JERSEY CITY -- Rapper 50 Cent was at the Best Buy Store in downtown Jersey City on Friday to promote his new album, "Before I Self Destruct."

The rapper, aka Curtis Jackson, met with an estimated 500 fans who took a photo with him as the result of receiving a photo pass when they purchased the CD of his new album. The photo was then printed out for the fans to keep as a souvenir.

He also appeared later Friday evening at the Best Buy store in Manhattan's Union Square.

Jackson also spoke briefly to the press about meeting his fans.

"These fans are all important to me, and it means something to see them here," Jackson said.

Among those fans who had the opportunity to meet their favorite rapper was Tina Armenao, who traveled from Florham Park.

"I was little nervous but he gave me a hug and I felt so much better because he's a nice person." - RK