The veteran rapper made that clear during a recent appearance on Andrew Schulz’s Flagrant podcast, where he addressed renewed debate around Lloyd Banks vs. Fabolous—and took time to defend 50 Cent amid fresh diss records and commentary circling the internet.
The conversation was sparked by a new Fabolous diss verse, where Fab took shots at 50 Cent alongside Jim Jones, Dave East, and Maino, and by chatter from the Let’s Rap About It podcast revisiting old hierarchies in New York hip-hop.
For Yayo, the argument starts with history.
“He Wanted to Sign to Our Label”
Yayo reminded listeners that before comparisons ever existed, Fabolous once sought opportunity through G-Unit.
“The guy that they are saying is better than Banks wanted to sign to our label,” Yayo said.
He also emphasized 50 Cent’s role in Fab’s early exposure, adding:
“50 took him overseas.”
That context, Yayo suggested, makes recent shots at 50 feel ungrateful.
Yayo on 50 Cent: “People Always Turn on Him”
Defending his longtime collaborator, Yayo framed 50 Cent as someone who consistently opens doors—only to be criticized later.
“50 does a lot for people,” Yayo said. “But them people always seem to turn on him.”
The comment echoed a recurring theme in 50 Cent’s career, where partnerships often fracture once success and independence follow.
Andrew Schulz jumped in to praise Yayo’s loyalty, calling it one of his most admirable traits. Yayo didn’t disagree.
Gratitude, G-Unit, and Being “The Most Hated”
Yayo explained that gratitude shaped G-Unit’s outlook during its rise.
“I live in the moment. I appreciate everything,” he said, reflecting on the group’s run filled with music, parties, and momentum.
But he also noted that success came with backlash.
“We were the most hated,” Yayo said.
He contrasted that with how artists rally around whoever currently has heat.
“When DJ Khaled is hot, what do muthafuckas do? They hold their hands close to the fire.”
Lloyd Banks vs. Fabolous: The Writing Argument
When it came to the Banks vs. Fab debate, Yayo was direct but measured.
He acknowledged Fabolous’ talent, but challenged how critics evaluate greatness.
“A lot of Fab’s biggest records are with features,” Yayo said.
By contrast, he praised Lloyd Banks’ pen and independence, pointing to his mixtape dominance and songwriting ability.
“Banks wrote the hook, he wrote the record,” Yayo said.
To Yayo, the difference comes down to authorship, contribution, and who carried the weight creatively.
Final Verdict
Yayo made it clear he wasn’t dismissing Fabolous.
“I’m not saying he’s not nice,” he said. “But I feel like Banks is better.”
For Tony Yayo, the legacy argument isn’t about popularity—it’s about writing, originality, and real contribution.
And when it comes to 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks, Yayo is standing ten toes down.
