Hip-hop mogul 50 Cent isn’t holding back against critics of his Las Vegas residency, directly addressing negative reviews during his final performance at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.
‘Worst Live Performance’?
The controversy ignited when influential blogger Jennifer Gay (Vegas Starfish), who boasts nearly one million followers, posted a scathing review on Instagram.
Gay claimed to have seen 50 Cent perform in Memphis warehouses years ago, and called the residency “the worst live performance, for any artist” she had ever attended.
She criticized everything from audio quality to stage design, suggesting the show failed to deliver on its promised “unforgettable night full of surprises and energy.”
During his closing show, 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson, confronted the criticism head-on. “They said the audio was bad,” he told the sold-out crowd. “I said, ‘B—ch, you was supposed to say some sh-t like, ’50 be doing this sh-t.'”
50 Cent responds to backlash about the audio at his Las Vegas residency. pic.twitter.com/p93C3GyJS8
— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) January 5, 2025
He then demonstrated his signature move where his extended arm goes up and down, while he moves his hips in a side-to-side motion.
The rapper further defended his performance style, taking shots at other artists’ theatrical approaches, “What you thought, I was gonna be out here rollerblading like Usher? I seen some sh-t, Chris Brown was flying in Africa. I don’t have records that require me to fly in Africa.”
Not all reviews were negative.
Hip-hop influencer Dove Clark defended the show, stating, “I thought it was great. 50 has never been a hype performer, that’s just not his style. So where he lacks in energy on the stage he more than delivered otherwise.” Clark suggested under Gay’s comments that she had misunderstood 50 Cent’s performance style despite claiming familiarity with his earlier work.
There were other ways that the “21 Questions” artist clapped back.
Rather than engaging in a prolonged war of words, 50 Cent responded by strategically posting a behind-the-scenes video on Jan. 7 on Instagram. The footage featured fans and celebrities praising the show and congratulating him on its success. The rapper let the footage speak for itself, posting it without a caption.
The controversy over how dope the show was hit toward the end of the run and did not impact the residency’s financial success. By most video accounts, there were few seats available with the crowds partying hard. Actor Ving Rhames, who attended, said the show was incredible.
According to TMZ, the “Power” executive also earned $15 million up front for just six shows.
The debate highlights the evolving expectations for hip-hop performances in Las Vegas, where artists increasingly face pressure to balance their authentic style with the theatrical expectations of Sin City audiences.
Rap reviews like DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic Live” show in July 2024 adapted seamlessly to Las Vegas’ storied entertainment culture by cleverly reimagining the “Rap Pack.”
July 5-6, July 12-13 & July 19-20: 'DJ Cassidy's Pass The Mic Live!' starring nightly: JA Rule, Fat Joe, Slick Rick & Doug E. Fresh. Rotating guests: Public Enemy, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Too Short, Warren G & more… Venue: Bakkt Theater, 3667 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV pic.twitter.com/pTdjsDEnQa
— Unique Heat 'Hip Hop' (@Unique_Heat) July 5, 2024
Featuring hip-hop legends like Chuck D., Slick Rick, Fat Joe, and Jermaine Dupri, the concert series paid homage to the city’s original icons. This thematic nod to Vegas’ classic entertainment roots allowed hip-hop to fit perfectly into the city’s traditional showbiz scene, proving its timeless appeal and cultural versatility.
While some critics demanded more elaborate staging and choreography, 50 Cent’s response suggests he prioritized staying true to his established performance style over conforming to Vegas showmanship traditions.
Despite the mixed reviews, the residency’s financial success and seemingly sold-out shows indicate that 50 Cent’s approach resonated with many fans, even as it sparked discussions about the changing nature of hip-hop performances on the Las Vegas Strip.
