RAP BEEF TIMELINE · 2004–2019
50 Cent vs. Jadakiss
“New York,” “Piggy Bank,” and “Checkmate”
Jadakiss’s feature on Ja Rule’s “New York” makes him collateral in 50 Cent’s Murder Inc. war. “Piggy Bank” and “Checkmate” create a defining New York record-for-record exchange, followed by a broader G-Unit/D-Block mixtape phase and a Chris Lighty-era peace.
THE RECORD
The moments
Music industry
“New York” makes Jadakiss collateral in the Ja Rule war
Jadakiss joins Ja Rule and Fat Joe on the New York anthem. He later says he saw it as a city record with an artist he entered the business alongside—not an alliance in Ja’s fight with 50—but 50 reads it as taking a side.
“I liked the song—it was a good song. It was representing New York.”Jadakiss, reflecting on “New York”
▶ Watch “New York”Read the receipt ↗Diss track
“Piggy Bank” fires 50’s first direct shot
On The Massacre, 50 Cent targets Jadakiss alongside Fat Joe, Nas, and Kelis—challenging Kiss’s national reach and framing him as a local act. The Ja Rule feature has now become a direct two-person record battle.
“Jada' don't fuck with me, if you wanna eat / 'Cause I'll do yo' little ass like Jay did Mobb Deep.”50 Cent, “Piggy Bank”
▶ Watch “Piggy Bank”Diss track
“Checkmate” answers with a defining diss record
Jadakiss responds almost immediately with “Checkmate,” attacking 50’s credibility, commercial formula, and gunshot mythology. He later says the record charted and became a major touring and earning moment for him.
“It'll take a lifetime to see Kiss / You had to get shot nine times to be rich!”Jadakiss, “Checkmate”
▶ Watch “Checkmate”Diss track
G-Unit and D-Block spread the feud through mixtapes
The core exchange widens to both crews through mixtape cuts and subliminals, including G-Unit records and D-Block answers. The rhetoric stays musical; it does not become a documented direct physical conflict between 50 and Jadakiss.
Read the receipt ↗Reconciliation
Chris Lighty’s death creates a public peace—and the memory turns warm
At the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards, 50 Cent, Jadakiss, and Fat Joe join the tribute to their late manager Chris Lighty. Later reflections confirm the tension is over, with Jadakiss describing the clash as a profitable career moment rather than an enduring grudge.
“I made a lot of money off the 50 thing… The whole 50 thing was good for me.”Jadakiss, Real 92.3 interview
▶ Hear how the Jadakiss–50 Cent feud got squashedRead the receipt ↗
THE RECEIPTS
Sources and listening
Complex — Jadakiss reflects on the 50 Cent beef ↗Ja Rule feat. Jadakiss & Fat Joe — “New York” ↗50 Cent — “Piggy Bank” ↗Jadakiss — “Checkmate” ↗The FADER — Jadakiss looks back on the 50 Cent feud ↗ARTIST LENSES