50 Cent's electrifying New York City performance left his fans in awe as he orchestrated a captivating show filled with a star-studded ensemble of special guests, none more impactful than the legendary J. Cole, who took a moment to honor Fiddy's immense contributions to the rap world.
The mastermind behind G-Unit is currently embarking on the North American leg of his extraordinary Final Lap world tour, and his recent stop at the iconic Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY on a vibrant Wednesday night (August 9) was nothing short of spectacular, thanks to the presence of some iconic friends.
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Following a spellbinding rendition of "No Role Modelz," J. Cole, with the crowd in the palm of his hand, felt compelled to impart a meaningful message. With genuine admiration, he lavished praise upon 50 Cent, unequivocally anointing him as one of the greatest rap titans of all time.
The words echoed through the arena as J. Cole's heartfelt tribute began, the energy pulsating through the crowd as he passionately exclaimed, "If y’all don’t make some noise for one of the greatest n**** to ever do this s***, 50 muthafuckin Cent, Curtis Jackson."
50 Cent brought out J. Cole during his concert tonight in Brooklyn 👀🔥🐐
— WhatsOnRap (@whatsonrap) August 10, 2023
“J. Cole declares Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ “The best album of all-time, I don’t give a f*ck what you say”
pic.twitter.com/GS6IK4aD6V
But the homage didn't stop there. J. Cole went even further, bestowing upon 50 Cent's iconic debut studio album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin'," the exalted title of "the best album of all time." What's truly remarkable is that J. Cole's admiration extended beyond the boundaries of just rap music, as he confidently placed "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" atop his personal pantheon, mentioning that even the legendary Thriller by Michael Jackson, as beloved as it is, stands humbly at the second spot. It was a bold statement, backed by genuine love and respect for both artists, leaving the crowd in awe of J. Cole's unwavering conviction.
The night was further embellished with an enthralling array of guest appearances, turning the stage into a hip-hop galaxy. The likes of Jadakiss, Flo Rida, A Boogie, Moneybagg Yo, and the entire G-Unit entourage graced the stage alongside the polymath rapper-turned-entertainment mogul, 50 Cent. The sheer talent and charisma on display was a testament to the profound impact Fiddy has had on the industry, and the genuine camaraderie among these luminaries only added to the magic of the evening.
It's worth noting that 50 Cent shared a candid anecdote, revealing that there was a time he hesitated to sign the immensely talented artist hailing from North Carolina, J. Cole. In a candid interview during a 2022 appearance on The Breakfast Club, 50 Cent recollected, "That was so early, bro. To me, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar… These artists existed early on when I fell in love with Hip Hop, but it was Talib Kweli, it was Mos Def, it was A Tribe Called Quest, it was Common Sense." It's a testament to the evolution of the genre, showcasing how 50 Cent, a pioneer in his own right, recognized the importance of nurturing fresh talent even as he acknowledged the roots that shaped his passion.
50 Cent's New York City show was a mesmerizing tapestry woven with threads of respect, admiration, and a celebration of rap music's glorious past, present, and future. The convergence of iconic talents, the profound message from J. Cole, and 50 Cent's invaluable insights make this a night that will be etched in the annals of hip-hop history, a night where the torch was passed from one generation to another, all under the watchful eyes of the legends who paved the way.