State Champ Radio ja rule
Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
With most New Yorkers celebrating the meteoric rise of the new mayor of the Big Apple, Zohran Mamdani, many other politicians and celebrities have made their disdain for the democratic socialist well known, most notably 50 Cent.
So when Zohran walked out to Ja Rule’s “New York” to deliver his victory speech, the moment wasn’t lost on Hip-Hoppers who were aware of 50’s beef with Mamdani. And sure enough, Ja Rule has weighed in on the situation.
According to Complex, Ja Rule took to his Instagram Stories to show his love and support to Mayor-elect Mamdani and shared a clip of the new mayor of New York using his last radio hit (no shots) as his victory song, along with a mechanical arm and 100-point emojis. No doubt adding fuel to the fire between 50 Cent and Zohran, Ja Rule banked on the moment, as Lord knows the man needs some publicity, as his Verzuz battle with Fat Joe did next to nothing for his music catalogue just a few years ago (again, no shots).
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While 50 Cent no doubt is upset that Mamdani wants to tax millionaires in New York 2% of their earnings (which would translate to $20,000 per $1 million made), most New Yorkers are fine with the tax hike, as most of us do not make anywhere near that amount of money and the taxes would go to public services that are desperately needed.
Still, 50 Cent doesn’t play about his money. After Mamdani’s historic victory, Fiddy took to his IG page to declare New York City dead, as he knows his pockets are about to get a little lighter.
Multimillionaires really hate paying taxes don’t they?
What do y’all think about 50 Cent’s beef with Mayor Zohran Mamdani? Justified or unnecessary? Let us know in the comments section below.
Source: Spencer Platt / Getty
The highly anticipated outcome of the race to become New York City’s mayor concluded Tuesday (Nov. 4) with Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani winning decisively. As he walked out to greet the crowd at his victory party, the song chosen for the moment was Ja Rule’s “New York,” a standout song featuring Fat Joe and Jadakiss from the Queens, New York, native’s 2004 album R.U.L.E.
The song choice didn’t sit well with another Queens rapper and Ja Rule’s rival, 50 Cent. In a now deleted post quoting a post by MSNBC host Ari Melber on X, formerly Twitter, he commented, “of course he would walk out to that fool.” The entertainment mogul didn’t stop there, as he also posted a key clip from Mamdani’s victory speech where the mayor-elect directly challenged President Donald Trump, who has constantly attacked him. In the caption of that post, 50 Cent wrote, “3 words..no funding coming…NYC finished,” with a facepalm emoji.
50 Cent has been a constant critic of Mamdani on social media, particularly because of the progressive politician’s plans to tax the rich. “Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan. No. I will give him $258,750 and a first class one-way ticket away from NY,” the artist wrote in another Instagram post from June.
Mamdani addressed those critiques during an interview with Melber on his MSNBC show, The Beat, before the election was decided. “What I would say to you, 50, if you are indeed watching or anyone else is watching…I continue to think that having the top 1% of New York City or making more than a million dollars a year, having them pay 2% more for an economic agenda that would transform every New Yorker’s life, including their own,” he said.The 34-year-old followed up by further detailing his platform of providing more affordability to New Yorkers, and made it clear that he is still a fan of 50 Cent despite their differing stances. “And I do have to say, even though we have a disagreement on tax policy, every time I get a death threat, I still listen to ‘Many Men,’” Mamdani said with a laugh, referencing the hit from 50 Cent’s debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Prince Williams / Getty
The decades-long feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule reignited once again following 50’s disrespectful comments about the late Irv Gotti.
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During a recent interview, Ja Rule expressed anger over 50 Cent mocking the death of Gotti, who was not only the head of Murder Inc. but also a close personal friend. Ja revealed that he was ready to respond publicly but was ultimately talked out of it by Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff, a legendary figure in Queens and someone long tied to both sides of the beef.
In true 50 fashion, the G-Unit mogul wasted no time responding. He posted a clip from the interview on Instagram with a caption mocking both Ja Rule and the interviewers: “The Breakfast Club should be ashamed of themselves asking questions that perpetuate violence. This fool has been ready to go what he calls nuclear for 22 years. LOL.” Taking things even further, 50 added a distasteful jab at the late Gotti, writing, “Ya man in my Runtz right now!”, a disrespectful reference implying Gotti is being smoked like cannabis.
