All I Want For Christmas: Jay-Z vs. 50 Cent
What Jigga just sold like 4 mil? He got somethin to live for, don’t want no nigga puttin four through that Bentley Coup Door” -- 50 Cent
It’s been 10 years since the first shots were fired. 50 Cent’s disrespectful first single “How To Rob” let cats know from the gate what kinda dude Curtis was going to be. 46 names were mentioned. A lotta people within that 46 didn’t take too lighty to the unknown new rapper calling them out, even in jest. Still, the deed was done, Curtis Jackson wanted the beef, wanted the attention to separate him from the other countless unknown rappers that were tryna get a rep.
“Go against Jigga yo’ ass is dense. I’m about a dollar, what the fuck is 50 Cents?” -- Jay-Z
Jay-Z was one of the mob involved in the backlash against the upstart. But it wasn’t beef yet. 50 was too small for a full record, I was surprised he even got a verse from Hov. Still, Jay was still in his prime, no diss would go unanswered, even if the culprit was small time, he’d at least have to get checked by him. Jay’s response, along with Ghostface, Big Pun, Sticky Fingaz, Kurupt and even Wyclef Jean ensured that 50 Cent with his gimicky “How To Rob” single was a one hit wonder.
“If you shoot me your brainless, you said it yourself, I’m slick enough to twist your lines and send them back at you, Swift enough to snatch the mack and pop that at you, Take it personal see if I won’t send you to hell” -- 50 Cent
Problem is dude refused to go away. Before and even after they shot him all them times. Still disrespectful too. Who the fuck was Jigga to try and squash his career? Rap’s then power structure didn’t sit right with 50, he wanted in. Streets started taking heed as to how relentless Curtis was. Ambitious too. Now that he knew no one in the industry would befriend him, other than Dr. Dre and Eminem, 50 became focused on taking all crowns.
“If David could go against Goliath with a stone, I can go at Nas and Jigga, both for the throne” -- 50 Cent
After the phenomenal success of Fitty’s first lp “Get Rich Or Die Tryin’”, 50 was no longer going to be denied the respect he had for years been demanding. Instantly becoming the biggest rapper in 2004, he found himself rubbing shoulders in the club with Puff and Jigga. Other than his vendetta against Ja-Rule and Murder Inc., it looked like dude was finally happy. The words between him and Jay died down. They even made millions together in their much celebrated first time rapper sneaker endorsement deals with Reebok. The commercial they did was an instant classic.
“And no I ain’t get shot up a whole bunch of times, Or make up shit in a whole bunch of lines” -- Jay-Z
Still, the detente between Shawn Carter and Curtis Jackson was at most fragile. Never falling into full out war, both rappers made sure they let the other know it wasn’t no love fest. 50 continued to speak of Jay often, but with reserved respect. Like he knew Jay still had the advantage in the event they ever battled. Still too big, still lethal with the word play, yet 50 continued to throw subtle jabs Hov’s way. Like he didn’t want Shawn to confuse his respect with Fif being a punk. Whatever it was, 50 stayed being disrespectful with artists he obviously had no respect for. Turned out there was a whole line of cats that fell into that category.
“Y’all respect the one who got shot, I respect the shooter” -- Jay-Z
This year, tensions have been more than warm between the two. Two giants in the game bumping shoulders. 5o being more blatant in his shots, calling Jay-Z a “cool punk”, Jay condescendingly stating that “no one is afraid of 50 Cent.” 50 claiming Jay “can’t be gangster Jay from Marcy and be the good guy Jay-Z on Oprah.” Both of them two of the biggest rappers in the world. Some say Jay’s still too big to fully engage. “Empire State Of Mind” has become an anthem to many. Barack and him text each other about whatever they text each other about. Many feel a beef would only tarnish his new image as Rap’s Ambassador. Some claim it would be no contest as Jay has more than established himself as the far superior word slinger, even as he becomes the 40 year old rapper next month. Still, Curtis has expanded the playing field, after his going ons with Rick Ross and Fat Joe, he’s become very adept at throwing everything at his opponents, videos, small movies, wining and dining ex’s and baby mommas included. Egging on beef between Jay and former Roc general Beanie Sigel shows how calculating Curtis is in rigging the battle field. His plan of attack would most definitely include more than lyrics.
