In a saga that seems torn straight from a Hollywood drama, Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, has once again found himself in the spotlight—this time not for his musical genius or his thriving television empire, but for his deeply fractured relationship with his eldest son, Marquise Jackson. Their estrangement has been well-documented over the years, but the latest chapter is perhaps the most heartbreaking yet.
The legendary rapper and entertainment mogul, who has sold over thirty million records worldwide and revolutionized TV with his hit series Power, was recently blindsided by an Instagram post from his son. Marquise offered his father $6,700 to spend just one day with him, a gesture both shocking and poignant, revealing the depth of their emotional rift. Instead of a heartfelt reunion, however, Marquise’s post ignited a bitter back-and-forth, exposing painful wounds that have festered for over a decade.
A Father’s Success and a Son’s Longing
To understand the complexity of their relationship, one must first look at the journey of 50 Cent. Rising from the gritty streets of South Jamaica, Queens, to become one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, 50 Cent’s life is a testament to resilience. Surviving nine gunshots in 2000, he transformed his pain into power, releasing his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2003. The record was a cultural phenomenon, cementing his status as a rap icon.
But while his career flourished, his personal life took a darker turn. 50 Cent’s relationship with his firstborn, Marquise, began to unravel following a tumultuous breakup with Marquise’s mother, Shaniqua Tompkins, in 2008. What started as a custody dispute quickly escalated into a full-blown feud, with accusations, misunderstandings, and public jabs exchanged over the years.
Marquise, born on October 13, 1996, was once the apple of his father’s eye. The two shared a close bond, with 50 Cent even dedicating his song Be a Father to Your Child to his son. But as the years went by, their connection eroded. Marquise once revealed in an interview with Rap-Up, “It completely went south when I was probably like 10 or 11. He wasn’t really around enough. It kind of dwindled down as time went on and certain events happened.”
This emotional distance only grew, culminating in Marquise’s heartbreaking admission: “He’s still alive but I can’t tell you our last conversation or the last time we even had a dialogue.”
The $6,700 Offer That Shattered the Internet
The latest controversy began when Marquise posted a photo on Instagram, sitting on the floor with the word ‘entitled’ spelled out in dollar bills behind him. In his caption, he wrote, “Since y’all think $6,700 is sooo much money, someone tell my pops I will pay him $6,700 for just 24 hours of his time so we can do everything I ever wanted to do with him as a kid.”
This post was a direct reference to the $6,700 a month that 50 Cent paid in child support. Although the amount adds up to $81,000 a year, Marquise argued that it was not substantial enough, especially considering his father’s wealth and status as a Forbes-listed celebrity. He explained during an Instagram Live session, “$6,700 a month in… New York City, you do the math. You’re talking about a Forbes lister – you’re talking about someone that has problems with everybody – you can’t just live in any neighborhood.”
But the post wasn’t merely about money. It was about the emotional void Marquise has felt for years, a longing to reconnect with his father that was expressed in the only way he knew how—publicly and boldly. The gesture was raw, vulnerable, and heart-wrenching, resonating with fans who empathized with his pain.
50 Cent’s Brutal Response: No Reconciliation in Sight
Instead of a reconciliation, Marquise’s heartfelt plea was met with cold indifference. 50 Cent responded with his signature brand of brutal humor, posting a clip from Power where his character Kanan kills his own son, captioned, “No caption needed.” The post was savage, cutting, and unmistakable in its message—50 Cent wasn’t moved by his son’s public display of emotion.
This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has been harsh towards Marquise. In 2018, after Marquise posted a photo with the son of Supreme McGriff, one of 50’s long-standing enemies, the rapper responded, “If both these little n****s got hit by a bus, I wouldn’t have a bad day.” The comment was shocking in its callousness, showing just how deep the resentment ran.
During an Instagram Live with Van Lathan, 50 Cent opened up about his strained relationship with Marquise, saying, “I didn’t think that success would cost me my firstborn, but it’s the situation it is. My grandfather used to say, ‘If it rattles like a snake and slithers like a snake, is it a snake or do you need to be bit?’” His words were cryptic, but the implication was clear—50 Cent believes Marquise betrayed him by aligning with his enemies.
A Tale of Two Sons: The Stark Contrast with Sire Jackson
The rift with Marquise stands in stark contrast to 50 Cent’s relationship with his youngest son, Sire Jackson. Born in September 2012 to 50 Cent and model Daphne Joy, Sire enjoys all the privileges of having a famous father. From renting out an entire Toys R Us store just for him to launching a successful modeling career, Sire is doted on by his father, who frequently shares proud moments on social media.
In 2021, 50 Cent posted a heartfelt message during Christmas, writing, “Look at my boy, SIRE on some let’s play video games for money Dad… You ain’t got no money so I can’t win.” The playful, loving tone is a stark contrast to his interactions with Marquise, highlighting the painful divide between his two sons.