Understanding the feud between Diddy and 50 Cent: A look into the rappers' long-lasting beef

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has been publicly taunting Sean "Diddy" Combs for nearly twenty years. One of the most controversial claims from 50 Cent involves alleging Combs involvement in the 1996 murder of Tupac Shakur, a claim Combs has consistently denied. Recently, 50 Cent took on the role of executive producer for the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which explores these allegations in depth.

The collaboration raised eyebrows, given the long history of tension between the two rappers. In a Good Morning America interview, 50 Cent insisted his participation in the four-part series, which promises explosive, never-before-seen materials, is not personal. In a December 1 Instagram post, he also denied a feud, noting he had cast two of Combs' children in his scripted projects but added that he did not appreciate certain comments from Combs.

Combs legal team has expressed concern over 50 Cents involvement, stating in Entertainment Weekly that it is staggering that Netflix handed creative control to Curtis 50 Cent Jackson a longtime adversary with a personal vendetta who has spent too much time slandering Mr. Combs.

The Feud Timeline

Early 2000s: Initial Tensions

In the early 2000s, 50 Cent collaborated with Combs on tracks including a remix of The Notorious B.I.G.'s posthumous album Born Again. During one verse, 50 Cent took a subtle shot at Combs, rapping about running New York without dancing around like Diddy.

2005: Clash Over Mase

50 Cent shared in interviews that he attempted to sign Combs longtime collaborator Mase to G-Unit after Combs allegedly encouraged Mase to find new opportunities. The deal fell through, leading 50 to publicly call Combs unreasonable and a sucker.

2010: Criticism of Artistic Credibility

50 Cent publicly stated that Combs is not an artist, criticizing him for focusing more on business than creating music. Later that year, 50 also launched an online petition urging Combs to stop exploiting Biggies legacy for personal gain, calling attention to posthumous albums and references in Combs projects.

20142016: Public Insults and Brand Feuds

In 2014, 50 Cent dismissed Combs single Big Homie as garbage. By 2016, the rivalry expanded into their respective vodka brands, with 50 Cent taking aim at Combs Ciroc while promoting Effen. 50 Cents criticism also included mocking Combs personality and behavior in public appearances.

2018: Combs Denies Any Feud

Combs addressed the ongoing tension on The Breakfast Club, claiming there was no real beef. He suggested 50 Cents jabs were humorous rather than hostile, acknowledging that there was something about me that has him on me all the time.

2023: Tupac Allegations

In October 2023, 50 Cent reignited controversy by alleging Combs was involved in Tupac Shakurs 1996 murder. These claims coincided with Duane "Keffe D" Davis being charged for the same case, who alleged Combs placed a bounty on Tupac and Marion "Suge" Knight. Combs dismissed the allegations as nonsense.

20232025: Documentary and Legal Drama

In December 2023, 50 Cent announced that his production company would produce the Netflix documentary Sean Combs: The Reckoning, stating proceeds would go to survivors of sexual assault. Following Combs 2025 conviction on prostitution-related charges and his attempt to seek a presidential pardon, 50 Cent mocked the situation publicly, continuing their long-standing rivalry.

Where to Watch

Sean Combs: The Reckoning is now streaming exclusively on Netflix.

Author: Olivia Parker