50 Cent takes on Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre
50 Cent Accuses Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine of Being Mad Over Sleek by 50
50 Cent is once again making waves in the music industry. However, this time it’s not about his music—it’s about his business. The G-Unit general has taken to Twitter to air out frustrations against his former mentors, Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, alleging that they are upset about his latest venture into the headphone business with Sleek by 50.
50 Cent Takes His Frustrations to Twitter
On February 14, 2011, 50 Cent shocked fans by posting a series of tweets claiming that Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine were unhappy with him launching his own line of headphones. According to the Queens rapper, his former bosses were not pleased with the Sleek by 50 headphones competing directly against the Beats by Dre brand.
“Jimmy Iovine and Dre mad at me cause I’m doing Sleek by 50. I guess I’m not going to be on Detox lol.”
50’s tweets quickly went viral, with fans speculating about a potential fallout between the rap mogul and his former collaborators. He continued his rant by suggesting that he was preparing to drop a diss track aimed at Dre and Iovine.
“Would you faint if I told you I just wrote a verse about Jimmy and Dre? Oh my god, this is hard. This sh*t gonna kill.”
A Rift Years in the Making
50 Cent’s tweets may have come as a shock to some. However, tensions between him and Dr. Dre have been brewing for quite some time. The two have worked together since 2003, when Dre produced multiple tracks for 50’s breakout album, Get Rich or Die Tryin.’ Dre produced In Da Club, wich wound up being 50’s biggest hit. However, as 50’s career progressed, his relationship with Dre and Interscope Records chairman Jimmy Iovine reportedly soured.
In 2009, 50 Cent released his fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct, which included subliminal disses aimed at Dr. Dre. However, he later downplayed any real issues between them. Despite this, Dre’s re-signing of The Game to Aftermath Records—after his highly publicized beef with 50 Cent—only added to the tension.
The Business Behind the Beef
50 Cent’s Sleek by 50 headphones were introduced at CES 2011. Therefore, marking his entry into the highly lucrative headphone industry. His headphones were marketed as a premium alternative to Beats by Dre. Thus, offering wireless technology and military-grade materials.
This move puts him in direct competition with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, who have built the Beats by Dre brand into a cultural phenomenon. 50 Cent expressed disappointment that he wasn’t included in the Beats empire from the beginning.
“I don’t get it. When they did their deal, I didn’t get upset. Now I’m mad they didn’t put me or Em in that deal.”
Eminem Caught in the Middle?
Throughout his tweets, 50 Cent also referenced Eminem. Thus, implying that their shared mentor might be shocked at the ongoing drama.
“Em gonna have a heart attack when he hear this sh*t damn lol.”
Eminem has remained silent on the issue, but given his close relationships with both Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, it is unclear whether he will attempt to mediate or stay out of the feud entirely.
In the past, Eminem has jumped into feuds on 50 Cent’s behalf. However, with Like Toy Soldiers, Em removed himself from the drama. Despite this, 50 engaged other high-profile beefs, and Eminem remained silent. But if 50 really goes there with Dr. Dre, Em may be compelled to do and say something.
The Future of Detox and 50 Cent’s Role
Dr. Dre has been working on his highly anticipated album, Detox, for over a decade. 50 Cent had previously been rumored to appear on the album, but following this fallout, it appears that his contributions may now be scrapped. Given 50’s latest remarks, it is likely that any chance of reconciliation with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine will depend on whether this business dispute escalates further.
Meanwhile, Dr. Dre did a soft launch of his album. Last year, he released his single, “Kush,” featuring both Akon and Snoop Dogg. While the song is a certified banger, it peaked at number 34 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, it peaked at number 11 on the rap charts. However, it’s been obvious for some time that 50 Cent won’t appear on this album.
Could 50 Cent Release a Diss Track?
Fans are now speculating whether 50 Cent will follow through with his tweet about recording a diss track aimed at Dre and Iovine. Historically, 50 has not shied away from rap beefs, having taken on the likes of Ja Rule, Fat Joe, The Game, and Rick Ross. If he does drop a song addressing the situation, it could add another layer of drama to an already explosive situation.
Through his career, 50 has referred to himself as “teflon.” Ironically, Ross used this same word to title his most-recent album. However, 50 Cent was dissing major figures in the rap game while releasing the highest-selling albums of all-time. He did this with the backing of Dre and Iovine. So, to go from having their support, to dissing them could be a step even 50 Cent wouldn’t take.
What’s Next for Sleek by 50?
Despite the controversy, Sleek by 50 is moving forward. As a result, there are plans for a full retail launch later in 2011. 50 Cent appears committed to growing his headphone brand, despite his falling out with Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
Only time will tell if this feud will escalate further, or if business and music will eventually bring these former allies back together.
Final Thoughts
The drama surrounding 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, and Jimmy Iovine is yet another example of how business ventures can complicate long-standing relationships in the music industry. The Sleek by 50 may be a promising brand. However, it has already created unexpected friction between some of hip-hop’s biggest moguls.
Whether this situation resolves itself behind closed doors or spills over into diss tracks and public confrontations, it’s clear that 50 Cent is not backing down from his latest battle. However, there’s also this thought to keep in mind. 50 most often uses beef and controversy to market his products.
