Rapper 50 Cent, also known as Curtis Jackson, recently revealed that he was offered $3 million to perform at Donald Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden. During an appearance on The Breakfast Club radio show, he confirmed that he declined the invitation. 50 Cent explained that he prefers to stay away from political involvement, fearing backlash from fans with differing opinions. His hit song “Many Men (Wish Death)” has gained renewed popularity, particularly among Trump supporters, which has sparked discussions about his potential participation in political events. Despite the offer, he chose not to engage in the political arena.
Rapper and actor Curtis Jackson, known widely as 50 Cent, made headlines when he disclosed a substantial offer from Donald Trump’s campaign. He was invited to perform at a rally scheduled for Sunday at Madison Square Garden in New York. The invitation came with a tempting price tag of $3 million, which would certainly catch anyone’s attention. However, 50 Cent declined the offer, stating that he prefers to steer clear of political affairs.
During his recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, a popular radio show, 50 Cent discussed the offer candidly.
“I got a call but they wanted me [for] Sunday,” he mentioned.
When asked why he chose not to participate, he explained his concerns about the political landscape. “I didn’t even go far… I didn’t talk to them about that kinda stuff. I’m afraid about politics,” he said.
This decision comes in light of his previous experience with politics, which he finds to be a complicated territory. He noted that any political involvement could lead to polarizing reactions from fans. “It’s because when you do get involved in it, no matter how you feel, someone passionately disagrees with you,” he explained. This sentiment echoes a broader concern among artists who may face backlash based on their political affiliations.
Earlier this year, 50 Cent hinted at his views on Trump’s potential for a second presidential term. He commented on social media, “I think Trump’s gonna be president again, but I’m not going to say that.” While he has kept most of his political views private, his recent comments have stirred speculation about his stance.
The offer to perform was not the first instance where 50 Cent was approached by Trump’s campaign. Reports surfaced suggesting that he was also asked to perform his popular track “Many Men (Wish Death)” at the Republican National Convention (RNC). This song, released in 2003 and inspired by his near-fatal shooting in 2000, has seen a resurgence in popularity. Following an assassination attempt on Trump, the song became an anthem for some of his supporters.
In a recent interview, 50 Cent discussed the connection between his song and Trump’s message. “He says ‘fight,’” he noted about Trump. “All right. And that’s exactly what I did after I got shot. I just went into fight mode. People identify with it that way.” This connection highlights how music can transcend political boundaries, although 50 Cent is wary of fully embracing that crossover.
Interestingly, a source close to the Trump campaign later disputed 50 Cent’s claims, stating that “at no point was he offered money to appear at the rally.” This contradiction raises questions about the communication between the rapper and the Trump campaign.
The rally at Madison Square Garden itself was not without controversy. Comedian Tony Hinchcliffe made derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico, calling it “a floating island of garbage.” This sparked significant backlash from many Latino celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez and Ricky Martin, who condemned his comments. The incident underscored the charged atmosphere surrounding political events, particularly in the lead-up to an election.
As the November election approaches, political rallies like Trump’s aim to galvanize support from various demographics, including celebrities. The presence of figures like Hulk Hogan and Dr. Phil at the rally was intended to attract a broader audience. However, as 50 Cent’s experience illustrates, the intersection of entertainment and politics can be fraught with challenges.
Ultimately, 50 Cent’s choice to decline the $3 million offer demonstrates his desire to maintain a distance from political controversy. While he acknowledges the potential benefits of engaging with political figures, the risk of alienating fans keeps him cautious. As he continues his career in music and acting, it seems that 50 Cent will prioritize his artistic integrity over financial gain in the political arena. “I’m afraid about politics,” he said, capturing the sentiment of many artists navigating this complex landscape.
