50 Cent is largely known for being a television producer and part-time social media troll these days, but there was once a moment in time he was one of the most feared and revered figures in the hip-hop world. During his recent visit to the Uproxx offices to appear on People’s Party With Talib Kweli, DMV rapper IDK broke down just why 50 Cent was a “superhero” for so many Black kids of his generation.
“He has this crazy story,” IDK says. “He took nine bullets, he’s swole… he looks like a superhero. That was like a Black superhero for kids growing up.” Kweli remembers G-Unit tank tops — a side venture of 50’s at the height of his popularity — while co-host/producer Jasmin Leigh remarks that 50 had a decidedly un-superheroic outlook. “He’s a bully!” she protests.
“I didn’t know him as a bully,” IDK explains. “He made me not like Ja Rule. I didn’t even know why I didn’t like Ja Rule. I didn’t look at it as bullying back then. I just looked at it like, ‘He’s the GOAT.’ I’m trying to be like him.”
People’s Party With Talib Kweli is a weekly interview show hosted by hip-hop legend Talib Kweli. The show features big-name guests exploring hip-hop, culture, and politics. Subscribe to People’s Party on Apple Music, Spotify, and Uproxx Video on Youtube.
IDK is a Warner Music artist. .