In an exclusive Q&A with Rhapsody blog, 50 Cent discusses his feelings about the recent comments Alicia Keys made about “gangster rap” in BLENDER magazine.
50 Cent says that after those comments, he doesn’t like Alicia Keys anymore…. please don’t put Alicia Keys on the cover of your new mixtape 50; PLEASE!
What did you think of Alicia Keys’ comments regarding gangsta rap in Blender?
50 cent: I don’t like Alicia Keys no more.She clarified the comments, though.
50 cent: If she thinks what they consider [to be] gangsta music is [made] to bring black people down then I think my sh*t falls into that category. I don’t like people who don’t like me. I don’t like her then because that’s what provides the life for me. I think if you ask Ice Cube the same sh*t, he’ll tell you, “F*ck Alicia Keys” for even saying that. Because the success he’s had as an actor and a businessman, there was no opportunity for that sh*t without N.W.A. But I don’t think that [her] classical sh*t is cool. I don’t give a f*ck if you can classically play the piano. I haven’t been classically trained, because my upbringing, nobody put me in front of a piano at that time. If they did, I would know how to do it as well as she does. I could learn how to play the piano if I was passionate about it right now. That’s obviously my perspective evaluating what she does, and I could f*ck*ng care less about the sh*t. So she don’t like the music that embodies the harsh realities because they’re not her realities. She hasn’t been subjected to the same things.
{ 35 comments… read them below or add one }
He is so ignorant…
he has a point
IM AM SO FUCKING TIRED OF HIM THATS WHY HE CANT SELL NO DAMN ALBUMS NOW FUCKING ASSHOLE
While the execs help market that shit, NWA and Eazy-E created that shit. White racist have done and will do alot, but you can’t blame them for everything. Are you going blame them for the fact that every damned house or apartment in innercity America has bars on the window? To make changes, some personl responsibility is in order.
Normally I can’t stand the walking victim… but he’s right on this… Alicia Keys talking against gangsta rap, but her first video was about her going back and forth to prison to visit her locked up boy friend, you can’t capatilize on a genre then down it when it you’re interviewed for a “white” magazine! She had Jada Kiss on a song with her, she’s worked with Method Man and so on… Alicia Keys is a turncoat who should be boycotted, gangsta rap made alot of other kinds of rap possible and some of the biggest artists ever are gangsta rappers Ice Cube Ice Tea DMX Jay-Z Tupac Notorious BIG… Alicia Keys is a moron, and i’m sorry but DAMMIT I have to back that “Walking Victim” on this on 50 is right!
Yea I really dont care for 50 too much but he does have a point on this one.
Gotta go with 50 on this, Alicia Keyes has obviously gone too Hollywood!!! and forgot who helped her get where she is…
fif makes a solid point…
50 is an ass period! That’s why he is going to end ALONE in the days coming with all that money. That is too childish for a man his age. *roll eyes*
i bet he is waitin for anyone to say some shit so he can get right back at em..dumb ass
Fuck fifty cent he’s just a stupid gorilla looking nigga who looks for hype to sell his crap albums..anyone now a days can rap about any stupid bullshit, not everyone is born with the talent alicia has..and to the person who said she’s forgotten who helped her get to where she is…who was it? Cause it definately wasn’t a stupid rapper..this just shows how fucking ignorent 50 is..he needs to shut the fuck up and admit that he’s a has been and a piece of shit rapper
so ignorant!!!
I like it call him an asshole or what ever it it a real solid point not judge sh*t that you never lived or don’t know sh*t bout gangsta music is life it talks about life not made up love storys its the hard truth and some people hate it.
i dont see why ppl are callin him ignorant, he’s clearly got a good point here
U people are idiots. he has read way to far into this, that he has totally lost the context of what she was saying! she wasnt in any way shape or orm saying what he was talking about! what a dumb ignorant fool he is! he’s lonely and needs attention! this man is so desparate! who the hell does he think he is! no one gives two shits about him anymore, thats why he’s pissed! All alicia said was that the government could have done more to fight issues like this when it was really out there at bigtime when this whole gangsta rap thing all begin. It was no disrespect to no rappers. Of anything it was almost like she was in a way helping them out! Guess he needs some type of beef to get attention since he has fell off so hard! what a bitch!!!!!!! this dude cant even speak proper english!!!!!!!!!!! see ya later 50 ur done!!!!!!!!!!!!! next time shut up and read something more than once so that u can clearly understand what she is saying u idiot! And as for her forgetting where shes come from please! she has charity’s and helps people across Africa, to raise money for them. What the hell is he doing with that vitamin water money! SHIT!!!!!!!!! LIKE FAT JOE SAID THIS IS JUST A MISERABLE DUDE PERIOD!!!!!!!!!!!