50 and Jay finally going at it on wax would be great for the both of them. Even though Jay’s on top of the world with the success and impact of “Blueprint 3″, many of his most loyal fans feel Jay no longer has it. Him falling back into beef mode might awaken the lyrical sleeping giant that rests within New York Yankees Jay. Kinda like how his “Takeover” woke Nas up. Plus, with 50’s continued rise as one of Hip Hop’s most business savvy businessmen, it would no longer seem that Jay would be picking on someone smaller than him.
50 is bored with the level of comp he’s had to play with over the past couple of years. Knowing this, he’s probably set sights on Jay as the only one truly worthy of his wrath, the only one that Fif might actually be excited in battling.
I hear how some of ya’ll are on that “why two grown Black men gotta battle?’. Rap has always been a full contact sport. Eventually beef, combat becomes necessary. As this is entertainment, an official war between Jay-Z and 50 Cent would without a doubt be grand entertainment. No one wants to see the Beans/ Jay thing go further. Correction, I don’t. Still, it’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed a dope battle. As a long time rap fan, I’m thinking how much I might need this, how much the game might need this, how Jay and 5o might need this.
I will continue to dream about this, like how many boxing fans salivated for years for the Tyson/ Holyfield face off to go down. So call me ignorant, call me a fan boy, call me what ever. If it never happens, I can still dream. Anything’s possible. And all I wanna call these days is front seats to what would be one of the greatest shows on earth. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. This is what I want for Christmas.
Yeah… at this point, I’d be fine with it happening, but it doesn’t look like anything is gonna move Jay to respond to anyone. I wish that nigga for ONE moment in time would stop being on that “bigger man” shit and get back at some of these dudes. Not in a “Brooklyn High” way though. *cringes* Like a “Mind Right”/”Takeover”/and if need be, “Super Ugly” kinda way. Relentlessly cruel and vicious, just to sit ‘em down. But alas, I don’t think it’ll go down like that. We might get a couple little jabs but nothing much else.
-D!
as far as being the king of rap and “credible rap artist” this is it for Jay. If he chooses to let Curtis’ taunts go with no retort we can hang up the idea that Hov is the King. No King in history has let another man of power question his own power…..in his own kingdom. niggas were beheaded for less. But judging off those Robin Thicke studio session pictures I think we lost him.
I would love to see this, but with the state of hip-hop the way it is, Jay won’t take the bait. The biggest reason probably being the fact that 50 plays dirty. Can you imagine what he would dig up on Hov? But I would like to see someone end 50’s career. I don’t think Jay is up to it though.
Mayne I think I differ from the majority..I don’t think this battle would be that great, nor is it one that 50 cent could win. His last two serious engagements were with Fat Joe and Rick Ross. He won the Fat Joe disagreement because he makes better music than Fat Joe. He won (well I think he did) with Rick Ross because he exposed Ross (although it was already common knowledge) and basically ridiculed Ross into submission. Although I think both artist are past their musical prime, I don’t think there are too many that could honestly make a case for Curtis in the wordplay department verses Jay. I honesty don’t think he can belittle Jay either. Unlike Ross Jay’s supposed shortcomings have been put on display for a long time. Wether it was Jay-O, DeHaven, Peedi Crack and now Beans, everyone has something to say about him. At this point I don’t think there is anything 50 can bring up that hasn’t been said. While I will be the first to admit hip-hop is much more entertaining when 50 is battling someone, I just don’t really know if this is one he can win (even though he is OBVIOUSLY trying to provoke it). Like you CJ I await the outcome, just afraid it will be more like that Tyson/ Holyfield fight you mentioned…….mad one-sided mayne.
el shakes your mistaken. He does not make better music then fat joe. Fatjoe has an official catalog. much better then 50’s. remove his first album and what does he have left. gimmicks. that is why there cant be a war. gimmicks against music.
