Eminem and 50 Cent are not just iconic figures in the hip-hop world—they are two of the most controversial and outspoken artists to ever step into the rap scene. Known for their lyrical prowess and relentless feuds, both artists have made a name for themselves not just through music, but through their ongoing wars with other rappers. Their feuds have been legendary, filled with diss tracks, public confrontations, and deep personal animosities. However, what stands out the most is their ability to back each other up, both as friends and allies in the battle against their rap rivals.
The Loyalty of Eminem and 50 Cent
Eminem and 50 Cent’s relationship is one of loyalty, support, and mutual respect. Beyond being mentor and mentee, they share a deep friendship, standing by each other in some of the most intense moments of their careers. They’ve backed each other up in countless situations, from public feuds to personal issues. Whether it’s supporting each other in award shows or confronting their rivals together, their bond has remained strong throughout the years.
However, their loyalty has also played a significant role in their wars with other rappers. Both artists are infamous for their ruthless attitude toward their enemies, and their willingness to engage in verbal and lyrical battles is unmatched.
Eminem’s Feuds: From Ja Rule to The Game
Eminem’s long list of feuds includes some of the most notorious names in rap. One of the first and most well-known of these feuds was with Ja Rule. Their conflict began in the early 2000s, when 50 Cent and Eminem joined forces with their label, Shady Records, to take down Ja Rule, who was seen as a rival in the rap world. Through diss tracks like Hail Mary and Loose Change, Eminem and 50 Cent targeted Ja Rule, eventually dismantling his career.
However, as with many of Eminem’s feuds, the war didn’t stop there. In 2023, Eminem reignited another high-profile battle, this time with The Game. The Game had previously challenged Eminem’s status as one of the best rappers of all time, claiming that Em’s music wasn’t being played in the clubs. In retaliation, Eminem dropped a scathing diss track, asserting his dominance and reminding fans of his unparalleled lyrical skills. This public clash came on the heels of another major feud: The Game’s departure from 50 Cent’s G-Unit.
The Game’s Betrayal and the G-Unit Conflict
The beef between 50 Cent and The Game started in the early 2000s when The Game joined G-Unit, 50 Cent’s rap group. The Game’s debut album, The Documentary, was a major success, propelled by 50 Cent’s mentorship. However, tensions began to rise as the Game’s popularity grew. Behind the scenes, disputes started to brew, and it all came to a head during the filming of the Hate It or Love It music video. Rumors surfaced that 50 Cent refused to sit next to The Game, sparking suspicions of a rift between the two.
The tension reached its peak when 50 Cent publicly announced that The Game was no longer part of G-Unit, triggering a public fallout. This led to a series of diss tracks and a bitter war of words between the two, with The Game releasing tracks like 300 Bars and Running aimed at 50 Cent. Despite attempts to reconcile, including The Game’s public plea in 2010, 50 Cent refused to engage, keeping the feud alive.
The animosity continued for years, with both artists making various public statements and releasing music that perpetuated their rivalry. In 2016, G-Unit reunited, but without The Game, solidifying the group’s stance. However, in 2022, The Game attempted to squash the beef, claiming that there were no issues left between him and 50 Cent, although some fans remained skeptical.
The Black Slim Shady: Eminem’s Diss Response to The Game
The ongoing tension between The Game and Eminem reached new heights when The Game dropped Black Slim Shady, a diss track aimed at Eminem, 50 Cent, and Dr. Dre. The track harshly criticized Eminem’s career, personal life, and family, even targeting his daughter. The Game’s lyrics sparked a flood of reactions from both fans and critics alike, with some defending him for taking on one of the greatest rappers of all time, while others criticized the move as a desperate attempt for attention.
One significant moment in this beef was the 2021 Super Bowl halftime show, where The Game was noticeably absent. Despite his close ties to Dr. Dre and his contributions to West Coast rap, The Game felt snubbed and left out of the celebration. This exclusion seemed to fuel his frustration, as he voiced his displeasure on social media, expressing that he was unfairly overlooked in favor of “safer” artists. His resentment toward Eminem, Dre, and others in the industry led to his bold public claim that he was superior to Eminem, even challenging him to a rap battle.
Nick Cannon: The War with Eminem Over Mariah Carey
Another high-profile conflict in Eminem’s career was his long-standing feud with Nick Cannon. The feud began after rumors of a romantic relationship between Eminem and Mariah Carey surfaced in the early 2000s. Although Carey denied it, Eminem addressed the rumors head-on in his track Bagpipes from Baghdad, dissing both Mariah and her then-husband, Nick Cannon. Eminem’s lyrics were explicit and personal, prompting Cannon to respond with his own threats and insults.
The conflict escalated over the years, with Mariah Carey releasing Obsessed, a song that mocked Eminem and further fueled the animosity. The war didn’t stop there—Nick Cannon became more vocal, releasing diss tracks like The Invitation in 2019, where he continued to target Eminem. Eminem, in return, released more tracks aimed at Cannon, including his verse on Fat Joe’s Lord Above.
Despite the public back-and-forth, some fans hoped for peace between the two. However, it seemed that both artists were determined to keep the feud alive, continuing to throw jabs through music and social media.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Eminem & 50 Cent’s Feuds
Eminem and 50 Cent’s war against other rappers is a defining aspect of their careers. Whether it’s dismantling rivals like Ja Rule and The Game, or publicly feuding with Nick Cannon, these conflicts have solidified their reputations as two of the most formidable forces in hip-hop. However, their ability to back each other up, both in music and in personal matters, remains a cornerstone of their friendship.
Despite the passage of time, these feuds have never completely died down. As both artists continue to make music and maintain their relevance in the industry, fans still wonder if these wars are truly over or if more battles are on the horizon. Only time will tell if the tension between Eminem, 50 Cent, and their rivals is truly behind them or if the war is set to continue.