He make a point just not in the best way.
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if he dislikes Alicia Keys for saying what really is hes stupid
with his stupid music, stop sayin Fuck Alica Keys!!
If hes like that Fuck 50 Cent!!!!
The only point that 50 made is that he’s a bitter, untalented individual who needs this particular genre to sustain himself; that he has nothing new to offer and by highlighting the lack of growth in the (so-called ‘gangsta’) rap industry, Alicia is cutting into his daily bread.
YoYo spoke on the Michael Baisden show earlier this week about the comments that Alicia made, and she made a valid point that I wish 50 could have heard. Old school rap was about expelling the pains and tribulations that the artists went through and then crafting a way to move beyond that, to rise above the pain. Today’s ‘gansta rap’ isn’t about growth. It’s about remaining in the pitfalls of poverty and dispair, and prospering from those pitfalls by selling the same old story–track after track. Like Deborah & Whitney sang: same script, different cast.
And that’s the face of gangsta rap these days. Ice Cube may have started with that genre but he represents the growth that today’s followers lack. What he had, along with a select few artist from his era, is depth. These current rappers don’t have that. Yet, they go around whining to magazines when someone gives an OPINION. Quit telling/selling the same old shit and your ego won’t have to feel threatened!
Someone ask Fifty this: is the story that you’re selling helping your fanbase rise above their struggle? Is it glorifying the drama without offering a positive resolution? Is it continuing to paint a picture of degenerate, wayward youth who would rather invest in the trappings of street cred than invest in a solid future? If so, then how can you get angry when someone points out the need for change? (Self Destruction, You’re Headed For Self Destruction) And if you’re so lyrically talented, a challenge to your style should come as a welcome opportunity to revamp your sales and revitalize rap music.
And for the record: Alicia had mass appeal from day one–she didn’t try to come out representing for ‘the streets’. Versatility. Depth. Insight. Character. Soul. True Talent. She brought something new and refreshing to hip hop and R&B. Can 50 say the same?????
50 CENT is just disgusting for making these remarks. He is simply feeling desparate because he knows Alicia has a platform where people may actually listen to her, while he himself does not, because he has reduced himself to just a “gangsta rapper”. Ugh! I am so utterly turned off by him and the whole G-Unit Crew. He is just complaining and he knows deep down, he has no buisness talking about killing someone, selling drugs, or hanging on the block, because the millions of dollars he has made has far removed him from the need to ever do so again.
Rappers are hyprocites. They destroy their own audiences by continuting to feed perpetual images and lyrics that portray violence, sexual promiscuity and street life- If you dont need to live that life anymore, why wouldnt you try to encourage your listeners who are where you once were to move beyond that part of their lives? 50 Cent needs to grow up. He just glorifies sterotypes of black men in making these comments. I cant believe him!
On the other side of the spectrum, I am really dissapointed in Alicia Keys. She should not have made those comments. They are sugguestive, and a hypothetical that really noone on earth could really prove, so why even speak on it?
I was told that in Public, a Lady should never discuss politics, religion or sex. I think that this a safe rule to play by because opening up this can of worms is a neverending battle that leaves black people in a more vulnerable position and brings out the dormant immature tendencies white people reveal in matters of race. I am serious.
I visited http://www.newsbusters.org, just to read what white bloggers were saying about this topic, and you should just read some of the very ignorant and hurtful comments alot of white people are making torward Alicia( and black women in general) for simply expressing her opionion on a matter, she most likely should not have. Honestly, as a Hispanic women, I am tired of both African-Americans and White Americans; two lost races in my view.
^^Star: I was in agreement on the first comment, even though much of what you said was a mirror of my comment, but I need to check you on the second remark. We’re beyond the era when women have no voice in politics, religion, and sex. (Politics>Nancy Pelosi>Speaker of House>Equal rights-remember that movement?) That movement once stood for something great, and elevated ours to the level of a progressive society against a background of emerging societies that still marginalize women. It’s bad enough that women in this country continue to fight for access to quality health care while trying to retain family planning rights. And you think that we should not speak about the things around us that are in need of the greatest change?! We’re approaching the year 2010–WAKE UP and see the relevance in our voice as women! Plus, imagine the difference that can be brought about when artists are given the platform to truly express the things that need to be said, that will make a positive impact, instead of saying what is expected of them or what will boost album sales.
