In a recent series of events, 50 Cent has once again stirred controversy by linking up with Drake in Toronto, a move that has raised eyebrows across the hip-hop community.
Known for his unapologetically bold persona, 50 Cent’s actions seem to have ignited tension, particularly with fans of Kendrick Lamar and West Coast hip-hop culture. The meeting between 50 and Drake, followed by a social media post, left many speculating about the message 50 was trying to send—was he simply conducting business or subtly showing allegiance to Drake in his long-standing feud with Kendrick?
50 Cent’s connection to the West Coast runs deep, largely through his mentor, Dr. Dre. This bond has earned 50 the respect of West Coast hip-hop culture, and his presence at events on the West Coast is often seen as a nod to that heritage.
However, fans are now questioning his loyalty after he recently sported a Los Angeles hat during his meeting with Drake in Toronto. This small gesture has been interpreted as a possible slight against Kendrick Lamar, given the ongoing tension between Kendrick and Drake. For fans, this felt like more than just a fashion choice—some saw it as a potential betrayal of the West Coast and its legends.
Drake and Kendrick Lamar’s rivalry has been brewing for years, with fans of both artists drawing lines in the sand. Drake has often been accused of being a “culture vulture,” someone who adopts and profits from cultural elements without giving proper respect to the origins. His behavior has particularly angered West Coast hip-hop enthusiasts who revere the legacy of figures like Tupac Shakur.
Most recently, Drake has come under fire for allegedly disrespecting Tupac by using artificial intelligence to imitate his voice on a diss track aimed at Kendrick. Tupac’s estate even issued a formal statement condemning Drake for this move, calling it a violation of Tupac’s legacy.
The controversy deepened when Drake, following his meeting with 50 Cent, posted a series of images that seemed to further inflame tensions. One photo showed him posing in front of a black BMW that looked remarkably similar to the car Tupac was tragically in during his 1996 murder. While it was later confirmed that this was not the exact car, many saw it as an intentional, provocative gesture from Drake, designed to taunt Kendrick and Tupac’s fans.
Adding fuel to the fire, Drake also posted a selfie wearing a green airbrushed Tupac shirt. To some, it seemed like Drake was doubling down on his disregard for West Coast sentiments, as he continued to flaunt symbols associated with Tupac.
These posts left fans wondering if Drake was deliberately trying to provoke a reaction from Kendrick’s camp or simply playing into his notorious reputation for subliminal, strategic social media messaging.
While 50 Cent and Drake’s collaboration could be purely business-driven, aimed at creating new entertainment ventures—perhaps even drawing from Drake’s previous acting experience—many fans are skeptical
. They wonder whether 50 Cent’s involvement with Drake signals a deeper allegiance, especially given the fact that 50 has historically thrived on conflict and stirring the pot. With 50’s infamous feuds, particularly his longstanding rivalry with Rick Ross, some speculate that his partnership with Drake might be less about the West Coast and more about trolling Rick Ross.
Kendrick Lamar, meanwhile, remains largely focused on his music and personal endeavors, including quietly giving back to his Compton community. Despite the ongoing public drama, Kendrick has maintained his integrity by not engaging in overly public beefs, while fans of the West Coast continue to rally behind him.
In conclusion, 50 Cent’s latest actions have undoubtedly reignited debate in the hip-hop world. His link-up with Drake has raised questions about his loyalty to the West Coast, and his role in the Drake-Kendrick feud remains ambiguous.
Whether this is merely another business move or a calculated step in the ongoing cultural conflicts remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the tensions between Drake and Kendrick continue to escalate, with both fanbases closely watching every move.