in a hotel room to officially propose. With Öztürk visibly stunned, the moment encapsulated years of shared devotion, further enriched by Kartel’s caption: “You were there when I needed you most, and I’ll never leave you, baby.” He reminisced on moments they laughed together, cried together, dreamed together, and now celebrate together even during periods when freedom seemed unattainable.

The genesis of their romance dates back to a bold move by Öztürk in 2015 when, as she later revealed, her admiration for Kartel’s music and persona led her to track down his Instagram profile. What started as admiration quickly evolved into a profound connection, one she describes as an “obsession” that felt decidedly destined. Almost a decade later, her instincts have proven right, and the two are now engaged, looking forward to building a life beyond the confines of prison walls together in a love forged through extraordinary circumstances.

This evolving saga reflects a resilience that mirrors the trajectory of Kartel’s music career. Vybz Kartel and Sidem Öztürk are ready to start their future together, not constrained by bars but united by a promise reaffirmed multiple times.