NEW YORK - On his first two albums, 50 Cent was the main star with little room for supporting players. With the exception of appearances by the likes of friends like Eminem and Young Buck, most of the songs were pure 50. On his upcoming album, though, he's more willing to share the mic.

"Curtis," due out in September, features a who's who of pop stars: Justin Timberlake, Timbaland, Akon and Mary J. Blige are among those who collaborate on the rapper's third CD.

50 Cent, speaking to The Associated Press before a performance Wednesday night at the Cipriani Wall Street concert series, said that previously he wanted to prove that he could stand on his own, without celebrity help.