By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – The long-standing lyrical animosity between hip-hop titans Rick Ross and 50 Cent has once again erupted, this time centered around the commercial performance of Ross’s latest album, "Set in Stone." In a fiery retort delivered via his Instagram Story on Thursday, July 23rd, Rick Ross not only dismissed 50 Cent’s criticisms but boldly proclaimed his album to be a contender for "album of the year." This declaration came in direct response to 50 Cent’s public commentary suggesting that "Set in Stone" had experienced disappointing initial sales figures.
Ross, known for his larger-than-life persona and strategic marketing, addressed the situation with his signature bravado. "Album of the year," he stated with unwavering confidence in the video, his voice resonating with a sense of defiance. "Whenever the final numbers come in, I’ma throw a party. Because the B.O.A.T. can do this." The acronym "B.O.A.T." (Boss of All Time) is a moniker Ross frequently employs to signify his esteemed position in the rap hierarchy. His assertion suggests an expectation of robust long-term sales and critical acclaim, regardless of early projections.
The Miami-based rapper didn’t stop at self-promotion; he swiftly turned his attention to his longtime rival, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson. Ross directly challenged 50 Cent, referencing a past financial controversy. "How’s it going in Shreveport?" Ross inquired, alluding to a specific location where 50 Cent had reportedly been involved in a financial dispute. "You borrowed all them people money. Did you give the money back?…Give them people back they money, Curtis." This jab appears to be a calculated move to deflect attention from the sales debate by highlighting a perceived hypocrisy or unresolved issue in 50 Cent’s own past.
50 Cent, never one to shy away from a public exchange, quickly responded on his own Instagram account. His reaction was a mixture of amusement and continued taunting. "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," 50 Cent wrote, dismissing Ross’s "album of the year" claim and reiterating his belief in the album’s underwhelming commercial performance. He further amplified his point by sharing a video of an individual discussing alleged struggles with Rick Ross’s tour ticket sales. "The Boat sank album went wood LOL Nobody checking for that bullsh*t!" 50 Cent captioned this clip, employing a common slang term to suggest a lack of interest or failure.
The current exchange marks a resurgence of the long-standing feud between the two hip-hop moguls, which has seen numerous lyrical jabs and social media skirmishes over the years. The latest chapter began earlier this week when 50 Cent publicly alleged that "Set in Stone," which was released on July 17th, had sold a mere 2,000 copies. He posted on Instagram, stating, "Yo had 20 features and it didn’t help. Alright now pack it up it’s over officer. Get ya bum juice and ya wings and get the f**k up outta here. LOL." This comment underscored 50 Cent’s disbelief that an album with such a high number of guest features could still underperform, implying a significant lack of appeal.
As the public debate intensifies, the official first-week sales figures for Rick Ross’s "Set in Stone" are anticipated to be released early next week. These numbers will provide a clearer picture of the album’s initial commercial reception and will undoubtedly fuel further commentary from both artists and their respective fan bases. The rivalry between Rick Ross and 50 Cent continues to be a captivating subplot in the contemporary hip-hop landscape, demonstrating the enduring power of established artists to generate buzz and controversy, even amidst shifting industry trends and the ever-present scrutiny of album sales. The "album of the year" declaration by Ross, juxtaposed with 50 Cent’s dismissive critiques, sets the stage for a compelling reveal of the album’s true performance metrics and the potential continuation of their public sparring match.