And as for your comment regarding Hispanics, etc., Hispanic isn’t a race–it’s an ethnicity, as is African-American. And as a Hispanic woman, surely you see the ethnitic division that also exists in your Hispanic communities. I damn sure see it and I’m multi-ethnic. Maybe you didn’t get the memo that there isn’t really a such thing as separate races since Africa is the cradle of mankind. Race is a concept created to ‘divide people’ into categories based on features such as eye color, hair texture, and skin complexion. Think about it: a “white” person who is born in Africa and becomes an American citizen is correct to consider himself an African-American. And a person from a North African country such as Egypt or Morocco is considered to be white. In essence, there is no ‘pure, single’ race! That’s why this thing called “race” is so complicated. Though this comment isn’t in direct alignment with the topic that was originally presented, it is a reflection of the need for more intelligent dialogue in the hip hip community–and Alicia (among others) brings that! You may want to pick up some BDP…
@ROCKNREBEL…..I AM A BROWN SKIN PANAMANIAN WOMEN, WHO WOULD BE QUITE OFFENED IF ANYONE CLASSIFIED ME AS AFRICAN-AMERICAN- 50 CENTS COMMENTS ARE A DIRECT REASON WHY I ALWAYS MAKE A CLEAR ETHIC DISTINCTION BETWEEN MYSELF AND OTHERS…..
…ALSO ALL THAT TALK ABOUT AFRICA BEING THE ” CRADLE OF MANKIND” IN RIGHT IN LINE WITH BEING THEORIES JUST LIKE MS. KEYS’ COMMENTS.
MANY HISTORIANAS READILY DEBATE THIS CLAIM, SO AGAIN, WHY EVEN TALK ABOUT IT? SO WHAT IF AFRICANS WERE HERE FIRST? THEY SURE ARENT FIRST NOW, IN TERMS OF BEING AN ALL AROUND FRUITFUL CULTURE.
AS FAR AS WOMEN RIGHTS, IF DISCUSSING POLITICS OR RELIGION IS A WOMENS CHOICE OF WORK, THEN BY ALL MEANS, A WOMEN HAS EVERY RIGHT TO ARTICULATE HER VIEWS ON SUCH MATTER, MY POINT IS THAT THERE IS A TIME & PLACE FOR EVERYTHING.
ALICA KEYS IS A SINGER, NOT A POLITICIAN. SO IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR HER TO BE POLITICING IN AN INTERVIEW FOR AN ENTERTAINMENT MAGAZINE. I AM SURE SHE REGRETS THESE COMMENTS. THE BACKLASH HAS BEEN MORE HURTFUL TO HER IMAGE THEN HELPFUL.
I didn’t read what Alicia Keys said but based on this article i think 50 has a point. I will research further to read the entire article.
Star: As far as being offended by being called African-American, what’s there to be offended about? Their blood was shed so you and your family could come to this country, own homes, obtain employment, eat in diners and frequent establishments with the ‘races’ that you called losers–all without fear of belligerency toward you for being a ‘brown-skinned Panamanian’, as you put it. Please fall off that high horse. Be proud of your heritage. Celebrate your culture. But also look within yourself for the sources of your discontempt toward those whom you referred to as ‘two lost races’, because there is a major difference between hatred for others and pride in one’s self–ask any self-professed ‘white supremacist’, if you can find one.
As for not being a politician, Alicia has a right to express her opinion to the public, as an educated woman (did you know she attended Columbia University before the launch of her musical career) and activist. AMERICA’S first amendment guarantees her that. Her points of view are about depth and concern for society in general, not whether or not she’s influential in politics. Her remark had to do with certain influences of ‘gangsta rap’, not the rap industry in its entirety. Look at Russell Simmons: he has made plenty of political comments (remember the Hip Hop Summit?) as well as political allegiances and who criticizes him for that? When he supports something-he stands up. When he’s against something-he stands up. If anything, he’s praised for being an activist, for getting young people involved in politics. Alicia’s stance as a children’s/human’s rights activist, and our first amendment, give her a license to speak on the issues that affect or influence the society in which she lives.
You probably misunderstood where Alicia was headed and I’m going to disregard your comments about ‘theories on Africa’ because this site really isn’t about satisfying intellectual appetites, though to some degree I have enjoyed this exchange. While I don’t nor will I ever know you, based on your comments, you seem so out of touch with social reality. Your sentiments are a reflection of true social naivete. Alicia is too introspective to have any regrets over her comments. In no way did this hurt her image, no more than Bill Cosby’s comments hurt his image. The ‘hip hop community’ is always so quick to lean on the defensive against anyone who says anything that holds a mirror up to the community. I truly hope that others will read the entire transcript of Alicia’s comment before agreeing with 50 Cent, of all people. That’s the difference between the leaders and those being lead.