Ja Rule fired back on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “@50cent you b**ch a** n*gga… I already ate your lunch shut up!!!” He continued with a shot at 50’s street cred: “Until you do something to the n*ggas that shot you you can’t troll no more… handle your business chump lmao…”
Ja also posted a 2016 HipHopDX article, where former G-Unit associate Bang ‘Em Smurf claimed 50 sought an order of protection from Murder Inc., further fueling the fire.
HipHopWired Featured Video
Source: Kevin Winter / Getty
New York rapper Ja Rule had some words for his longtime industry rival, 50 Cent, for the way the G-Unit founder mocked the death of Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti, who passed away in February. Ja had reflected on his career and relationship with Gotti during a Hip Hop Wired exclusive discussion between the “Always On Time” rapper and New Orleans legend Juvenile.
During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, Ja went all the way in on 50, who posted on Instagram shortly after Gotti’s death was announced, “I’m smoking on dat Gotti pack, nah God bless him [white dove emoji] LOL.”
“I see some of the things that [50 Cent] gets involved in, feuds. ‘Grow up, my n***a.’ That’s what I be thinking to myself,” Ja told Breakfast Club hosts Charlamagne tha God, DJ Envy and Loren Lorosa.
Then he addressed Fif’s Instagram post.
“It’s goofy sh*t,” Ja said. “‘Cause I was hot. I was ready to go nuclear and sh*t … Preme said, ‘You know, Rule? Here’s what you gotta understand about who we are and what we are: We are the masters of self-defense.’ I said, ‘I love that,’ because I don’t want to start or make trouble with people, but if we gotta get into it … I’ll f**kin’ end it.
“That’s who we are as men,” he continued. “Here to protect our family, protect our home, defend our honor, our names, our reptuation. I’m not here to be a bully and bother people. That’s not what I’m here to do, but I am a master of self-defense.”
Ja, also addressed his 20-some-odd-year beef with the “In Da Club” rapper, who he claimed is largely responsible for the continuation of the rivalry, noting that he rarely even mentions 50, but will occasionally respond to his endless online “troll” behavior.
“He keeps it going,” Ja said. “I’ll go to the circus once in a while. I really like to stay clear of that sh*t …. I like to have fun sometimes. I poke jabs at him, too, but that’s all that really is. To me, it’s silly. We’re both successful Black men and I think the focus should be on continuing to make sure that we pay it forward.”
You can check out the full interview below.
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Source: Julia Beverly / Getty
Ja Rule recently chopped it up on HipHopWired’s ‘I Got Questions’ with Juvenile, and he gave a real shoutout to DMX’s crazy stage presence. The NYC rapper said, “The Dog had a different emotional connection to his audience,” and it’s clear DMX wasn’t just performing — he was living every moment with his fans.
His energy was unmatched. When X hit the stage, it wasn’t just about rapping; it was about making you feel every word, every verse, every bar. DMX had the power to make you connect with him on a whole different level. It wasn’t just entertainment; it was an experience. DMX’s impact on hip-hop is legendary. From the rough and rugged sound of tracks like *“Ruff Ryders’ Anthem”* to the club banger ‘Party Up (Up In Here),’ X changed the game with his gritty delivery, raw emotion, and realness. He wasn’t just another rapper — he was a voice for the underdog, speaking to the struggle, the pain, and the triumphs.
DMX’s music was more than just fire bars; it was a reflection of the real-life many were living. Ja Rule’s tribute shows that DMX wasn’t just a rapper; he was a force in the culture. His connection to the people, his authenticity, and his ability to move crowds set him apart as one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. Even after his passing, his legacy still reigns, and his impact continues to inspire the game.
Check out HipHopWired’s latest episode of ‘I Got Questions’ featuring Juvenile & Ja Rule:
Source: HipHopWired.com / iOne Digital
Hip-Hop icons Ja Rule and Juvenile catch up and trade stories on the latest episode of HipHopWired’s popular digital series, I Got Questions.
