HipHopDX.com recently reported that rapper 50 Cent underwent an extreme weight-loss regimen to drop from 214 to 160 lbs in nine weeks for his upcoming film role.

In an interview with the Associated Press, the rapper explained, “This time, it was a lot tougher for me,” comparing it to his experience being only able to drink liquids after being shot in 2000.

“I had to discipline myself not … to actually have myself be in the physical state to convey the energy I felt. It’s a passion project for me,” said the rapper of his role, which is that of a football player with cancer.

When the weight-loss became increasing difficult, Fif revealed that he researched actors like Christian Bale and Tom Hanks, who are known for adjusting their weight for movie roles. “I actually got on the computer,” he said. “When it started getting difficult, I was looking to see what their experience was like and I got a chance to see all of the interviews they had at different time periods when they were doing promotion for the projects.”

50 has gotten back much of his weight, as the rapper is currently at 198 lbs.