**50 Cent Reveals Big Labels Set Up Kendrick vs. Drake Beef for Profit**

Recently, 50 Cent made waves by suggesting that the music labels, particularly those associated with Drake, orchestrated the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar for financial gain. Speaking on *The View*, 50 Cent expressed his belief that artists shouldn’t be told what to create, as it might limit their involvement in the culture due to a lack of desired knowledge. This context set the stage for his shocking claims about the manipulation of artist rivalries by labels.

Footage has surfaced showing 50 Cent discussing Drake’s changing treatment within the industry. He criticized Universal Music Group (UMG) for allegedly intervening in the feud between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, known professionally as Aubrey Drake Graham and Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, respectively. Despite UMG’s denials of such interventions, 50 Cent emphasized that the backlash against success in hip-hop often comes from within the artist community itself. He mentioned the common mentality in hip-hop of questioning what an artist has done recently, which adds pressure to their careers.

Reports from *Hot New Hip Hop* suggested that UMG had previously engaged with TikTok over licensing and artificial intelligence issues and was now accused of meddling in the Drake-Kendrick feud due to Drake’s perceived disadvantage. Even Joe Rogan commented on the unusual number of songs being released, speculating on the negative long-term impact of such feuds on the artists involved.

A leaked document purportedly detailed how UMG instructed Kendrick Lamar and Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known as The Weeknd, to end their disputes with Drake. The document suggested UMG took steps to mitigate profit losses from allegations against Drake. Willie D further elaborated that a blind item reported an alleged meeting between Kendrick, Drake, and UMG executives, implying financial motives behind the label’s actions. The item claimed UMG tried to force Kendrick to apologize to Drake, with both artists ultimately benefiting the label regardless of their feud.

Despite UMG’s official refutations, many believe the label profits from the conflict, highlighted by a 5.8% profit growth reported in the first quarter of 2024, equating to $2.8 billion. This rise was attributed to increased paid music subscriptions and robust music publishing performance, coinciding with the intense public interest in the Drake-Kendrick beef, dubbed the defining hip-hop rivalry of the 21st century.

The feud, which escalated significantly, saw both artists releasing multiple diss tracks. Drake’s “Push-Up” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” attacked Lamar’s personal and professional life. Lamar responded with “Euphoria,” “616 in LA,” and other singles, labeling Drake a manipulator and a liar. The conflict intensified as Lamar accused Drake of serious allegations, which led to public consensus favoring Kendrick.

Experts, such as Try D, noted that genuine greatness in hip-hop requires individual effort without excessive external assistance. Kendrick’s rapid, creative responses were praised for their impact, contrasting with perceptions of Drake’s team-driven success.

Drake’s controversial relationship with Millie Bobby Brown, highlighted by their unusual texting interactions when she was a minor, added another layer to the public’s scrutiny. Brown’s comments on their friendship raised eyebrows, with some questioning the appropriateness of their relationship given the significant age difference.

In summary, 50 Cent’s revelation about the potential manipulation of the Kendrick vs. Drake feud by music labels has sparked significant debate. Whether true or not, the claims highlight the complex interplay between artistry, industry, and profit in the world of hip-hop.