50 Cent is not here for tax hikes—or unsolicited shoutouts from politicians. The rapper-turned-mogul fired off a scorching clapback at New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, who mentioned him in an interview while promoting a proposed tax increase for the city’s top 1%.
The now-deleted Instagram post caused a stir across social media, with fans both laughing at 50’s signature trolling style and questioning why he eventually took it down.
And while that drama unfolded online, 50 also made waves with a surprising announcement: He’s stepping into the world of Street Fighter—literally.
The Political Drag: “Whose Friend Is This?”
The fire started when Zohran Mamdani, a progressive candidate for NYC mayor, made a passing remark about 50 Cent in a recent interview discussing his proposal to add a flat 2% income tax for those making $1 million or more per year.
“I know if 50 Cent is listening, he’s not going to be happy about this,” Mamdani said. “He tends not to like this tax policy, but I want to be very clear—this is about $20,000 a year.”
It didn’t take long for the quote to reach 50 Cent—who, true to form, clapped back on Instagram with a now-deleted post that included:
“Where did he come from? Whose friend is this? I’m not feeling this plan. No. I will give him $258,750 and a first-class one-way ticket away from NY.”
He added in classic 50 fashion:
“I’m telling Trump what he said, too!”
Fans were instantly divided—some cheering on his take-no-prisoners attitude, while others raised eyebrows at the Trump comment. Still, many noted that this kind of online sparring is exactly the brand of unfiltered trolling that made 50 a legend on and off the mic.
Deleted—but Not Forgotten
While 50 eventually deleted the post, it had already made its rounds across Twitter, Reddit, and hip-hop blogs. The reason for the deletion remains unclear. It could be strategic cleanup—or just another example of 50 posting wild thoughts before walking them back.
“50 Cent deleting a post? That’s rare,” one user commented. “Must’ve hit a nerve.”
From Politics to Punches: 50 Cent Joins Street Fighter Cast
The rapper didn’t let the political buzz slow down his Hollywood grind. In a separate announcement, 50 revealed he’s officially gearing up for a new film role in the upcoming Street Fighter reboot, where he’s expected to play Balrog, the iconic powerhouse boxer from the franchise.
In a hyped-up Instagram post, he wrote:
“No days off. Let’s work. All roads lead to Shreveport.”
Though the studio has yet to confirm the full cast lineup, rumors say the film will also feature:
- WWE superstar Roman Reigns
- Andrew Koji (Warrior)
- Noah Centineo (Black Adam)
- Jason Momoa (Aquaman)
This marks a big moment for 50’s already stacked acting résumé. He’s previously starred in:
- Boneyard (2024) with Mel Gibson
- Escape Plan alongside Sylvester Stallone
- Southpaw with Jake Gyllenhaal
- His iconic debut in Get Rich or Die Tryin’
- And of course, as the mastermind behind the Power universe
50 Cent: Media Mogul on the Move
Beyond acting, 50 is steadily growing his influence in film and television. His channel 50 Cent Action—which streams action-packed films and series—recently expanded its footprint by launching in the United Kingdom, signaling even more global reach for the G-Unit empire.
“I told y’all I’m building an empire. We’re just getting started,” he posted earlier this year.
From TV to feature films to owning his own network, it’s clear 50 isn’t slowing down—whether he’s sparring with politicians or entering iconic gaming franchises.
Fans React: “50 Playing Balrog? Say Less.”
Social media exploded following the Street Fighter news:
- “50 Cent as Balrog?? I’m in.”
- “He already looks like he could knock somebody out with a stare.”
- “Please tell me this movie’s rated R and chaotic.”
- “From trolling politicians to being in Street Fighter—this man stays winning.”
Many fans pointed out that 50’s tough-guy persona and boxing background make him a perfect fit for the role of Balrog, who’s known in the game for his brute force, attitude, and no-nonsense energy.
Final Thoughts: A Classic 50 Cent Week
Only 50 Cent could spend one week dragging a political candidate for using his name, teasing a presidential call, deleting the evidence—and then casually announcing he’s joining an iconic video game movie reboot.
It’s the kind of chaotic, headline-dominating energy that’s defined his career for over two decades. And as he balances media mogul moves with unapologetic trolling, one thing’s clear: 50 Cent stays in the conversation—on his own terms.
What Do You Think?
Would you vote for Mamdani, or are you riding with 50 on this one?
Are you excited to see him play Balrog in Street Fighter?
Drop your takes below—and stay tuned to The Pop Radar (TPR) for more celeb heat, pop culture chaos, and breaking movie news!