ATL with all due respect I think you are crazy if you think Fat Joe catalog is as extensive as 50’s. Guess who’s Back and GRODT better then anything Joe ever put out…last dope album Joe made was J.O.S.E, and “Aloha” deaded Joey forever in my eyes.
forget the commercial cuts, fatjoe albums are hot. he puts out the singles that are commericial, then the album is pure gutter ny official music which. and the aloha song is pretty hot in the clubs
i can say this that many will not agree cause there blinded by the gimmicks. fat joe jose2 album is alot better then 50 new album. actually his new album is pretty wack, sounds more like a mix tape. except for the first 3 singles he put out
Again all due respect playboy, but are you Fat Joe? That “Aloha” is gar-bage. I’m not from New York so I can’t say how it does in a club but any club that’s getting spinned at I’m walking out of. Gimmicks aside, I honestly don’t think you could get three of Joey’s cousins to cosign any of the responses you just posted and that fact that you actually like the first three singles 50 put out (which are subpar at best) kinda proves my point a lil further.
in no stan, 50 got some hits and the gimmicks are entertaining, but im talking music, im talking production. fat joe is better. you need to cop or download his last two albums and not think he’s wack or whateva the masses say just cause 50 says it. the albums are hot. So many dudes hate on the cat and but theres no denying his music, the music is official.
I guess we just have to agree to disagree mayne but I appreciate the civilized disagreement though
As much as I do want to see that beef escalate into a vicious lyrical battle, in Jay’s position I probably wouldn’t step down from the throne to address 50.
What would be real dope though is if Jay went in on 50, Game, Beanie, etc. all in one track.
We can always dream.
Jay will probably wait to see what numbers 50 does… If he flops, he’s going in on the dude.
In a perfect world? Absolutely. My thing is if the industry prevented Method Man & Joe Budden from even getting into it fully then what hope do we have for corporate poster boys & worldwide Rap icons Jay-Z & 50 Cent to have a verbal wax battle?
Hip Hop doesn’t outweigh corporate interest and business anymore….unfortunately.
One.
Let me understand this – the point of this battle would be to hear Jay Z rise to the challenge and destroy him, right? Because it’s not like anyone thinks 50 is on Jay’s level lyrically, correct?
I mean, I think 50 is a brilliant performance artist. He’s taking his schoolyard bully act to a genius level. The videos, etc. But in an actual rhyme battle, 50 never stands a chance.
Jay won’t respond and doesn’t need to. 50 been baitin him from jump. 50 is good at what he does. I know rap is a contact sport, but chess not checkers. Jay plays chess a little better than 50 does. I do feel bad for Beans because he is a pawn in 50’s little game.
Jordan took shots from Magic, Zeke and others throughout his career and rarely said anything…he just killed them on the court. Jay is just killing all these dudes by working his album and touring.
I agree with pretty much everything you said. A beef between them two would be very entertaining, but pretty much like everyone, I don’t believe it will happen. One thing I don’t agree though, is when you said Curtis thinks only 50 is on his level. He tried time and time again to battle Kanye West, but since 50 is a beefer and I believe Kanye never had one, it obviously didn’t worked out, so he went to the next big target.
The Beanie alliance is odd but I think 50’s best strategy versus Jay would be to attack from the other side, i.e. how much do ya’ll REALLY know about Jay’s $$$?
Of course, the dude is mighty wealthy but step back and call obvious BULLSHIT– like Jay’s “ownership” of the Nets (in which he’s minority partner x many), or the conspicuous cultural idiocy of 40/40.
