On Saturday, July 13, former President Donald Trump survived an apparent assassination attempt during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. The incident quickly drew widespread attention, including from rapper 50 Cent, who used the moment to reflect on his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’.
During the rally, gunshots rang out, causing chaos as Secret Service agents rushed to protect Trump. Despite the immediate danger, Trump emerged with only minor injuries, notably a bloodied ear and face, as he continued to show his defiance with a raised fist to the crowd. Unfortunately, one rally attendee and the suspected shooter were killed in the chaos.
The event moved 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, who shared his thoughts on social media. He posted a still image from the rally, followed by an altered cover of his debut album, featuring Trump’s face on his body. This nods to his own experience with violence in the past.
50 Cent’s debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, released in 2003, is a significant part of hip-hop history. The album topped the Billboard 200 charts and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. One of its tracks, Many Men (Wish Death), is particularly relevant in light of recent events. The song narrates 50 Cent’s own survival story, having been shot nine times in an attempt on his life.
The attempted assassination of Trump has led to a flood of reactions on social media, with many drawing parallels between Trump’s ordeal and the themes of survival and defiance in Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Comments on 50 Cent’s posts ranged from humorous to supportive, with some suggesting the former president’s “street cred” had just increased.