The Day Rick Ross Found Out How Dangerous 50 Cent Really Was

50 Cent has built a reputation as one of hip-hop’s biggest trolls, taking rap beef to levels no one had seen before. From buying 200 front-row seats at Ja Rule’s concert just to make the venue look empty to publicly humiliating artists who owed him money, 50 thrives on controversy. However, out of all his rap feuds, no one likely regrets beefing with him more than Rick Ross.

The Feud Begins

The beef between 50 Cent and Rick Ross reportedly started over a misunderstanding at the 2008 BET Awards. Ross claimed he didn’t like the way 50 looked at him that night, though 50 later said he didn’t even remember seeing Ross there. Regardless of the real reason, what began as a petty dispute quickly spiraled into one of hip-hop’s most brutal and longest-running feuds.

Ross wasted no time firing the first shot. He released Mafia Music, a track containing a thinly veiled reference to the house fire that nearly killed 50 Cent’s baby mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, and their son. At the time, 50 and Tompkins were locked in a bitter custody and property battle, and the fire, which destroyed their home, only fueled suspicions. Though 50 was in Louisiana when the fire occurred, Rick Ross capitalized on the incident, taunting him with lyrics about burning down houses.

50 Cent’s Counterattack

50 Cent is not the type to let things slide. When Ross came at him, he retaliated with relentless attacks. He began referring to Ross as Officer Ricky, highlighting Ross’s past as a correctional officer—a career move that contradicted his drug kingpin persona. The nickname stuck, and 50 made sure no one forgot it.

The real damage, however, came when 50 exposed Ross’s biggest secrets. He dug up and widely circulated a 2006 article from The Smoking Gun that revealed Rick Ross’s real identity: William Leonard Roberts II, a former Florida correctional officer. The report included a damning photograph of a young Ross in uniform, shaking hands at his graduation from the academy. For an artist who built his entire brand on being a street boss, this revelation was a PR nightmare.

Ross initially denied everything, even claiming the image was photoshopped. But the evidence was overwhelming. As if that wasn’t enough, 50 took things further by creating an entire animated series called Officer Ricky, mocking Ross’s past in law enforcement.

Family Drama and Personal Attacks

50 Cent wasn’t just interested in embarrassing Ross—he wanted to dismantle his entire image. He strategically involved Ross’s baby mother, Tia Kemp, in his smear campaign. In a tell-all video interview with 50, Kemp exposed Ross’s alleged financial struggles, claiming his jewelry was rented, his cars were leased, and his persona was completely fabricated. 50 even planned to publish a book detailing her relationship with Ross, though it never materialized.

While Kemp was happy to help 50, another of Ross’s baby mothers, Lastonia Leviston, turned the tables on him. During the height of their feud, a private tape of Leviston was leaked online, with 50 Cent providing commentary as his alter ego Pimpin’ Curly. Leviston sued 50 for illegally posting the video, and the lawsuit dragged on for years. When it was finally settled, it had serious financial consequences for 50.

The Aftermath

Despite 50 Cent’s relentless attacks, Rick Ross’s career survived. While the Officer Ricky narrative hurt his credibility in some circles, his music continued to perform well commercially. Over the years, both artists moved on, though they still throw occasional jabs at each other.

In the end, Rick Ross learned firsthand just how dangerous 50 Cent can be when provoked. His strategic trolling and relentless exposure of secrets have left a lasting impact on hip-hop beefs, ensuring that anyone who dares to cross him thinks twice before doing so.