50 Cent Exposes How Gangs Force Rappers to ‘Check In’ │ LA Crips Target 50?

The debate around gang culture in hip-hop has been ongoing for years, and now, 50 Cent is speaking out about the controversial practice known as “checking in.” Recent rumors suggested that the legendary rapper was targeted by the LA Crips and pressured into checking in when he arrived in Hollywood. Some sources even claimed that 50 was hospitalized after the alleged encounter. However, the rapper has now broken his silence, setting the record straight and making his stance on gang politics clear.

What is ‘Checking In’ and Why Does it Matter?

Checking in is a term used to describe when rappers or entertainers reach out to local gang figures for protection when entering a new city. While some view it as a sign of respect, others argue it’s nothing more than organized extortion under the guise of street culture.

50 Cent, known for his fearless attitude and deep ties to the streets, has now weighed in on the issue, questioning the legitimacy and purpose of gang life.

50 Cent’s Response to the Rumors

Despite multiple videos and social media posts claiming that 50 was confronted by LA Crips and forced to check in, it appears these reports were largely clickbait. The rapper himself has dismissed the claims, making it clear that he has never bowed down to any gang in his career.

Speaking on gang culture, 50 Cent stated:

“I’ve never seen anyone successful in a gang ever in the history of gangs.”

50 emphasized that while some individuals have left gang life and found success, remaining in such organizations has never led to long-term prosperity. He has maintained a neutral stance, never openly affiliating with any gang, even though he has been associated with both Bloods and Crips in various ways throughout his career.

50 Cent’s Street Cred and Past Conflicts

Born and raised in the streets of New York, 50 Cent has a past that includes drug dealing, surviving multiple assassination attempts, and going head-to-head with some of the most dangerous figures in the industry. One of the most notable feuds involved Jimmy Henchman, a powerful and feared drug kingpin.

According to reports, Henchman’s crew once attempted to take out 50 Cent on the set of a music video. However, the hit was unsuccessful due to their weapons malfunctioning at a critical moment. Tony Yayo, a close associate of 50, later revealed:

“They had silencers, but the gun jammed in the car. That’s why nothing happened.”

The situation with Henchman highlighted how deeply intertwined street life and the music industry can be, with many rappers forced to navigate dangerous territory.

The History of Extortion in Hip-Hop

The concept of rappers having to check in is not new. For decades, extortion has been a part of organized crime, dating back to the Mafia’s control over businesses in cities like New York and Chicago. When hip-hop started generating major revenue, rappers became prime targets for street gangs looking for an easy payday.

One of the most shocking cases involved Tupac Shakur. In 2011, the FBI released documents revealing that the Jewish Defense League (JDL), labeled a terrorist group by the FBI, was involved in an extortion scheme targeting major hip-hop artists, including Tupac and Eazy-E. The reports stated:

“The scheme involved making telephonic death threats to rap stars, then offering protection for a fee.”

Fast forward to today, and street gangs have taken a similar approach, demanding that artists check in and pay for protection when visiting certain cities.

Checking In: Respect or Extortion?

Some artists argue that checking in is simply a way to show respect to local figures when entering a new city. Others, like 50 Cent, see it as a form of exploitation.

While some artists comply with the practice, others have rejected it outright. Kanye West, for example, once found himself in a tense situation at a diner in NYC, where a group of men pulled up chairs at his table without ordering food. Feeling threatened, Kanye called Beanie Sigel for backup, highlighting how even non-gang-affiliated artists often find themselves caught up in the politics of the streets.

50 Cent’s Final Word

Despite the ongoing conversation about checking in, 50 Cent has made it clear that he does not subscribe to the idea. Having built his career on resilience and independence, he refuses to bow down to any gang or street organization.

“The best thing is to make your money and get out of the streets.”

As the conversation around gang culture in hip-hop continues, 50 Cent remains one of the few rappers willing to call out the system and question whether these so-called codes truly benefit the artists or simply line the pockets of those in power.