Rap = wrestling fans usually don’t want to talk real business but I think that’s best fight Curtis and Shawn could have… Unless Fif has pix GAY Jay-Z pix and, even then, while it would be an L on homophobic rap sites, it’d really take Jay to the next level, much moreso than what little “street cred” he still has.
Also, on the very undercard: Tony Yayo >>>>> Memphis Bleek, and I’m not just repping Haiti when I say that!
I seem to remember making a similar point a while back…
http://amplifiedgrammar.blogspot.com/2009/09/50-cent-is-goinfishin.html
I seem to remember making a similar point a while back…
amplifiedgrammar.blogspot.com/2009/09/50-cent-is-goinfishin.html
let the battle begin… and agreed w/ dart– fuck corporatism and TIsm in hip hop…
1. Didn’t even know that commercial existed ’til now
2. That shit makes me feel so old. Like, honestly. It was only 6 years ago or so but everything’s changed from the fashion to the demeanor so much since then.
Would be entertaining, but what does it come down to? Who is more of a fictional character than the other.
The only life on their records is when they’re dissing, but isn’t that true of most hip hop?
Did 50 beat Jadakiss and the Lox? I seem to remember some of the songs and I don’t remember him “killing” them at all.
I personally would love to see this since, I have never been a big fan of either of them. It would be good from a “hip hop purist” point of view. It would be a heavy weight match up that would make the fans listen up…
For those people saying that 50 could never beat Jay-Z in a lyrical battle…think again.
Of course, he can’t be as “lyrical” as Jay-Z, but a lyrical battle usually comes down to who can dig the most dirt up on a person and present it in an entertaining way.
Think who 50 has around him now, Beanie, Kelly Rowland. Beans already hinted about the shit he knows.
And imagine if Beyonce let some regular girl talk shit slip to Kelly back in the day that she relayed to 50 like…
“girl his dick wouldn’t even get hard when I tried to give it to ‘em, he he he”
or just anything. The lyrical battle is not all skills. It’s the content you have to insult the person with.
Jay-Z vs. 50 Cent on wax will never happen the way a Hip-Hop head would want it too…at least not while they’re both on their mainstream love fest right now.
Jay-Z’s too busy is the literal current U.S. President’s MC of choice and 50 Cent is giving biz advice on CNBC & selling man perfume for his $$.
Neither of those two have been dealt a worthy music battle challenge on and equal or higher level in years (Jay-Z not since Nas and 50 Cent since, well never really) and each side don’t want to get terribly embarrassed if they lose.
The most that’ll likely go down is an exchange of Flip Video sneak disses from the both of them on Thisis50.com & whatever Ning site Roc Nation sets up.
I think it would just be great for entertainment purposes.
outside of nyc
no one cares
Yo I dont think 50 maybe able to hang with jay lyrically but I do the that with the aggression he displays in his music it will and coul level out. And i’m so sick of people saying that jay is to high to be messed with or touch who gave him this much power “YOU” yes hiphop fans “YOU” did. If bill gates can be gotten at multiple times a day (not him personally but his company nonetheless) and he is worth over 30 billion dollar not 500 million but 30 billion then how is JAYZ to big to get at? Like the person commented above how can you call your self a king of anything and not defend it lebron has to defend his title boxer’s have to defend their title’s even the kings of old if anyone challenged the throne were dealt with if not by the king hisself by one of his minions. Oh, but wait jay doesn’t have any minions that can really get down like that that he can push in front of him. I think it would be good for hiphop because it is the essence of hiphop.In the biggie and Tupac era, tupac I guess didn’t understand this either cause he went at biggie at his peak and no one said anything but waited for a reply. If jay doesn’t reply I think he should go sit down I don’t want a king representing me that can’t go on the field or is afraid to go in to battle to risk it all if you feel you are the best show your followers and your enemies.
