50 Cent VS. Michael Jackson | Get Rich or Die Tryin’ VS. Thriller?
50 Cent is back outside and circulating with his “Final Lap Tour”, including over 90 dates globally and internationally.
With over 1 million tickets sold and virtually sold out shows with each date, it is becoming the talk of all hip hop rooms.
This tour celebrates over 20 years of success of 50 Cent’s first album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” and has generated tons of guest appearances in many different cities already.
Guests such as the DaBaby, A Boogie with the Hoodie, tour co-star Busta Rhymes and more all have shown up in cities like St. Louis, Nashville, and most recently at the Barclays’ Center last night in Brooklyn, NY to entertain the fans.
50 Cent has been great at bringing out surprise guests and last night at the Barclays’ was no different.
50 Cent brought out A Boogie, Jadakiss, DaBaby and shockingly J. Cole. Each artist came out and rocked with 50 cent to tunes of their best songs over their careers and fans were delighted to see such a great show.
However, during the end of Cole’s set, he decided to give the G Unit legend a shout out, that caused a few conversations to have taken place in the hip hop community today.
“Can I say this before I move off stage?" said Cole, who once wanted to sign to 50 Cent at one point in time. “If y’all don’t make some noise for one of the greatest niggas to ever do this shit, 50 motherfucking Cent, Curtis Jackson. Get Rich or Die Tryin’ the best album of all time."
He then continued.
"I don’t give a fuck what you talking about, nigga, it’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’“ at number one and it’s “Thriller” at number two,” speaking in reference to Michael Jackson’s classic all time great album.
That album was confirmed by the “Breakfast Club” during their “Rumor Report” segment of their morning show today to have sold over 100 million copies all time.
J. Cole finished by saying, “And I love Michael Jackson. But I promise y’all that, Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent, we love you my n*gga, for real,” before embracing 50 Cent with a hug and then walking off the stage.
While that is very shocking for Cole to say and while many believe that to be outlandish or wildly outspoken, the focus should be placed on how highly J. Cole respects 50’s accomplishments with “Get Rich or Die Tryin’”.
The value the album holds in hip hop is second to none and serves as a reminder of how big of a moment it was when 50 Cent arrived in hip hop and how massive his presence and album was at the time.
“Get Rich or Die Tryin’” serves as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to the hip hop community.
No artist in the history of hip hop, with the exception of 50’s label mate and boss Eminem who is also apart of Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records has record sells equivalent to and bigger.
However, 50 Cent is the only African American artist to do so, and no Eminem moment in hip hop can compare to what 50 Cent’s presence was at the time when he signed with Eminem and Dr. Dre’s label.
Jay Z spoke to the Breakfast Club years ago and remembers during 50’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” album when he told his artists Memphis Bleek, Beanie Sigel and more to put out as much music as possible because “50 Cent is Coming!”
His album was a legendary moment in hip hop, and with “50 years of Hip Hop” being celebrated this year, it’s only right that 50 Cent receives his flowers as well.
50 Cent still has many show dates left on his schedule, so that means you still have plenty of chances left to catch him in your city if you want to see your favorite artist perform. Go to 50cent.com to purchase your tickets.
50 Cent also stopped by “TODAY with Hoda & Jenna” to discuss his tour, his girlfriend Cuban Link, and more.
Check out the interview below and comment about your favorite 50 Cent moments in hip hop and let us know your favorite 50 Cent album and/or songs of all time.