In the latest episode of the I Got Questions digital series from HipHopWired, two MCs who ruled rap music in the late 1990s and early 2000s in Juvenile and Ja Rule sit down to discuss their careers and perspectives in shaping the culture. After indulging in a sip of the Murder Inc. veteran’s new honey botanical whiskey Amber and Opal, Ja Rule shares the story of how Juvenile and Cash Money Records’ rise coincided with the appearance of his first group, Cash Money Click.
The “Holla Holla” rapper also shared how while on tour with Jay-Z and listening to Juvenile’s hit “Ha” from his 400 Degreez album, he witnessed Jay-Z come up with the verse for the eventual remix in his head. “Oh I got a verse for this, I’m gonna have to reach out to them,” Ja Rule said. Juvenile confirmed how he and Jay-Z connected to do the remix, and revealed that some down in his hometown weren’t too pleased. “Boy, a lot of people in New Orleans, the Hip-Hop heads were going crazy,” he began laughing as he reminisced, “but the hood, they were like “Man, why you did that? You sellin’ out!!” Juvenile also spoke about the Hot Boys reunion with Lil Wayne, B.G., and Turk, expressing how emotional it was for him. “If people watch it, they see me turn around a lot and I was turning around a lot because I was wiping my face,” he said. “I wondered if people realized what I went through to get my brothers on this stage together.”
Both rappers spoke about how hard it was to get the love from fans in New York, which led to Juvenile reminiscing about his legendary night at the Tunnel nightclub. Ja Rule then spoke about witnessing Ice Cube’s iconic performance at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem after his break with N.W.A. “When he took the hat off, and we saw he cut the Jheri-Curl off, we were throwing knots of money at the stage!!! Like, “Yeah, we got him! He’s with us!!”, he said.
They also shared stories about working with two historic producers like the late Irv Gotti and Mannie Fresh, and welcoming newer artists who sample his hits. “Don’t take the record and redo what I did. Take it in another direction, and reinvent it,” Juvenile stated.
Check out the entire interview above.
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Source: Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty
On February 5th, 2025, Hip-Hop lost a legend. Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc., passed away at 54, and the news hit the culture hard. Gotti wasn’t just a mogul; he was the mastermind behind some of the biggest hits of the early 2000s. He helped launch the careers of Ashanti, Ja Rule, and more, with bangers like “Always On Time,” “Mesmerize,” and “Livin’ It Up” still playing heavy on playlists today. His sound, his vision, and his influence were unmatched.
When the news broke, the Hip-Hop world froze. Artists, producers, and fans were left in shock, as Irv wasn’t just a producer – he was the heartbeat of an era. Ye (Kanye West) posted a dove with a photo of Irv to pay tribute. While Ja Rule, who’d worked closely with him for years, kept it short and sweet with a broken heart emoji.
Russell Simmons, also expressed his sorrow, highlighting Irv’s unfiltered authenticity and the realness he brought to the culture. The streets are heavy right now, and our thoughts go out to Irv’s family, his friends, and the millions of fans who felt his impact. He left too soon, but his legacy is solid and will live on forever. Irv Gotti will always be a part of Hip-Hop’s foundation, and his music will live forever. Rest in peace, legend.
Take a moment to read some of the heartfelt reactions to Irv Gotti’s sudden passing below.
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Source: Bernard Smalls / @PhotosByBeanz
One of Hip-Hop’s longest running fueds continues. Ja Rule found it hilarious that 50 Cent’s Las Vegas residency was panned by a critic.
As spotted on HipHopDX, the G-Unit Records recently kicked off his residency at PH Live in Planet Hollywood. As expected, 50 Cent performed his medley of hits, b-sides and guest appearances to a crowd of his fans. In attendance at one of the dates was blogger Jennifer Gay, who goes by the name Vegas Starfish on social media. She recapped her evening in a video that made it clear that she was unimpressed by the set up and even 50’s performance. “The sound was balanced poorly making it impossible to hear the performance. His hypemen were unrelenting and overbearing making it difficult to hear anything but their echos,” she wrote. “The only surprise was the lack of energy. This was the worst live performance, for any artist, I’ve ever attended,” she added.
