50 Cent was the most recent guest on Apple Music's Rap Life Review, during which hosts Ebro Darden and Nadeska Alexis spoke to him, Joe, Donnell Jones, and many others about the recent Verzuz matchup between those artists. But the conversation held more contentious moments. At one point, Darden and Fif got into an argument over who is more responsible for the decline of New York hip-hop.
It started with 50 discussing the evolving focus of rap shifting from NYC to the South. "I'ma leave that for Ebro, 'cause he always f**k up the culture," he remarked. The broadcaster argued the G-Unit mogul "had everybody beefing" and caused a lack of new releases, to which Fif responded to by saying he didn't have many real friends and ran into loyalty issues. His argument was more about having to choose relationships in contentious situations, eventually setting things right.
"Don't think I don't like you," 50 Cent added concerning Ebro. "I'm just telling you what you did. You really f***ed up the whole system... Who was coming and didn't get a shot or didn't get into a good position because I didn't work with them?"
It seems like 50 was taking issue with which artists Ebro did or didn't play on the radio. So while there are a lot of factors playing into both of their assessments, it seems like they both believe some distortion of loyalty and rap game camaraderie led to New York not being as hot as it once was. Still, it remains a pillar of the culture.
50 Cent & G-Unit At Verzuz
For those unaware, 50 Cent was one of various special guest at Joe and Donnell Jones' Verzuz matchup earlier this week. He, Tony Yayo, and Uncle Murda came out to represent G-Unit. This was a pretty ironic development considering how Fif's beef with T.I. largely stemmed from his refusal to do a Verzuz with Tip.
On the other hand, Ebro's still dishing out hip-hop hot takes for all to enjoy. 50 Cent's not far behind when it comes to his own view of the culture today. They may have their differences, but hashing them out on air together is nonetheless heartening.
