50 Cent backs single-mom essay contest

NEW YORK, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- U.S. hip-hop artist 50 Cent is inviting single moms to enter an essay contest for which three grand prizes of $10,000 will be awarded.

"During the next week, 50 Cent will not only be on television, on the Internet, and at a pair of retail stores promoting his new 'Before I Self Destruct' album and film, but he'll also be playing Santa this holiday season," Interscope Records said in a release Monday. "Amidst tough economic times, 50 Cent is implementing his own stimulus package, specifically to help single mothers. For '50's Money for Moms' contest in conjunction with BET, entrants must explain in 200 words or less why she -- or a single mother the writer knows -- deserves to win one of three grand prizes of $10,000 each from 50 Cent."

Details and entries are available at www.bet.com/Site/contests_50cent