The Boss Unleashed

8.24.20

Rick Ross, 50 Cent

Rick Ross and 50 Cent have had their fair share of beef, for many years. What may have started over looking the wrong way at each other at an award show, has turned into a decade long feud of lyrical attacks, character attacks, and the latest, a legal money battle. Both have their own businesses and brands beyond hip-hop, but this one has got to hurt on a multitude of levels.

The feud started back in 2009 at the BET Awards. Rick Ross recalls 50 Cent looking at him the wrong way, then went on to diss him in the track Mafia Music. Whether Rick Ross is singing love songs in your ear, or passing out on stage, the man is actually ruthless when it comes to those whom have crossed him. He simply does not care who you are, he will say what he is thinking. I suppose this is the attitude of a self-proclaimed boss, however, I was quite shocked hearing him just go off on people even as recent as his last Breakfast Club Interview just a few weeks ago. Rick Ross is coming off of a high after his really fun Verzuz Battle with 2 Chainz, and while some may call it a close call, this was not his only W of 2020.

Of course, we all know 50 Cent to be the ultimate troll on the Internet nowadays. With that, he has certainly never been one to back down from anyone or anything within his music career, either. Though 50 Cent does not have a ton of new records out, he had his fair share of subtle disses fired back at Rozay over the past decade.

While nothing lasts forever, Rick Ross was forced to speak on their relationship just last year, where he re-opened this rap feud. When asked if Rozay could put the beef aside and maybe hop on a track with 50 Cent, he replied:

I would get on a track with him if he still had value. Not being funny, homie just ain’t that dude no more.

Obviously this would stir up some feelings in the New York Artist. In an interview recorded after these remarks hit home, 50 Cent countered the lack of interest in working with his foe.

I don’t know what his value is to music culture at this moment. I never made music with him. I don’t have interest in making music with him.

This is just beef that will not let up. While a decade later, this may sound petty, typically a solid rap beef is good for business. However, when 50 Cent decided to take matters to a judge, he ended up screwing himself over.

In Da Club is very well known as one of 50 Cent’s greatest hits of all time. This song goes back to 2003 when released on 50’s Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ album. Though one of his greatest hits, comes a lot of stress, haters, and copycats. In January of 2006, Joseph Weinberger, the manager of 2 Live Crew, sued 50 Cent saying that he plagiarized lyrics from 2 Live Crew’s frontman (Luther Campbell) track Freak For Life 6996. Ultimately, the case was dismissed ruling the phrase “it’s your birthday” is common and unoriginal, where there were no copyrightable elements stole from their song.

Matters get worse for 50 Cent when he tries to flip a similar lawsuit onto Rick Ross. In 2015, Rick Ross released a song entitled In Da Club (Renzel Remix) on his project Renzel Remixes in 2015. The song clearly takes the entire beat from 50’s hit, but entirely uses his own lyrics and flow. 50 Cent sued Rick Ross, claiming trademark infringement, and stating his publicity rights were violated by Rozay taking his beat. The lawsuit was stated at $2 Million.

In 2018, the court had sided with Rick Ross, that due to 50 Cent’s contract, he had no rights to the song. Yesterday, sources say the case is finally closed after a five year battle, that 50 Cent has lost. According to the judge, 50’s contract states that Shady/Aftermath Records own all the rights to the song, and 50 Cent’s name within the song. Therefore, if 50 Cent wants to continue the battle, he needs his old label to do so. Just another case of why owning your own rights in the music industry is so important.

Now that the word is out, 50 Cent has been active on Instagram letting the world know he working on what is next up for his STARZ series, Power. No comments have directly been made about the lawsuit, but I am sure they are coming. Rick Ross took to Instagram Live this morning, drinking some Belaire and listening to some old 50 Cent hits. When Guns Go Off comes on, Rick Ross is feeling it, and states that he might have to remix this one, too.

Knowing where the lawful rules in the music industry lie, he may feel he has the power to do whatever he wants. Will this become more normal, for artists to steal others beats when they know they do not own their own rights? It seems risky, but a risk that Ross would be willing to take. I for one, am here for the remix.

So, was the lawsuit fair? Technically speaking, it was. But does this bring bad blood between 50 Cent in the Shady Records crew? Would this come between him and Eminem if they do not want to fight the battle? Or would they, and would they win? I do not see 50 Cent letting up, so there could be more to come.

Verdict: Rick Ross with another W … for now.