The rivalry between 50 Cent and Jay-Z is one of the most well-known feuds in the history of hip-hop. From subtle jabs to public confrontations, their relationship has been defined by animosity. While the reasons behind their tension are complex, it’s clear that there have been a number of incidents that have fueled the animosity between the two rap moguls.

The Beginning of the Feud: “How to Rob”

The feud traces back to 1999 when 50 Cent released his notorious track “How to Rob.” In it, he took shots at numerous high-profile figures in the rap industry, including Jay-Z. At the time, Jay was the biggest rapper in the game, and 50’s diss was a bold move. Jay-Z didn’t immediately respond to the diss, but 50 Cent’s public disrespect of him made their relationship tense from the start.

Summer Jam and Jay-Z’s Response

After the release of “How to Rob,” the two met at Hot 97’s Summer Jam, where Jay-Z reportedly said he would respond to 50 Cent. While 50 was open to a battle, he knew this moment would be pivotal in his career. Jay-Z, being the industry giant, did not immediately retaliate, but the seed of rivalry had been planted. 50 Cent continued to take jabs, notably in his track “Be a Gentleman,” where he mocked Jay-Z’s style and persona.

50 Cent’s Comeback After Being Shot

In 2000, 50 Cent survived a near-fatal shooting after being hit by nine bullets, and his career took a dramatic turn. He was dropped by Columbia Records but then signed by Eminem and Dr. Dre, which helped him rise to superstardom. By 2003, with the success of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent was on top of the rap game, and Jay-Z could no longer ignore him. However, rather than supporting 50’s success, Jay-Z reportedly felt threatened by his rise and began to distance himself from the emerging rapper.

50 Cent’s Claims: Jay-Z’s Attempt to Block Him

50 Cent has consistently claimed that Jay-Z attempted to block his progress. In his book Hustle Harder, Hustle Smarter, 50 asserts that Jay-Z, as the president of Def Jam, did everything in his power to prevent 50 Cent from succeeding. One notable incident was during the highly publicized competition between Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and Kanye West’s Graduation. 50 believes Jay-Z used his position to manipulate the outcome in favor of Kanye, something that added fuel to the fire of their rivalry.

50 also claimed that Jay-Z’s Roc Nation tried to exclude him from the 2022 Super Bowl halftime show. According to 50, while Roc Nation wanted him out of the performance, Eminem insisted that 50 Cent be included. This claim further deepened the distrust between them, as 50 felt that Jay-Z was actively working against him.

50 Cent’s Public Jabs at Jay-Z’s Personal Life

The animosity between 50 Cent and Jay-Z also spilled into personal territory. 50 has often mocked Jay-Z’s relationship with Beyoncé, and their perceived “image” as a couple. He claimed that Jay-Z wasn’t as popular globally as people believed, instead being known primarily as “Beyoncé’s husband.” 50 also ridiculed Jay-Z’s decision to wear what he described as a “gay painter” hairstyle, a jab that was meant to undermine Jay-Z’s image and style.

One of 50 Cent’s most well-known moments of trolling came when he posted a meme of Jay-Z on a milk carton with the caption “Has anybody seen Jay?” This was in reference to Jay-Z’s silence during certain public issues, particularly his lack of comment on Diddy’s controversial situations. It was a way for 50 to portray Jay-Z as irrelevant or absent when the public needed him to speak out.

The 2007 “Special Moment” Incident

A memorable moment in their rivalry occurred in 2007, when 50 Cent crashed a performance by Jay-Z and T.I. at Madison Square Garden. The event, meant to be a “special moment” for Jay-Z, was disrupted when 50 made an unannounced appearance, a stunt that Jay-Z did not take kindly to. While 50 later collaborated with Jay-Z on a remix for “I Get Money,” the underlying tension was palpable, as both rappers continued to jostle for dominance in the industry.

50 Cent’s View on Jay-Z’s Business Moves

50 Cent has also criticized Jay-Z’s business moves over the years, particularly his transition into the corporate world. While Jay-Z has achieved great success with his ventures outside of music, including his stake in the Brooklyn Nets and his company Roc Nation, 50 sees these moves as a way for Jay to maintain control of the industry. In 50’s view, Jay-Z’s business dealings were about securing power, rather than focusing on his artistry.

Why 50 Cent Hates Jay-Z: The Summary

The rivalry between 50 Cent and Jay-Z is rooted in competition, personal jabs, and power struggles. From early diss tracks to business disagreements, 50 Cent has always seen Jay-Z as a figure to challenge, both musically and in terms of influence. 50 feels that Jay-Z has tried to undermine his career, and this has led to numerous public attacks over the years. While their feud may never truly be resolved, the animosity between them is one of the most enduring stories in hip-hop history. Whether it’s personal or professional, 50 Cent’s disdain for Jay-Z continues to fuel their rivalry, and it remains one of the most talked-about conflicts in the music world.