In the ever-evolving world of hip-hop, few collaborations have stood the test of time like the partnership between Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, and Marshall Mathers, a.k.a. Eminem. Recently, 50 Cent offered a candid and humorous glimpse into the first time he met the rap icon, revealing how surreal and bewildering the experience was for him.

During an appearance on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast with hosts King Gillie and Wallo on Sunday, September 1, 2024, 50 Cent delved into the details of his initial encounter with Eminem. The moment, as he described it, was anything but ordinary.

“It was wild,” 50 Cent began, reminiscing about that fateful day. “It felt like… remember that show they had? Punk’d on MTV? I thought they had cameras and they was going to come out and say, ‘You’ve been punked.’”

The comparison to the infamous prank show perfectly captures the blend of excitement and disbelief that 50 Cent experienced during his first meeting with Eminem. Known for his tough exterior and street-smart persona, 50 Cent found himself questioning the authenticity of the situation, especially when Eminem’s enthusiasm seemed almost too good to be true.

Recalling the meeting in more detail, 50 Cent shared how he was flown out to Los Angeles by Eminem, a gesture that left him both flattered and suspicious. “He flew me to LA. I was so bugged out from the experience that I had my (bulletproof) vest on,” he revealed, emphasizing the level of caution he maintained even in what was supposed to be a celebratory moment.

Despite the intense circumstances, 50 Cent’s initial skepticism gave way to an unforgettable moment of camaraderie. “The lawyer that I had with me took me to him, and I get there, and he’s like, ‘Let me hug you. Yo, this is going to be the biggest sh*t,’” 50 Cent continued. “He’s so excited that it made me question whether what was happening was right ’cause it felt so good that it couldn’t be right.”

This recollection offers a rare glimpse into the vulnerability of a man who, at that time, was on the brink of becoming one of the most influential figures in hip-hop. The meeting marked the beginning of a legendary partnership that would go on to produce chart-topping hits and solidify both artists’ places in music history.

The bond between 50 Cent and Eminem is well-documented, with both artists frequently crediting each other for their success. However, hearing 50 Cent recount their first meeting serves as a reminder of the human side of these larger-than-life figures—individuals who, despite their fame, still experience moments of uncertainty and disbelief.

As 50 Cent looks back on that day, it’s clear that the initial bewilderment has long since faded, replaced by a deep respect and brotherhood that continues to thrive in the world of music.