50 Cent is apparently still keeping score with Jay-Z — and a 23-year-old sneaker decision is the reason.
The Queens rapper and entertainment mogul recently revisited his 2003 Reebok campaign with Jay-Z, revealing a behind-the-scenes clash over what he wore for the commercial.
According to 50, the drama started when the first G-Unit sneaker sample arrived while they were filming the Reebok spot.
Instead of wearing the footwear provided for the campaign, 50 decided to put on the unreleased G-Unit model.
Apparently, Jay-Z was not feeling that decision.
“See Jay still owe me a favor for doing this shit,” 50 wrote on Instagram while revisiting the moment.
“They brought me the first G-Unit sample while we was recording this,” he continued.
“I said I’m wearing my shoe in this. Jay got so mad John McNeilly said I’m gonna get fired. LOL. True story!”
So, according to 50’s recollection, wearing his own sneaker nearly turned into a career problem on set.
And more than two decades later, he hasn’t forgotten it.
The story resurfaced as Reebok brought back the red, white and blue G-Unit G6 in 2026. The reissue reportedly sold out within two hours, showing the sneaker still has serious pull with hip-hop fans.
50 celebrated the demand while also taking another shot at longtime rival Rick Ross, who had mocked the G6 comeback.
“Sold out, fat boy,” 50 wrote.
But the G6’s return represents more than another sneaker drop for 50.
The original G-Unit footwear helped establish his influence outside music at a time when rappers were increasingly turning their names, brands and cultural influence into business opportunities.
“Reebok took a chance on me early, and it paid off in a big way for us both,” 50 recently told Complex.
He also credited the G6 with helping create a new lane for hip-hop artists in sneaker culture and giving artists opportunities beyond simply making music.
Now, with the G6 back in demand, 50 is looking back at the Reebok era — and reminding Jay-Z that, according to him, the rapper still owes him one.
Decades later, apparently, that sneaker debt is still open.
