When you hear 50 Cent, you probably think of his chart-topping hits, larger-than-life persona, and his knack for stirring up drama. Well, his recent Las Vegas residency wrapped up on January 4, and let’s just say the buzz surrounding it wasn’t all about his music.
Image source: https://allhiphop.com/news/50-cents-reaction-to-viral-criticism-of-his-las-vegas-residency-isnt-surprising/
A viral video sparks the drama
Last week, a TikTok user and self-proclaimed Vegas critic, @vegasstarfish, posted a scathing review of 50 Cent’s show, calling it “the worst show that’s ever come to Vegas.” Ouch.
According to her, the audio was subpar, the energy was lacking, and 50 himself appeared “disinterested.” The critique spread like wildfire, catching the attention of fans and haters alike—and, of course, 50 Cent himself.
50 Cent’s hilarious response
If you know 50, you know he doesn’t shy away from confrontation. During his January 4 performance, he addressed the critique head-on.
“I saw a review on my show,” he began, smirking. “They said the audio was bad. I said, ‘B****, you were supposed to say something like, 50 was doing this s*** [waves arms dramatically]. That’s what I’m gonna do.’”
He also poked fun at the idea of upping his production value to match other artists. Referring to Chris Brown’s flying stunts, he joked, “I don’t have records that require me to fly in Africa.”
It was classic 50—equal parts comedy and unapologetic swagger.
The reviewer stands her ground
After 50’s response, the original reviewer doubled down. She posted a follow-up video standing by her initial criticism, though she acknowledged that the residency had improved significantly after opening night.
“I stand by my authentic and honest review,” she said. “The audio and production didn’t meet Vegas standards on opening night, and I was disappointed. But subsequent nights looked much better, with special guests and clearer audio. No disrespect to 50 or his team.”
Enter Ja Rule (Because, of course)
No 50 Cent controversy is complete without a cameo from his longtime rival, Ja Rule. Never one to miss a chance to troll, Ja re-shared the reviewer’s clip with a cheeky caption: “Not the worst,” followed by several laughing emojis.
When a fan clapped back, saying, “Where’s your residency? At least he’s booked, busy, and getting paid,” Ja replied, “As usual, I did it first…” adding that he’s a superior performer.
A mixed bag of reviews
Despite the drama, 50 Cent’s six-day residency wasn’t exactly a flop. Kicking off on December 27, the show reportedly brought in an eye-watering $15 million, celebrating his decades-long career with hits like “In Da Club” and “Candy Shop.”
While critics pointed out issues with the first few nights, later performances included better audio, high-energy vibes, and even some special guest appearances. Fans praised 50’s ability to blend his music career with his entrepreneurial ventures in film and business, showcasing the multifaceted star he’s become.
The takeaway
Was it the worst Vegas residency ever? Probably not. Did 50 Cent handle the backlash like a true entertainer? Absolutely. Whether you love him or hate him, one thing’s for sure: 50 knows how to keep people talking.
And if you’re still curious about his residency, there’s no better way to judge than to see the man perform live—just maybe not on opening night.