There’s an intellectual among you–pay attention!
man that nigga is a stupid ass muthafucka….alicia keep doing ya thing mami and fuck that bitch ass night he don’t know shit about what you was sayin
See 50 Cent realizes that he gets paid off of that bullshit negative corporate made gansta image “that’s what provides the life for me.” He knows that gansta shit puts new Ferrari’s in his garage and he is very content. And he says if you dont like it then you could “fuck off”. He is an idiot. Remember that he first dissed Obama saying that America isnt ready for a black president.. lol. Uncle Tom Jigaboo nigga… opps.. Uncle Tom Jigaboo “gangsta” nigga
@ Star…last time I checked being from Panama doesn’t make you any less of a negro than a person from Jamaica or South Carolina…like rockenrebil said get off that high horse..at the end of the day you are BLACK…obviously you have some deep seeded issues you need to address about your self image…and this is exactly the reason we will not move forward as people within the diaspora…
and as far as A. Keys she spoke her mind…exactly what 50 does every freakin day even at times when he should shut it…so why jump all over her for it…50 needs to go do something constructive…donate some money to a worthy cause and then maybe he can actually make a intellectual comment!!
Lawd yall are too funny. I dont like 50 as I expressed in other blogs. He is always going to be an ass hole no matter what. But I personally like “gangsta rap” If I need any type of music to send me a message I will listen to gospel. I just want to listen to music I don’t need a message to be sent to me from it.. and that ME – Somebody else may agree or disagree.. this is why they fans.. fans with different ears.
Alicia Keys can talk about whatever she wants, just because she a “star” she cant have an opinion? Just because she is a singer she can’t talk about politics? I guess we who all are not politicians shouldn’t even vote right?
ANY WHY WAS RACE BROUGHT INTO THIS… Okay so you are a brown skin panamaian who doesn’t want to be labeled as black, so fuckin what. You can get offended allllllll you want to boo… and she aint on no high horse becaue she doesn’t want to be considered black.. thats like agreeing that they are better than black… she hanging on a fence.. she don’t want to be in the “black world” but the white aren’t gon even accept her.. so she stuck on a fence.. and let her stay there.
a Brown skin panamanian is Black… there’s no Panamanian race!!! If your skin is black your Black!!! Meaning you or your ancestors hailed from someplace in Africa, and yes it is the craddle of civilization… Do we all remember Pangea??? I wish stoopid people would think before they type! And Alicia Keys is entitled to an opinion but don’t use gangsta rap to sell records by using it in your videos and cameos and denounce it to sound all high siddity!
He is so right and we say he’s ignorant because he speaks the fucking truth and alot of use don’t like what is said to different artist. We have to realize they are as human as us, they have beef they have differences and half of them probably don’t like each other. I don’t know exactly what Alicia said but she needs to be careful for what she thinks about gansta rapp because it was created from our environment. i love her music and i think she is a brilliant star,but like we were alawys told if you don’t have nothing nice to say don’t say nothing at all. and we act like 50 cent is a dummy, he’s a very clever and intelligent dude. He did not get where he is being a regular joe. So if beef sells trust me..he’s gonna try and make his beef more interesting than the next mans. look at what he did with Kanye last year. that was all y’all talked about, so now he’s coming up with a dish! BEEF w/ Alicia….i mean come on who can dislike someone for their opinion. He really don’t like what she said but i bet if he was offered to do a collabo he would not pass it up~! Piano and rapp…it’s called buisness. andd he is right N.W.A created this shit and i loved it then and I love it now and I’m 40! 50 made a album that will always be the shit. get rich or die trying he never have to make a hit album again! It’s few that can make a hit album remember that!
50’s right on! Don’t know how race came into all of this but, everyone is from Africa…….
she meant the gansta music with no meaning..not your music…Not Ice Cube….She needs to be more clear about that..Stop blaming the artist and blame the parents!!!!!!! Alicia that is the problem not Gansta Music!
i guess we have a mix tape coming out on alicia.
i think 50 is way tooo sensitive, she sure didnt say his music.
man up u big baby, always crying.
’she callled me hot cock -clarenceknighthill@hotmail.com‘
I DONT LIKE 50 BUT HE DID HAVE A (STRONG) POINT THERE ALICIA SHOULDNT TALK SHIT IF SHE DOESNT KNOW IT ALL SHE SOES IS SING ABOUT EVERYONE DIUMPING HER WITH THAT DAMN ANNOYING SQEEKY VOICE OF HERS I HATE HER AND SHE DONT KNOW THAT MUCH ABOUT THE REAL TRUTH OF THE GHETTO SHE SAYS AHE DOES BUT SHE DOENST AND 50 IS NOT THAT IGNORANT COME ON PPL OH AND BY ALICIA SAYING GANSA RAP IT MEANS ALL GANGSTA RAPPERS NO EXCUSE!!!!!!!!!