50 Cent’s Most Controversial Moments

50 Cent, also known as Curtis James Jackson III, has built a career not just on his chart-topping music and business ventures but also on his persona as one of hip-hop’s most polarizing figures. Known for his sharp wit, brash behavior, and unapologetic attitude, 50 Cent has had his fair share of controversies over the years. Whether it’s his feuds with other celebrities, his divisive comments, or his social media antics, 50 Cent’s actions often make headlines. Below, we take a look at some of the most controversial moments from 50 Cent’s career.

1. The Feud with Ja Rule

One of the most infamous feuds in hip-hop history is the ongoing beef between 50 Cent and Ja Rule. The rivalry dates back to the early 2000s when Ja Rule, at the height of his success, reportedly tried to have 50 Cent jumped. The feud escalated when 50 Cent released his track “Wanksta” and took direct shots at Ja Rule, ultimately leading to a series of diss tracks, public insults, and personal attacks between the two.

50 Cent’s relentless pursuit of Ja Rule, even after Ja Rule’s career began to decline, became a defining feature of his early career. The feud also sparked numerous back-and-forth jabs on social media, with 50 Cent even mocking Ja Rule’s box office failures and legal troubles.

2. Social Media Trolls and Public Insults

50 Cent has been infamous for using his social media accounts to publicly roast and troll other celebrities. His Instagram and Twitter feeds are often filled with biting remarks, and he’s made a name for himself as a master of the “internet roast.”

Some of his most infamous moments include mocking various rappers, celebrities, and even his own fans. One of his most well-known targets has been Empire actor Taraji P. Henson, whom 50 Cent once made fun of for a perceived rivalry between their TV shows. But perhaps his most infamous social media moment came when he mercilessly taunted Rick Ross’s baby mama and his former friend, a stunt that attracted widespread backlash.

50 Cent’s trolling doesn’t stop with other celebrities. He’s also had ongoing feuds with his own family members. From public arguments with his son Marquise Jackson to a long-running dispute with his father, 50 Cent’s personal life has often been the subject of public spectacle.

3. The Rick Ross Baby Mama Drama

In 2009, 50 Cent escalated his ongoing beef with rapper Rick Ross by making a disturbing and personal attack on Ross’s family. After learning that Ross had a sex tape featuring his ex-girlfriend, 50 Cent obtained and leaked the footage online, further fueling the animosity between the two.

As part of his trolling campaign, 50 also taunted Ross’s baby mama, calling her derogatory names and making jokes about their children. This moment, while shocking to many, showcased 50 Cent’s willingness to cross the line in his feuds, using personal and private matters to fuel his public battles.

4. 50 Cent and the “G-Unit” Era: The Fallout with Lloyd Banks and Young Buck

After the success of his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent’s G-Unit collective appeared to be on top of the rap game. However, internal drama soon began to tarnish the group’s unity. 50 Cent had a very public fallout with his longtime collaborators, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, over personal and business disagreements.

The most notable moment came when 50 Cent publicly ended his relationship with Young Buck. After the rapper allegedly had a falling out with 50, the “Candy Shop” artist mocked him relentlessly on social media, calling him disloyal and weak. Buck’s strained relationship with the group was compounded by financial disputes, leading to even more drama within the G-Unit camp.

In 2015, 50 Cent claimed in an interview that he had “put the G-Unit thing to rest,” distancing himself from former bandmates. Fans were shocked by the dissolution of what seemed like an unbreakable bond, and 50 Cent’s willingness to air dirty laundry for the world to see added fuel to his controversial persona.

5. Bankruptcy Filing and Financial Drama

In 2015, 50 Cent made headlines for filing for bankruptcy, a move that many saw as a strategic financial decision rather than a sign of financial distress. At the time, he was embroiled in multiple lawsuits, including a notable case with The Breakfast Club‘s radio host, DJ Envy, over a leaked sex tape. While many believed that 50 Cent was simply trying to avoid paying a massive debt, the situation raised eyebrows when it was revealed that he had still been flaunting a lavish lifestyle, posting pictures of his expensive cars, jewelry, and private jets online.

This combination of bankruptcy and boasting about wealth sparked criticism, with many questioning 50 Cent’s financial practices. Ultimately, the rapper’s bankruptcy filing didn’t stop his business ventures or his penchant for flaunting his wealth, adding to his reputation as a figure who knows how to stir up controversy.

6. The ‘Power’ Controversy: The Feud with Starz

50 Cent’s most successful business venture outside of music is his involvement in the hit TV show Power, which he executive produced and starred in. However, things soured between 50 Cent and the Starz network over the future of the show.

After Starz made the decision to end Power after six seasons, 50 Cent took to social media, publicly lambasting the network. He accused them of mishandling the show and later declared that he would no longer work with them. This public drama created headlines and controversy, with some fans criticizing 50 for seemingly putting his personal issues before the success of the show. However, despite the feud, Power continued to be a huge success, with spinoffs and new projects, proving that 50 Cent knows how to turn even controversial situations into business opportunities.

7. The ‘Hip-Hop’s No. 1 Troll’ Title

50 Cent’s reputation as the “troll king” of hip-hop has become one of his most defining traits. His willingness to say and do anything to provoke a reaction from fans and fellow celebrities has made him both a fan favorite and a divisive figure. While some fans admire his unapologetic attitude, others criticize his tendency to go too far in his efforts to stay relevant.

50 Cent’s career has been built on controversy, from his early days in the rap game to his ventures in business and media. His most controversial moments highlight his unflinching approach to confrontation and his willingness to embrace conflict as part of his brand. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying that 50 Cent is a master of creating buzz—whether it’s through his beefs, his social media antics, or his business moves. Regardless of the backlash, 50 Cent continues to push the envelope, solidifying his place as one of the most complex and compelling figures in the entertainment world.