During a recent interview with radio host Big Boy, rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent added fuel to his long-standing rivalry with Jay-Z. Addressing Jay-Z’s response to a civil lawsuit alleging his involvement in a serious crime, 50 Cent didn’t hold back, weaving in his characteristic humor and blunt observations. The conversation spiraled into broader commentary on the music industry, Super Bowl politics, and celebrity rivalries, offering a glimpse into how public feuds shape modern entertainment culture.
In the interview, 50 Cent revisited his controversial claim that Jay-Z had attempted to block his participation in the 2022 Super Bowl Halftime Show. Reflecting on his surprise appearance alongside Dr. Dre, Eminem, and others, 50 Cent quipped that Jay-Z’s influence within the NFL might have extended to keeping him out of the spotlight. He framed his allegations in the context of Jay-Z’s role as a Roc Nation executive and his broader partnership with the league, hinting that the civil lawsuit could cast doubt on Jay-Z’s once-powerful sway. The rapper stopped short of directly accusing Jay-Z but underscored their history of competitive tension.
True to his reputation, 50 Cent turned to social media to mock Jay-Z following the latter’s public statement and appearance at the “Mufasa” premiere. Posting a photo of Jay-Z with his family at the event, 50 captioned it,
“Jay said they said I rapped [sic] a kid, everybody gets dressed we are going to see Mufasa LOL.”
The post, which was soon deleted, exemplified 50 Cent’s penchant for trolling his peers, blending humor with a sharp critique. His commentary sparked reactions online, with some fans applauding his boldness while others criticized the unnecessary jab.
This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has waded into controversies involving Jay-Z or Sean “Diddy” Combs. During the interview, he speculated that the NFL might reconsider its partnership with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation due to the lawsuit’s potential fallout. He also aimed at Diddy, questioning his reputation amidst ongoing scrutiny.
“I don’t know if he’s cooked,”
50 remarked,
“but he’s washed up in the court of public opinion.”
These comments align with 50 Cent’s history of needling both artists, often combining pointed critiques with an unmistakable touch of comedy.
Shifting gears, 50 Cent weighed in on other prominent industry clashes, including the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar. Commenting on Drake’s ongoing legal battle with Universal Music Group (UMG), 50 suggested that the system was guilty of what Drake accused them of, offering an insider’s perspective on the murky dynamics of record labels and artists. He also sarcastically revisited the infamous Drake-Pusha T rap battle, jokingly asking Drake,
“What exactly did you lose to Pusha T? Since everyone claims you lost.”
The public sparring between 50 Cent and his rivals, amplified by social media, underscores a broader trend in celebrity culture: the blending of humor, controversy, and performance art. For 50 Cent, leveraging humor and sharp commentary is a strategy and a signature, keeping him relevant in an ever-evolving industry. While entertaining, these public feuds reveal how personal rivalries can influence public perceptions, shaping the narratives around music’s biggest stars.