Curtis James Jackson III, or 50 Cent, along with Shawn Corey Carter, aka Jay-Z, are two of the most influential hip-hop artists across the world. In the vast musical landscape of this world, both stand as towering figures who continue to redefine the trajectory of the hip-hop industry. While Jay-Z is also a successful business mogul, 50 Cent has transcended artistic boundaries showing his impeccable talents in the field of acting as well.
Despite each being unique and significant in their own way, there exists an unspoken competition between them. However, as per 50 Cent, he has fared way better than the 24-time Grammy-winning artist.
50 Cent On Why He Thinks He Is Better Than Jay-Z
In the dynamic realm of hip-hop, both Jay-Z and 50 Cent are iconic figures who have created an indelible impact on the world of music with their groundbreaking talents. Such is their impact and fame that both rappers found themselves on Billboard’s 50 Greatest Rappers of All Time list in 2023. While 50 Cent found himself at No. 17, Jay-Z aka the GOAT found himself at No.1.
While this list alone seems to prove which of the two has had a more prominent impact, 50 Cent has other claims to make. Back in 2010, during an interview with Power 105.1, the In da Club hitmaker stated,
“I didn’t take it that way because if we looked at all of the numbers… I did his career in 4 years… I mean the largest-selling album he’s had internationally sold 430,000 copies – ‘Hard Knock Life’. I sold 5 million twice… So when we leave here we know who’s who.”
While this claim seems more than outrageous, 50 Cent was actually referring to the sales of their best-selling albums. If we look at their best-selling album records, it is clear that 50 Cent has outperformed the Greatest Rapper of All Time.
50 Cent’s best-selling album is Get Rich or Die Tryin’, released in 2003 and sold over 12,000,000 copies worldwide. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s best-selling album is Vol 2…Hard Knock Life, released in 1998, sold over 6,200,000 copies worldwide. And so, while 50 Cent’s claim does seem far-fetched at first, the Candy Shop hitmaker isn’t wrong.
This Isn’t The Only Outrageous Claim 50 Cent Has Made About Jay-Z
Jay-Z and 50 Cent might be huge influences in the musical scene across the world, but their relationship in the industry has long been one of controversy and outrageous claims. After claiming back in 2011 that their relationship was purely business and not friendship to MTV News (via Elle Canada), their relationship has been one complex business.
While they started as what many called ‘rivals’, Jay-Z roped in 50 Cent during his Rock The Mic Tour in 2003. (via Billboard). But over the years, their ‘feud’ has only gotten more complex with 50 Cent claiming on an episode of Breakfast Club that Beyonce apparently jumped out at him and was ready to fight when he tried to talk to her husband.
And last year while talking to XXL for the cover story of their 20th-anniversary issue, the rapper had yet another outrageous claim. He stated that Jay-Z did not begin winning numerous Grammys until he got together with his pop star wife, Beyonce (via YouTube).
While the feud seems to continue, as to who is the better one among them, only fans can decide. Meanwhile, you can stream their albums on Spotify.