Her review soon went viral on social media and eventually landed on Ja Rule’s radar. The “Always On Time” rapper reposted the clip and added, “Not the worst… #ICONN,” with several laughing emojis. Jeffrey wasn’t the only one who took shots at 50 Cent over the footage, as many people online noticed that Fif only waves his right arm up and down while he raps throughout his entire set.
http://www.twitter.com/jarule/status/1874459263583560082
As expected, 50 Cent has responded to the criticism and paused for a brief moment at a subsequent show to address the poor review. “What, you thought I was going to be out here rollerblading like Usher and sh*t? I seen some sh*t, Chris Brown was flying in Africa. I don’t have records that require me to fly in Africa,” he told the crowd. The blogger Vegas Starfish continues to stand by her original review.
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Source: Theo Wargo / Getty
The founder of the ill-fated Fyre Fest is out of jail and ready to throw a new version of the event with an expected launch date.
For those who remember the disaster that was Fyre Fest, be prepared —a new version is on the way. According to reports, Fyre Festival founder Billy McFarland is gearing up for Fyre Festival II with the announcement that it will take place on April 25-28, 2025. “We have the chance to embrace this storm and really steer our ship into all the chaos that has happened, and if it’s done well, I think Fyre has a chance to be this annual festival that really takes over the festival industry,” he said in an interview about the proposed event.
For the curious, tickets to Fyre Fest II would cost $1,400 to start for a pass to the three-day event. Ticket prices range up to $1.1 million for VIP packages which include a chance to hang out with McFarland exclusively in addition to indulging in other activities such as spending time on luxury yachts, scuba diving, and island hopping. The fest would take place on a privately owned island off of the coast of Mexico. McFarland didn’t disclose the name of the island or the production company that would be involved with planning, adding that more information would be released in the next few months.
The first Fyre Fest took place in 2017 and was advertised as a luxury music festival taking place in the Bahamas. Veteran rapper Ja Rule was involved in the organization of the event, but it quickly turned into one of the most disastrous concert failures ever with people being stranded without much shelter or food. McFarland was sentenced to six years in prison for fraud related to the event, and he was released from prison in 2022. He still owes $26 million in restitution to concertgoers.
McFarland has also been busy consulting the presidential campaign of Donald Trump, steering rap celebs such as Waka Flocka Flame to endorse his run for office. He does feel there will be a turnout for Fyre Fest II. “I think there’s a large number of people who want to go to Fyre II because they’re unsure of the outcome, and they would like to have a front-row seat no matter what happens,” he said. “Thankfully, we have good partners who will make sure they’re safe and obviously make sure things work out.”
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Source: YouTube / Club Shay Shay
The origin of the long-running feud between 50 Cent and Ja Rule was revealed by Steve Stoute in a recent chat with Shannon Sharpe.
The bad blood between 50 Cent and Ja Rule has been a constant source of news over the years, with no one truly understanding the reasons why. But industry music veteran and UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute shone a light on the roots of it during his appearance on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay podcast this past Wednesday (March 6) when the host asked. “That’s a good question,” Stoute said. “I think 50 knew that Ja was not who he was portraying as an image. Ja [was a] Jehovah’s Witness… I’m not saying they not supposed to rap, but Ja was coming up with this gangster image. It was like, ‘That’s a stretch for you…’ They had some very neighborhood beef.”
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Stoute continued as the two rode through the borough of Queens that both MCs hail from: “I remember when we signed 50 there was something going on. I think he snatched Ja’s chain, or somebody snatched somebody’s…And then they had a fight in Atlanta…and it was just like, I never understood it. I was like, ‘Why do you keep having problems with this guy?’ It was like he was always looking for problems…I think it was driven by this idea that this image he was portraying he didn’t think was authentic…It led to big issues. Ja and his guys ran up on 50 in the studio one day. They touched him up.”
Shannon then said, “Oh, so they’re never gonna be cool,” to which Stoute replied, “They’re never gonna be cool, and now, I’m happy that it’s all kind of over with,” he said. “What I don’t like at this point as older statesmen is…it makes the art form look bad. These guys are made men now…The leaders of the art form doin well, being positive, representing…the movement and the culture of Hip Hop well. For guys still to be beefing and still…dragging that back in…you in your 40s, bro. What are you talking about? You got kids at home.” Stoute also made headlines with his take on Dame Dash, which led to Dash replying via Instagram: “This is the reason I had to smack the shit out of @stevestoute a couple years ago…because he’s always speaking on other men’s business. good thing I’ve evolved.”
