50 CENT - 50 CENT TURNS PUBLISHER

Versatile rapper 50 CENT is keen to extend his diverse career by launching his own publishing house.

The IN DA CLUB hitmaker, who recently branched into the movie business with controversial biopic GET RICH OR DIE TRYIN', hopes his latest business venture will give so-called 'street fiction' a higher profile.

G-Unit Books is a collaboration with literary firm MTV/Pocket Books, who published the hip-hop star's memoir FROM PIECES TO WEIGHT.

A spokesman for the company promises the 2007 project will focus on the gritty themes covered in 50 Cent's music.

He says, "These tales will tell the truth about The Life; the sex, guns and cash; the brutal highs and short lives of the players on the streets."