In a recent outburst, hip-hop mogul 50 Cent expressed his frustrations with longtime collaborator Lloyd Banks, asserting that he played a crucial role in Banks’ rise to fame alongside Eminem. Speaking candidly on his podcast, 50 Cent described the lack of communication between the two artists, stating they hadn’t spoken in a long time and attributing Banks’ silence to what he perceives as a lack of initiative on Banks’ part.
Reflecting on their past collaborations, 50 Cent noted that he brought Banks into key moments of his career, including featuring him on his debut album and pairing him with Eminem. “I put you on records with Eminem on my first album, fool,” he remarked, emphasizing that his contributions to Banks’ success were significant. The rapper criticized Banks for not seeking other opportunities, suggesting he was “almost retarded” for not exploring the possibility of a solo career.
The rift between 50 Cent and Banks is emblematic of broader tensions within the hip-hop community, where many artists have experienced fallout with former collaborators. 50 Cent’s comments come amidst a backdrop of strained relationships in the genre, with groups like G-Unit, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Dipset experiencing their own internal conflicts over the years.
Despite his harsh words, 50 Cent maintains a loyal relationship with Tony Yayo, another G-Unit member, who has remained steadfast in his support. The ongoing discord between 50 Cent and Banks raises questions about the potential for reconciliation and the future of G-Unit as a collective. While 50 Cent’s willingness to speak his mind is well-known, it also underscores a pattern of unresolved issues with several artists, including Ja Rule and Rick Ross.
As fans of hip-hop reflect on these developments, many are left wondering whether there is still a chance for Banks and 50 Cent to mend their relationship. The prospect of a G-Unit reunion remains uncertain, but the public continues to engage with the ongoing saga, eager to see if the two can one day find common ground. As always, 50 Cent remains unfiltered, leaving no room for ambiguity about his feelings on the matter.