By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – The simmering feud between hip-hop titans Rick Ross and 50 Cent has once again erupted, this time ignited by alleged album sales figures. Rick Ross, the charismatic mogul known as "The Bawse," has fiercely defended his latest musical offering, "Set in Stone," amidst pointed criticism and mockery from his long-time rival, 50 Cent. In a series of candid social media posts, Ross not only dismissed the sales critiques but boldly declared his album the "album of the year," setting the stage for a renewed lyrical and public relations battle.
The controversy began when 50 Cent, never one to shy away from a public spat, took to Instagram to question the commercial performance of "Set in Stone," which was released on July 17th. Citing unverified reports, 50 Cent claimed that the album, despite featuring a considerable twenty guest artists, had only managed to sell under ten thousand copies. He further embellished his critique by referencing alleged struggles with ticket sales for Ross’s associated tour dates, sarcastically dubbing the album a "sunk ship" and its concept "wood."
Rick Ross, however, was not one to remain silent under fire. In a direct response video posted to his Instagram Story, the Miami-based rapper exuded confidence and defiance. "Album of the year," Ross stated emphatically, his voice layered with his signature baritone. He went on to promise a celebratory party once the official first-week sales figures are tallied, a testament to his unwavering belief in his project’s artistic merit and potential impact.
Beyond defending his own work, Ross also turned his attention back to 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson. He subtly alluded to past business dealings and financial controversies surrounding 50 Cent, questioning his current whereabouts and financial stability. "How’s it going in Shreveport?" Ross queried, referencing a location potentially linked to Jackson’s business ventures. "You borrowed all them people money. Did you give the money back?… Give them people back they money, Curtis." This counter-attack aimed to shift the narrative and highlight perceived hypocrisies from his adversary.
50 Cent, undeterred by Ross’s retort, quickly fired back on his own Instagram account. He shared Ross’s video with a dismissive caption, stating, "LOL HE GOT AWAY WITH IT FOR A WHILE, BUT ITS OVER NOW JIG IS UP! 20 features under 10 thousand sales Damn boy it’s over." He also reposted a video from a man discussing the supposed difficulties in selling tour tickets for Rick Ross’s shows, further fueling the public perception of underperformance.
The history between Rick Ross and 50 Cent is a well-documented saga in hip-hop lore. Their rivalry, which began in the mid-2000s, has been characterized by a series of diss tracks, public taunts, and social media exchanges. While the intensity of their beef has ebbed and flowed over the years, it consistently reignites when either artist perceives an opportunity to gain leverage or draw attention to themselves. This latest exchange is a stark reminder of their enduring animosity and their willingness to engage in public discourse surrounding their careers and commercial success.
The official first-week sales data for Rick Ross’s "Set in Stone" is anticipated to be released early next week. Until then, the narrative remains dominated by the back-and-forth between these two hip-hop heavyweights. Whether Ross’s declaration of "album of the year" is a strategic marketing ploy or a genuine belief in his artistic vision, it has undeniably amplified the conversation around his new project. The outcome of this sales battle, coupled with the ongoing lyrical sparring, will undoubtedly continue to captivate fans and observers of the hip-hop landscape. The "B.O.A.T." (Boss of All Bosses), as Ross often refers to himself, has made it clear that he is prepared to weather the storm and emerge with his head held high, regardless of the final sales figures. His confidence, coupled with his pointed jabs at 50 Cent, suggests that this particular chapter of their long-standing feud is far from over. The music industry watches with keen interest as this high-stakes drama unfolds, a testament to the enduring power of rivalry and the relentless pursuit of dominance in the competitive world of hip-hop.
