The friendship between Eminem and 50 Cent is one of the most iconic in the world of hip-hop. Beyond the music, their bond is built on mutual respect, shared struggles, and unwavering loyalty. Let’s take a deep dive into the full story of how their friendship began and evolved over the years.

Before They Met: 50 Cent’s Struggles

Before 50 Cent became a global star, his journey was filled with hardships. In 2000, 50 Cent survived being shot nine times, which nearly ended his life. Despite his determination, no major record label wanted to sign him, due to his tough reputation, especially after the release of his controversial track “How to Rob,” where he threatened numerous hip-hop figures. On top of this, 50 Cent had a deepening feud with rapper Ja Rule.

The rivalry with Ja Rule started in 1999 when 50 Cent’s associates allegedly robbed Ja Rule at gunpoint in Queens. This sparked a series of confrontations, culminating in physical altercations and, eventually, a full-blown beef. By 2000, 50 Cent’s name was gaining attention, but his troubled past made it difficult to find a label willing to work with him.

The Meeting with Eminem: The Turning Point

50 Cent’s break came when his mixtapes started circulating in Detroit and eventually caught the attention of Eminem. Eminem, who was already a rising star, listened to 50 Cent’s music and was immediately impressed. He played the tracks for Dr. Dre, and the two legends saw the potential in 50 Cent. They decided to sign him to a joint venture deal with Shady Records and Aftermath Records under Interscope, and that was the turning point for 50 Cent’s career.

In 2002, 50 Cent flew to Los Angeles to meet with Eminem and Dr. Dre. As 50 Cent recalls, “I’m on the dream team now; I have two of the coolest bodyguards, Dr. Dre and Eminem.” Their collaboration not only gave 50 Cent the opportunity to work with two of the biggest producers in hip-hop but also cemented their growing friendship.

The Rise to Stardom: Music and Brotherhood

In 2003, 50 Cent’s debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ was released, marking a massive milestone in his career. Eminem was featured in two tracks on the album, and their bond grew stronger as they began to perform together. In the music video for “In Da Club,” both rappers appeared together, and their friendship was clear to the world. At this time, the feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule was reaching new heights, but now, Eminem was involved as well.

Ja Rule released a diss track targeting Eminem’s daughter, which led to Eminem responding with “Hailie’s Revenge.” This sparked a series of diss tracks between the two sides, with 50 Cent joining in on “Hail Mary,” a song aimed at Ja Rule. Together, they mocked Ja Rule’s inability to achieve the same level of success as Tupac, further strengthening their bond.

Eminem’s Struggles and 50 Cent’s Support

While 50 Cent was on the rise, Eminem was going through a tough period in his personal life. Between 2002 and 2008, Eminem struggled deeply with his drug addiction, and in 2006, the situation worsened. He gained a significant amount of weight and became more reclusive. The death of his close friend, Proof, in 2006, exacerbated Eminem’s struggles.

50 Cent, being a close friend, stood by Eminem during these dark times. When Eminem could no longer perform due to his condition, 50 Cent would step in to help him with interviews. Eminem himself recalled a moment when they were performing on BET’s 106th & Park: “I couldn’t understand a word she was saying, and 50 had to cover for me and answer every question.”

In 2007, Eminem overdosed on methadone, and doctors warned he was lucky to be alive. During his rehab, 50 Cent continued to support him, and the two’s friendship grew even stronger.

Relapse and Recovery: A New Chapter

After completing rehab, Eminem released his comeback album Relapse in 2009, with 50 Cent featured in the track “Crack a Bottle.” The album marked the beginning of Eminem’s recovery and return to the music scene. Eminem was originally planning to release Relapse 2, but after not receiving the reception he hoped for, he decided against it. 50 Cent supported this creative decision, demonstrating the trust they had in each other’s judgment.

Supporting Each Other’s Growth

As the years passed, Eminem and 50 Cent continued to have each other’s backs, both personally and professionally. In 2018, Eminem found himself embroiled in a beef with rapper Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), and 50 Cent supported his friend in the feud. 50 Cent backed Eminem on Instagram, advising others not to challenge him.

In 2019, Eminem and 50 Cent collaborated on a track with Ed Sheeran, proving that their chemistry was still as strong as ever. Their music continued to reflect their bond, and fans couldn’t get enough of their collaborations.

The Super Bowl Performance: A Legendary Moment

In 2022, the duo performed at the Super Bowl halftime show alongside Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre, and Kendrick Lamar. This performance was a milestone in hip-hop, but it also showcased the undeniable bond between Eminem and 50 Cent. Eminem made it clear he wouldn’t perform without 50 Cent, and the two brought their years of friendship and music history to the biggest stage in sports.

The Ongoing Friendship: Family and Loyalty

Their friendship wasn’t just about music; it was about family. In 2020, Eminem appeared in 50 Cent’s crime drama Black Mafia Family, which was produced by 50 Cent. Though Eminem initially hesitated to act after his experience with 8 Mile, 50 Cent managed to convince him to take on the role of “White Boy Rick.”

Even when faced with major opportunities, like the chance to perform at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Eminem and 50 Cent chose to turn it down because of their commitments to other projects. This kind of loyalty to each other shows the strength of their bond.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame: A Heartfelt Tribute

In 2020, Eminem showed his unwavering support for 50 Cent when he gave an emotional speech at 50’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony. Eminem praised 50 Cent for always being there for him, both professionally and personally. The speech highlighted the depth of their friendship, showing how much they had supported each other through the years.

Conclusion: A Friendship Built on Trust and Loyalty

The friendship between Eminem and 50 Cent is a beautiful example of how two people can rise from adversity and create something greater than just music. Through the highs and lows of their careers, they’ve remained by each other’s side, proving that their bond is built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect.

Their story is a testament to the power of true friendship and how it can withstand the test of time and challenges. Through music, personal struggles, and unwavering support, Eminem and 50 Cent have built a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.