In the world of hip-hop, few names are as synonymous with controversy and conflict as 50 Cent. Over the years, the rapper has found himself embroiled in numerous beefs, not only with fellow artists but also in the streets. While 50 Cent is known for his sharp tongue and relentless trolling on social media, it is often his entourage that has taken matters into their own hands, ending disputes with violence.
One notable incident occurred in 2012 during the BET Hip Hop Awards involving rapper Gunplay. Footage from the event captured the chaos as Gunplay found himself outnumbered and assaulted by members of 50 Cent’s G-Unit crew after reportedly refusing to move from a location where he was unwelcome. Amid the scuffle, the police intervened, using mace to disperse the melee. Witnesses claimed that 50 Cent was present during the altercation, and while it remained unclear if he directly participated, the incident demonstrated how quickly tensions could escalate when it came to defending his reputation.
The following year, another altercation highlighted the lengths to which 50 Cent’s associates would go. At the Hot 97 Summer Jam in 2014, Slowbucks, a former friend of 50’s, was attacked and robbed on stage for his chain. The fallout stemmed from Slowbucks’ decision to associate with 50 Cent’s rivals, an unwise move given 50’s well-known reputation for retaliating against perceived betrayals. The assault was swift and brutal; Slowbucks was punched and stripped of his jewelry, serving as a stark reminder of 50 Cent’s influence.
The violence surrounding 50 Cent extended beyond personal squabbles. At the 2004 Vibe Awards, a brawl erupted when a man approached Dr. Dre, intending to attack him. Young Buck, a member of G-Unit, was seen wielding a knife during the chaos, ultimately stabbing the assailant in defense of Dre. The incident resulted in serious legal repercussions for Buck, who faced charges of attempted murder, showcasing the extreme measures taken by 50’s crew to protect their own.
Another internal conflict arose with Bangam Smurf, a former ally of 50 Cent. The two had a close relationship in the early days of G-Unit, but as 50’s career soared, Smurf found himself embroiled in street life that led to a rift. After being sidelined by 50 and feeling abandoned, Smurf’s affiliation with other rappers led to further drama, including public confrontations that could have escalated into violence. The fallout from their split ultimately culminated in Smurf’s deportation after serving prison time, leaving him to reflect on a life that had dramatically changed while 50 continued to thrive.
In recent events, the longstanding beef between 50 Cent and Joe Budden reignited, adding another chapter to 50’s history of conflicts. Budden openly criticized 50 for perceived insensitivity following the death of Irv Gotti, prompting 50 to unleash a torrent of online mockery. The back-and-forth included 50’s signature trolling style, with Budden eventually threatening legal action. This latest clash underscores the complex web of relationships and rivalries that define 50 Cent’s career.
As 50 Cent continues to navigate the hip-hop landscape, his history of relying on his crew to handle disputes serves as a testament to the volatile nature of fame in the music industry. While the rapper maintains a public persona characterized by humor and bravado, the underlying reality often involves a darker side where loyalty and respect are fiercely defended, sometimes leading to violent outcomes. The stories of Gunplay, Slowbucks, and countless others serve as stark reminders of the consequences that can arise when one finds themselves on the wrong side of 50 Cent.