P Diddy and 50 Cent both emerged on the hip-hop scene during the 1990s, initially enjoying a collegial relationship. Diddy began his career in 1990 as an intern at Uptown Records, eventually founding Bad Boy Records and signing the legendary Notorious B.I.G. By 1996, 50 Cent was making his mark, entering a music industry where Diddy had already established himself as a prominent figure. The early years saw no signs of animosity, as 50 even ghostwrote Diddy’s verse for the 2001 hit “Let’s Get It,” which featured lyrics hinting at the tumultuous path both artists would navigate.
Allegations and Insinuations
The rivalry began to intensify in 2006 when 50 Cent released “The Bomb,” a track that cast shadows over Diddy’s involvement in the murder of Biggie Smalls. The lyrics made stark insinuations about Diddy’s potential knowledge of the incident, a claim that Combs has categorically denied. The lines from the song echoed through the industry, marking a definitive shift in their relationship as 50 took a public stance against his former ally.
In 2010, the feud took on a commercial dimension when 50 Cent began promoting Effen Vodka, a direct competitor to Diddy’s Ciroc Vodka. The competitive atmosphere led to 50 using social media to ridicule Diddy’s brand, claiming that Ciroc wasn’t even real vodka and boasting about the superior quality of Effen. This business rivalry further fueled the animosity between the two rappers, as their jabs transitioned from lyrical battles to corporate confrontations.
Personal Discomfort and Social Media Warfare
50 Cent has never hesitated to express his discomfort with Diddy on social media. In a 2018 interview on the Drink Champs podcast, he recounted a peculiar encounter where Diddy invited him to go shopping, labeling the invitation as “the weirdest sh–t in the world.” This discomfort manifested itself in multiple jabs on social media, with 50 using his platforms to repeatedly take shots at Diddy.
In response, Diddy joked during an appearance on The Breakfast Club that 50 must love him, playfully pleading for 50 to be his friend. These exchanges showcased a blend of humor and underlying tension, keeping the feud alive in the public eye.
The Recent Turn of Events
The dynamics of the feud shifted dramatically in November 2023 when Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie accused him of rape and sexual assault. Although he quickly denied the allegations and settled the lawsuit the following day, the situation escalated in September 2024 when Diddy was arrested on federal charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. This arrest brought renewed attention to their rivalry, prompting 50 Cent to vocalize his thoughts on social media without hesitation.
In the wake of these events, 50 Cent took to X (formerly Twitter) to mock Diddy’s situation, emphasizing the gravity of the charges against him. He stated, “Now it’s not Diddy do it, it’s Diddy done,” highlighting his keen ability to capitalize on Diddy’s misfortune for his own entertainment and branding.
Following the arrest, 50 Cent didn’t hold back his opinions regarding the allegations. He expressed outrage at the nature of Diddy’s actions, particularly after a video surfaced showing Diddy allegedly assaulting Cassie. He stated, “When someone watches that, if they have a daughter and they can imagine her being under those circumstances, that sh–t is crazy.” This perspective added a serious tone to the ongoing feud, shifting the focus from mere rivalry to a critique of Diddy’s actions.
The Future of the Feud
Looking ahead, 50 Cent is set to release a documentary on Netflix about the allegations against Diddy. This new project promises to delve into the intricacies of their feud while shedding light on the serious nature of the accusations. The documentary is expected to provide an in-depth exploration of their long-standing rivalry and the recent events that have intensified their conflict.
The Financial Battle
As their feud continues to evolve, so does the financial landscape surrounding both artists. P Diddy, whose net worth is estimated at USD 600 million, has seen a decline from his previous worth of USD 820 million due to ongoing lawsuits and legal troubles. His success in music and business, including ventures in spirits and fashion, has been overshadowed by recent scandals.
Conversely, 50 Cent, while yet to disclose his official net worth, has jokingly referenced his financial status as nearing billionaire status. His ventures in music, television, and liquor have positioned him among the wealthiest rappers globally, showcasing a contrasting trajectory as Diddy faces legal challenges.