The origins of the long-standing feud between 50 cents and Ja Rule revealed by Steve Stoute in a recent conversation with Shannon Sharp.
The bad The blood between 50 Cent and Ja Rule has been a constant source of news over the years, with no one really understanding why. But music industry veteran and UnitedMasters CEO Steve Stoute shed light on his roots during an appearance on Shannon Sharpe's Club Shay Shay podcast last Wednesday (March 6) when asked by the host. “That's a good question,” Stoute said. “I think 50 knew Ja was not who he portrayed as an icon. Yes [was a] Jehovah's Witness… I'm not saying they shouldn't have rapped, but Ja had this gangster image. He was like, 'That's a stretch for you…' They had some neighborhood beef.”
Stoute continued as the two made their way through the borough of Queens that both MCs are from: “I remember when we signed 50 something was going on. I think he grabbed Ja's chain, or someone grabbed someone's chain…And then they fought in Atlanta…and it was like, I never understood. I was like, “Why do you keep having problems with this guy?” It was like he was always looking for trouble… I think he was driven by this idea that this image he was portraying he didn't think was authentic… It was leading to big issues. Ja and his kids ran into 50 in the studio one day. They touched him.”
Shannon then said, “Oh, so it's never going to be cool,” to which Stoute replied, “It's never going to be cool, and now, I'm glad it's over,” she said. “What I don't like about this as an elder statesman is … it makes art look bad. These guys are now men… The leaders of the art form are doing well, they are positive, they represent… the Hip Hop movement and culture. For the guys who are still struggling and still… dragging it back… you in your 40s, bro. What are you talking about? You have children at home.” Stoute also made headlines for his take on Dame Dash, which led Dash to respond via Instagram: “That's why I had to cheat. @stevestoute a few years ago…because he's always talking about other people's business. good that I have evolved”.