Yo I dont think 50 maybe able to hang with jay lyrically but I do the that with the aggression he displays in his music it will and coul level out. And i’m so sick of people saying that jay is to high to be messed with or touch who gave him this much power “YOU” yes hiphop fans “YOU” did. If bill gates can be gotten at multiple times a day (not him personally but his company nonetheless) and he is worth over 30 billion dollar not 500 million but 30 billion then how is JAYZ to big to get at? Like the person commented above how can you call your self a king of anything and not defend it lebron has to defend his title boxer’s have to defend their title’s even the kings of old if anyone challenged the throne were dealt with if not by the king hisself by one of his minions. Oh, but wait jay doesn’t have any minions that can really get down like that that he can push in front of him. I think it would be good for hiphop because it is the essence of hiphop.In the biggie and Tupac era, tupac I guess didn’t understand this either cause he went at biggie at his peak and no one said anything but waited for a reply. If jay doesn’t reply I think he should go sit down I don’t want a king representing me that can’t go on the field or is afraid to go in to battle to risk it all if you feel you are the best show your followers and your enemies.Lets get it poppin!!
Looks like Christmas is coming early…SHOTS FIRED
Everyone knows that 50 is just doing this to get buzz to sell his album. This dude is plain corny.
I have to say CJ, this article was kinda weak. If you’re going to talk about the shots fired at each other by these two there’s a whole chronicle.
I don’t see how 50 can argue that Jay can’t be the same person he was and then somehow insist that he 50 Cent hasn’t changed — I mean, if anything, he’s changed because he doesn’t get beat up by everybody now that he has the money to hire some real muscle.
Who’s scared of 50 cent? Only the media can take someone who was beaten up and stabbed by Jarule and his posse nad furthermore shot and left for dead — no response to either action except to boast lyrically — and somehow make him out to be the hardest person ever. Sheeeyite.
I have to agree with John. We made Jay feel like a King when we crowned him “Hova – King of NY”. But the aura he possess now is just too much, for entertainment purposes I’d love to see 50 really get at him..in typical 50 fashion.
I’m hoping for a Beanie Sigel vs 50 Cent…
[...] week I posted on the Daily Mathematics how much I needed to see Jay-Z respond to 50 Cent’s tauntings of late. A real response [...]
All the xtra theatrics these days have turned hip hop into the something like the WWF. Obvoiusly that’s cause it’s big business now and attention equals dollars. Even though there were beefs back in the early days of hip hop it seems that back then the reasons for beef starting had more substance and one party actually truly believed that they had been wronged. Beef nowadays is a hustle. 50 proved that you can get put on by beefing as opposed to everyone checking for you because you had a dope verse on an album like AZ did on Illmatic. It seems to me that when people start to feel like their career is slippin then they start beef. I’m not saying it’s not a brilliant marketing strategy or that every single beef is for marketing (like the 50 Cent vs Kanye album sales beef), I’m just saying that if an artist is making music so dope that the audience gets blown away then the actual music makes up for 100% of their marketing strategy. I didn’t see Lauryn Hill beefing with anyone or calling out artists before she dropped The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. I didn’t see Nas beefing with anyone before he dropped Illmatic. Same goes for Tribe with Midnight Marauders. I know a lot of people will disgree with what I’m saying but if you dig deep then it will be clear that beef in 2010 is simply part of an artists marketing mix. I wouldn’t be surprised if before long there are consulting companies that help artists start beefs in a strategic manner to get the most results out the energy they put into beefing.
^good comment, I agree.
fock beefing [||] with dudes. WWE is for teenagers.
Make good focking music. Like The Roots, for instance. Black Thought = GOAT, & he did it without corny beef.
I’ve outgrown beef. Unless it’s eBeef of CJack eviscerating Rosendouche. In that exception, I’m a big fan of beef [||]. Time to graysonn that douche on XXL.
[...] to rap for a long time. Still, there’s always room for improvement. You might know about a post I dropped recently over at my site, about something I wanted for Christmas, a full blown Jay-Z/50 [...]
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I cannot believe this article was made in earnest. Is it April Fools Day or something like that?