50 Cent, the controversial rapper whose violent past has often eclipsed his music, will return to Honolulu a concert at 7:30 p.m. March 28 at Blaisdell Arena.

The gig also features local R&B singer Afatia, who will test his marketability in the blues and hip-hop mainstream.

G Unit, a group in 50 Cent's recording stable, also is on the bill.

50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis James Jackson III, previously performed at Blaisdell in 2003, after the release of his first album, "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'." At the time, the brevity of his 45-minute-long set caused some complaints.

This time, said show presenter Misty Tufono of Tihati Productions, one of the partners promoting the show, 50 will concertize for an hour, minimum. At least, that's the plan.

Tihati, a producer of Polynesian and convention shows statewide, is making a foray into hip-hop and R&B to support the budding crossover career of Afatia Thompson, Misty Tufono's kid brother and son of Jack and Cha Thompson, who operate an entertainment company. Afatia's debut CD, "5:54," released on the Tihati label, won a Na Hoku Hanohano Award last year as best R&B and hip-hop album.

50 Cent, also an actor and an entrepreneur, was shot nine times in 2000, peddled drugs when he was 12, lost his mom at 8 when she was murdered and served time in prison for drug and gun possession. His adopted name, he has said, is a metaphor for "change."

His G Unit Clothing Co. has expanded his reach into the hip-hop culture and "50" has dipped into a variety of other productions, from condoms to flavored vitamin water. He has been nominated for 13 Grammys, but never won the award; his "Curtis" CD was his last blockbuster.

Tickets, $49, $69 and $99, go on sale at 9 a.m. Friday at the Blaisdell box office and Ticketmaster locations, including Times Super Markets.

Reservations: 877-750-4400, www.ticketmaster.com.

Also: VIP tickets are available through Tihati Productions, 735-0292.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.