In the world of hip-hop, few names resonate as powerfully as that of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson. A figure known for his musical prowess and contentious feuds, 50 Cent has made a career out of both chart-topping hits and notorious rivalries. However, disrespecting the rapper often leads to disastrous consequences, as illustrated by his tumultuous relationships with various artists in the industry.
One prominent example is Young Buck, who once thrived under the G-Unit label but found himself at odds with 50 Cent due to financial disputes and personal conflicts. The fallout began when Buck started throwing subliminal jabs at 50, leading to a public showcase where Buck was notably absent. This absence confirmed the brewing tensions, and soon after, 50 Cent made a decisive move. In a live interview on Hot 97, he announced Buck’s exit from G-Unit, citing Buck’s spending habits and lack of loyalty as primary reasons for the split. Attempts by Buck to mend the relationship were futile; the rapper’s emotional plea for reconciliation was made public, further damaging his standing. Despite Buck’s efforts to retaliate with his own diss track, the damage was irreversible. His financial woes only compounded post-G-Unit, leading him to file for bankruptcy in 2010.
Similarly, the feud with Rick Ross traces back to a seemingly innocuous encounter at the 2008 BET Awards. Ross felt disrespected by 50 Cent’s demeanor during the event, which 50 later claimed he didn’t even recall. The misunderstanding spiraled into a prolonged rivalry, marked by lyrical exchanges and personal jabs. Ross made a bold move by dissing 50 in his track “Mafia Music,” referencing personal tragedies in 50’s life, which only intensified 50’s resolve to retaliate. He released the infamous “Officer Ricky,” targeting Ross’s past as a corrections officer, and even created an animated series to ridicule him. The rivalry has persisted over the years, showcasing 50’s relentless nature when faced with disrespect.
The long-standing animosity between 50 Cent and Ja Rule also exemplifies the rapper’s merciless approach to feuds. Their rivalry ignited in 1999 after an altercation involving a stolen chain. What began as a personal spat evolved into a decade-spanning feud filled with diss tracks, public insults, and personal attacks. Recently, 50 mocked Ja Rule’s performance at the 2023 BMI R&B Hip-Hop Awards, further solidifying his position as an unyielding adversary.
The tensions between 50 and The Game stemmed from their initial collaboration under G-Unit. However, as The Game began to assert his independence, conflicts arose. When The Game publicly supported other artists who were enemies of 50 Cent, it led to a dramatic public ousting from G-Unit, marking the beginning of a bitter feud that involved diss tracks and personal accusations.
Even Jay-Z found himself in 50’s crosshairs after the release of “How to Rob,” which referenced Jay directly. Despite a moment of camaraderie at a Summer Jam performance, the rivalry reignited through subsequent diss tracks exchanged between the two rappers.
Lastly, the animosity between 50 Cent and Jimmy Henchman showcases the darker side of these feuds. Henchman, a notable figure in the music industry, became embroiled in a personal vendetta against 50 Cent after an incident involving his son. The conflict escalated into violence, culminating in a series of retaliatory actions that led to Henchman’s eventual arrest and life sentence for drug trafficking and murder.
These narratives outline a common thread in 50 Cent’s career: a refusal to back down in the face of disrespect. His willingness to engage in conflicts, whether through lyrical battles or personal vendettas, has solidified his reputation as one of hip-hop’s most formidable figures. As the landscape of the music industry continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: crossing 50 Cent can lead to dire consequences, both in the studio and beyond.
