50 Cent goes viral for rant about Knicks, Pope, and Kanye at MSG [PHOTO]

50 Cent’s Wild Post-Game Rant Stuns Fans After Knicks’ Playoff Loss

50 Cent is no stranger to viral moments. However, his latest post-game social media rant has sent shockwaves through the internet. He attended Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference First Round between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons on April 21. Afterwards, the rapper took to Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to vent about the game—and so much more. He did so in a way only 50 can. So, the internet was left in shambles.

Sitting courtside at Madison Square Garden, 50 Cent (born Curtis Jackson) was visibly frustrated as the Knicks fell to the Pistons 100-94. This loss ties the series at 1-1, giving Detroit the advantage. The rapper was seated alongside fellow hip hop heavyweight Fat Joe. He didn’t just direct his ire at the team’s loss—he unleashed a full-blown rant. It included the death of Pope Francis and a shocking revelation from Kanye West.

“Fvck today man the Knicks lost, the pope died, and Kanye told us he his cousin’s for 8 years,” he wrote in a now-viral Instagram caption. “I’m going to bed early, tomorrow gotta be a better day.”

Though laced with frustration and explicit language, the post was 50’s real-time reaction to a whirlwind of news that dropped within hours. The unexpected combination of basketball disappointment, a global religious leader’s death, and a jaw-dropping Kanye confession made for one of the most surreal celebrity reactions in recent memory. Of course, 50 made the perfect narrator. His rant was dripping with NYC.

50 Confronts Joe Budden Courtside

In an unexpected twist, 50 Cent didn’t just keep his commentary online. Multiple witnesses confirm that during the game, he also confronted Joe Budden over recent remarks the podcaster made defending Irv Gotti—the late Murder Inc. co-founder who had a long-standing feud with 50. Budden had also called out 50 for mocking Irv’s death, a move that didn’t sit well with the G-Unit mogul.

Both 50 and Joe Budden debuted in 2003. At the time of their debuts, they also had issues with each other. However, the feud between 50 and Budden didn’t run as deep as 50’s issues with Murder Inc. As a result, the 50 Cent-Joe Budden beef never got the same level of attention. But it has led to the occasional insults. Now, it led to an actual confrontation between the two that ironically led to peace.

Adding to the tension, 50 shared a lighter moment with Fat Joe, who apparently joked that the rapper didn’t need therapy anymore. “I ran into Joe at the game,” 50 captioned a photo from the event. “He said I don’t need therapy no more!”

Pope Francis Passes Away

News of Pope Francis’ death broke earlier that same day. The 88-year-old pontiff died from a stroke and related health complications after a long battle with respiratory issues. As the first Latin American pope and a globally respected spiritual leader, his death marked a significant moment in global news.

Due to the Pope’s standing, almost everyone gave respectful condolences. Everyone from random people on social media, to the president spoke. In fact, the Vice President just visited the Pope, days before his death. As a result, his statement on the Pope’s passing carried an additional weight.

While most paid tribute in reverent tones, 50 Cent’s blunt mention of the Pope’s passing added to the surreal tone of his rant—a mix of sincere reaction, fatigue, and signature dark humor.

Kanye West’s Shocking Revelation

Perhaps the most controversial part of 50’s post was the mention of Kanye West’s trending confession. Earlier that day, Kanye sparked international headlines after revealing via X that he had been abused by a male cousin from ages six to fourteen. The revelation was tied to the promotion of his new single, titled “Cousins,” which includes graphic lyrics and references to nitrous addiction.

Kanye’s wife Bianca Censori addressed the viral post with a somber message: “Not all scars need to be public. This one hurts.”

The deeply personal nature of Kanye’s confession has drawn a mixture of empathy and criticism, but 50’s casual incorporation of it into his rant sparked its own debate about timing, sensitivity, and online behavior.

Social Media Reacts

The post quickly drew intense reactions on X:

@Carcin0genesis: “Kanye to his cousin for 8 years.”

@SIR_CHOPPIER: “Joking about childhood trauma lol 50 cent a fool.”

@StingWray06: [shares meme clip]

@SergGodina: “[Laughing emojis] fif.”

@RobGilSR: “Of course he found a way to say all that in one post.”

While some fans laughed at 50’s signature over-the-top delivery, others questioned whether this moment crossed a line, especially in light of the trauma being discussed.

The Knicks Collapse

The backdrop for 50’s rant was the Knicks’ frustrating Game 2 loss. Despite Jalen Brunson’s 37-point effort, the team was unable to overcome the Pistons’ late-game surge led by Cade Cunningham and Dennis Schroder. The Pistons snapped a 15-game postseason losing streak, tying the series 1-1.

Eerily, the Knicks’ play in this series is reminiscent of their play last year, against Philadelphia. That series was filled with thrilling endings and rallies. While the Knicks definitely had their share of letdowns, they eventually beat the 76ers. However, that series went to a Game 7. Meanwhile, this year, fans wanted the Knicks to go up 2-0, 50 included.

Fans were especially disheartened as the Knicks gave up a critical lead in the final minute. As one of the team’s most high-profile fans, 50’s reaction was both personal and performative—and reflected the mood of many in the Garden that night.

A Perfect Storm of Chaos

The April 21 trifecta of high-stakes playoff basketball, the death of a spiritual leader, and Kanye’s eyebrow-raising confession created the perfect storm for a social media spectacle. 50 Cent, as always, capitalized on the moment to entertain, shock, and stir the pot.

While some dismissed his comments as typical 50 antics, others saw the post as a raw, if insensitive, reflection of a chaotic news cycle.

Regardless of interpretation, the post hit the algorithm in full force. Within hours, screenshots, memes, and debates flooded platforms from Instagram to TikTok to Reddit.

Final Word

For those familiar with 50 Cent, none of this is new. He’s long thrived at the intersection of humor, controversy, and cultural commentary. Whether celebrating or trolling, he knows how to dominate a news cycle.

His latest post might be offensive to some, hilarious to others, and headline-making for everyone else. But one thing is certain: in 2025, 50 Cent remains as unfiltered as ever.

And when the Knicks lose, nobody is safe.