50 Cent

On February 28, Funkmaster Flex had the pleasure, sort of, of interviewing 50 Cent along with fellow G-Unit members Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, and Olivia. The interview went a bit sour when 50 Cent revealed that The Game was being ousted from G-Unit. Claiming The Game to be disloyal, 50 stated he was upset with remarks The Game made in an earlier interview with the radio station. The Game had said that he didn't agree with 50's beefs with fellow rap artists mentioned in 50's track "Piggy Bank" and that he was planning on making a track with Nas. To that 50 stated, "He's gone; he might as well make the record."

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The Game

Prior to 50 Cent's interview on the same radio station, The Game interviewed with Angie Martinez the same day. The Game was hit with questions regarding his relationship with 50, as the buzz about a disruption within G-Unit was already going strong. The Game simply stated that as long as he and 50 had the same goal of making good music, the stability of their friendship didn't matter. After hearing 50's comments later that night though, The Game's tune changed--he performed a sold-out show in Long Beach, California, and repeatedly dissed 50 Cent along with all of the G-Unit members.

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50 Cent

During 50's interview on Hot 97, a shooting broke out outside the radio station. Kevin Reed, a 24-year-old man from Compton, California, was shot and hospitalized. It is not clear who is at fault. The incident occurred when 50 was making his announcement regarding The Game being kicked out of G-Unit. 50 has downplayed the incident on BET's 106th & Park stating, "A lot of things you hear out there is being said for shock value and not really as serious as people make it out to be." 50 also said he didn't see the shooting happen. "I didn't get to see very much," he said, reminding viewers that he was on air when the shooting took place. "I think it's unfortunate those situations take place."

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Reportedly, The Game returned to the Hot 97 offices after hearing 50's comments. He had with him a group of men, all of whom attempted to gain entry to the radio station. Security guards refused, and an argument ensued, including a group of people leaving the radio station. During this scuffle, Reed was shot once in the left leg. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital and is expected to recover.

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50 Cent

Fans were wise to the problems stirring within G-Unit, but the camp continually downplayed the rumors. The group was able to make a video for the track "Hate It or Love It," convincing some, but not all, fans to believe the group was still united. While being interviewed by Flex, though, 50 claimed that he was bringing in more cash due to The Documentary than Game himself was and that he was responsible for more lyrics than was announced. He also revealed that were it not for his intervening, Interscope would have let Game go.

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The Game

Earlier in the day, during Game's interview with Hot 97, he was plagued with questions regarding 50's disses. This was before 50's interview that would take place later that night, ousting Game from G-Unit, but by this time rumors were swirling. To this, Game replied, "I'ma remain hood and keep making that good gangsta music. I'ma let them talk. I'ma play the background, let that man do what he do and keep it Compton."

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50 Cent

Surprisingly, the beef between 50 and The Game has been short-lived, at least on the surface. On March 9, the two held a press conference at Schomburg Center in Harlem, New York. Speaking to the importance of a unified community 50 stated, "I realized that if I'm going to be effective at that, I have to overcome some of my own. Game and I need to set an example in the community. I'm here to show that people can rise above difficult circumstances," he said, "for two most important groups: ourselves and our fans. This is an opportunity for people to see us make peace."

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The Game

The Game's statement was in the same vein as 50's: "We're making a statement louder than the sound of two voices," he announced. "Hip-hop is much bigger than us... I want to apologize on behalf of myself and 50 Cent to my fans, the record label, and radio." Although the two seemed strained, 50 did put his arm around The Game and even gave him a kiss. At the end, press photographers asked the two to shake hands for a better photo op, and the two agreed. Game stated, "I'm almost ashamed to have participated in the things that went on the past couple of weeks. I'm here, I'm apologetic. On behalf of myself and 50, we're making a statement that is a lot louder than just two voices," he added. "We're showing that you can control your destiny--not only your destiny, your future. ... Not only am I gonna control mine, I'm gonna control mine in a productive and positive way."

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50 Cent

You'll be hearing more about a new foundation soon, as 50 Cent has created a charity called G-Unity. 50 announced this new project just before the press conference, stating, "I'm launching a new foundation, the G-Unity Foundation Inc., to help people overcome obstacles and make a change for the better in their lives...to help them overcome their situations." 50 also donated money to the Harlem Boys Choir and Compton Unified School District Music Program.

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The Game

The Game also has his own foundation, called Black Wall Street. The purpose of the organization is to help the community by the power of business development. Regarding donating with 50 Cent to the Harlem Boys Choir, together the two gave $253,500. The Game also announced that 50 is also donating money to a charity close to The Game's heart.

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50 Cent

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50 Handles the Massacre

The Game

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Hate It or Love It? People Love The Game