Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Not many albums revolutionized rap, hip-hop and R&B to the degree of 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’,” which went on to sell over 12 million copies worldwide and become America’s best seller of any genre when it released in 2003.

Now two decades later, the Eminem and Dr. Dre-produced project is the subject of “The Final Lap” Tour, rumored to be his last for the foreseeable future, in addition to later samples from the artist/actor’s Grammy and Emmy Award-winning catalogue.

Along with longtime friend/fellow mega-star Busta Rhymes and Chicago’s own Jeremih, it was a surefire sell out at the United Center, ending a five-year absence from Illinois following Ravinia alone.

Comparatively speaking, this was a full-fledged arena production filled with a futuristic, double-level stage, sparks, lasers and a runaway to get a closer glimpse of the headliner, who was backed by a five-piece band, DJ, pair of sidekick emcees and a whopping 18 dancers.

“The Invitation” and “What Up Gangsta” were natural places to start in what wound up being structured like a carefully-curated mixtape, as opposed to a straightforward run through the playlist.

Even so, 50 Cent made a point to incorporate all the humongous hits off the primary project and otherwise, including “P.I.M.P.,” “21 Questions,” “Candy Shop,” “Just A Lil Bit,” and of course “In Da Club,” delivered with the charisma fans of now varying ages have come to expect.

Deeper tracks and features also abounded in what totaled at least 30 complete or partial versions, spread across 100 or so minutes of a risk-taking creator, who despite almost dying after getting shot nine times a couple years before the record dropped, did indeed get rich beyond his wildest dreams.

When it came to sheer speed behind the mic, no one could really match Busta Rhymes, who made the most of a support slot stuffed with solo crowd pleasers and collaborations.

Meanwhile, Jeremih brought a super smooth style and surprise guest Twista, even appearing later alongside 50 Cent during “Down On Me” and dropping some “Birthday Sex” in between the main event’s selections turning 20, yet sounding as cutting-edge as ever.

For additional information on 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes and Jeremih, visit ThisIs50.com, Facebook.com/BustaRhymesWorldwide and JeremihOfficial.com.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation concerts, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the United Center include $uicideboy$ (Sept. 22); Peter Gabriel (Sept. 30); Mana (Oct. 1); Wu-Tang Clan and Nas (Oct. 8); SZA (Oct. 10); Phish (Oct. 13-15); John Mayer (Oct. 18); Joji (Oct. 20); Enhypen (Oct. 22); Ms. Lauryn Hall & The Fugees (Oct. 28); Queen + Adam Lambert (Oct. 30-31); Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull and Ricky Martin (Nov. 1-2); Depeche Mode (Nov. 13); Doja Cat (Dec. 13) and Travis Scott (Dec. 15). For additional details, visit UnitedCenter.com.

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