50 CENT - 50 CENT TO RELEASE GRITTY VIDEO GAME

Hip-hop star 50 CENT is set to give fans a hands-on taste of his former gritty life on the streets with a new video game.

The former crack dealer, whose business portfolio now boasts clothing, accessories, porn and vitamin water, has signed a deal with VIVENDI UNIVERSAL GAMES to produce and release 50 CENT: BULLETPROOF.

The game, which will hit stores later this year (05), will feature the likeness and voice of the IN DA CLUB rapper as he gets caught in a web of corruption and shady deals that lead him on a bloody path through New York's drug underworld.

He also takes on the most dangerous crime families in the city. 50 Cent - real name CURTIS JACKSON - says, "In everything I do, I play to win. I'm out to destroy the competition and my video game is no different.

"It's a fantasy version of my life. I plan to shake up the video game world like I did the rap world - I'm pulling no punches with my game."

Fans who can't wait for the game's release can enjoy a sneak peek at the ELECTRONIC ENTERTAINMENT EXPO in Los Angeles on 18 May (05).