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The Ultimatum That Saved the Super Bowl: How Eminem Got 50 Cent on Stage
50 Cent's iconic upside-down performance at the 2022 Super Bowl almost didn't happen. Organizers were hesitant to include him until headliner Eminem issued a simple ultimatum: he wouldn't perform unless his longtime friend and collaborator was there too.
A Halftime Show for the Ages
The 2022 Super Bowl Halftime show was a spectacular tribute to hip-hop royalty. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar delivered a performance that resonated across generations. But one of the most talked-about moments was the surprise appearance of 50 Cent, who recreated his iconic "In Da Club" music video by performing upside down. It was a viral moment, but one that was nearly cut before it even happened.
The Star Who Almost Wasn't There
In a recent interview, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson revealed that his inclusion in the star-studded lineup was far from guaranteed. According to the rapper, the show's organizers were apprehensive about his presence, expressing concerns that prevented him from being part of the initial plan. Speaking on the matter, 50 Cent explained the resistance he faced.
"They didn't want me there... I think they were really worried about me being there."
While the exact reasons for the organizers' hesitation remain unclear, the situation was serious enough that it required a powerful ally to intervene. That ally was the very person who signed him and launched his career: Eminem.
"I'm Not Doing It Without 50"
With the show hanging in the balance, Eminem, one of the key headliners, drew a line in the sand. He reportedly told Dr. Dre and the organizers that his participation was contingent on 50 Cent's. This wasn't a negotiation; it was an ultimatum. 50 Cent recalled how his friend and mentor advocated for him.
"He was like, 'I'm not doing it without 50.' And so he's like a brother to me, man. When he says something, I know he means it. And he's not a guy that's just saying something. He's like, 'Yo, I'm not doing it.' So we had to do it."
Eminem's unwavering loyalty not only secured 50's spot but also came at a significant cost. 50 Cent noted that Eminem personally covered the expenses needed to add him to the show, a testament to a bond that goes far beyond music.
A Brotherhood Forged in Music
This act of solidarity is just one chapter in the long history of Eminem and 50 Cent's relationship. After surviving a near-fatal shooting, 50 Cent was famously discovered by Eminem, who signed him to Shady Records in 2002. Under the mentorship of Eminem and Dr. Dre, he released his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin', which became a cultural phenomenon. Over the years, their connection has been described by both artists as more of a brotherhood than a business partnership. This Super Bowl moment served as a public reaffirmation of that deep-rooted loyalty.
The Power of Loyalty
In an industry often characterized by fleeting alliances and rivalries, Eminem's ultimatum stands out. It's a powerful reminder that genuine friendship and loyalty can still prevail. Without his insistence, one of the most memorable moments in recent Super Bowl history would have never happened, and the stage would have been missing a crucial piece of its hip-hop puzzle. It proved, once again, that the bond between them is unbreakable.