50 Cent, the iconic rapper and entrepreneur, has once again stirred controversy following the recent passing of Irv Gotti, the co-founder of Murder Inc. Records and a long-time rival. Gotti died on February 5, and within hours, 50 Cent took to social media to post a provocative message that read, “I’m smoking on that Gotti pack.” This comment has reignited discussions about their tumultuous history, which has spanned over 15 years.

In a recent interview, 50 Cent reflected on his past, including the infamous incident where he was shot nine times in 2000. He described the life-threatening experience as a turning point, stating, “When you’re in my situation, there’s no plan B. It’s music or we sell crack.” This harsh reality shaped his path and fueled his ambition to succeed in the music industry. He candidly admitted that surviving the shooting changed him profoundly; he became more insensible to fear and more determined to succeed.

50 Cent’s animosity toward Gotti and Ja Rule, Gotti’s most famous artist, traces back to his early career when he faced significant obstacles in gaining recognition. While Ja Rule was already an established star, 50 Cent was still trying to make a name for himself. Their rivalry intensified after 50 Cent released the song “How to Rob,” which targeted several prominent artists, including Ja Rule. This bold move marked the beginning of a bitter feud that would permeate the hip-hop landscape.

The tension escalated further when 50 Cent’s friend allegedly robbed Ja Rule, leading to accusations and confrontations. Despite attempts to settle their differences, the conflict spiraled, culminating in a violent altercation in 2000 where 50 Cent was stabbed. Shortly after, he was shot multiple times, an event that many speculated was orchestrated by Gotti and his associates. Although surviving the attack, 50 Cent was blackballed in the industry, finding it challenging to secure a record deal.

Despite the odds, 50 Cent’s fortunes changed when he signed with Eminem and Dr. Dre, turning his career around. The release of “In Da Club” catapulted him to superstardom, and he became a dominant force in hip-hop. Gotti and Ja Rule, on the other hand, found themselves sidelined as 50 Cent’s success overshadowed their careers, leading them to acknowledge their defeats in their longstanding feud.

Now, with Gotti’s death, 50 Cent’s reaction has drawn sharp criticism from many who believe that mocking a deceased figure crosses a line. In response, Vlad TV’s Wack 100 defended 50 Cent, suggesting that his provocative behavior is consistent with his persona and the nature of their rivalry.

As the hip-hop community reflects on the legacy of Irv Gotti, 50 Cent continues to assert his dominance, demonstrating that past grievances can linger long after the parties involved are gone. The feud, characterized by its intensity and public spectacle, remains unresolved, as 50 Cent has stated he sees no possibility of reconciliation with Ja Rule.

While some may question the morality of 50 Cent’s comments, they serve as a stark reminder of the complexities of rivalry in the world of hip-hop, where personal and professional conflicts often intertwine. As the industry moves forward, the echoes of this feud will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.