WWW- Hip-hop megastar and former drug dealer 50 Cent wasn’t kidding when he set out to “Get Rich or Die Tryin’ ,” which is also the title of his semi-biographical movie currently in theaters. But 50 Cent, who debuted a video game, memoir, hit album and film in 2005, might have found a way to make even more paper: a line of sex toys. In the December issue of GQ, 50 Cent told the magazine, “Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about. A motorized version of me. For $19.99!” He said the toy, possibly created in his likeness, would be blue, his favorite color. While adult-film stars such as Jenna Jameson have created products based on their body parts, 50 Cent’s venture could be a first among mainstream entertainers. Kim Airs, owner of Grand Opening Sexuality Boutique in Brookline, says she’s never encountered it in her 12 years of industry experience. Airs noted that Cynthia Plaster Caster created a notorious line of plaster re-creations of famous rock stars’ members in the 1960s, but the items were never for sale. Boston rapper Jay-saun of local hip-hop group Special Teamzsays he can’t predict whether sex toys will be a marketing trend in his industry. But he said some rappers such as 50 are in a position to expand to other areas – and who can blame them? “I think it’s a genius marketing tool,” he said of 50’s venture. “He’s working the circuit real hard. Who’s gonna be mad at him. I’m not. ” It’s 50’s potential aim, however, that has Joseph Winn, a clinical social worker who treats sexual addiction and other issues, concerned. “If it invites folks to explore and express their sexuality in a self-affirming way, then great, but if it’s one more commodity to exploit human sexuality for personal gain, then it’s not so great.” Regardless of their social merits, 50’s toys will likely sell, Airs says. “Tie a celebrity to anything and they’ll buy it,” she said. But, she adds, who knows if 50’s toy will truly be in his likeness. Unlike those created for adult-film stars, Airs says we don’t have films to make comparisons. In that case, we can only hope the ex-girlfriends will be talking.
50 Cent causes buzz with sex-toy gambit
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