50 Cent Reveals Track That Almost Didn't Make His Debut Album

The rapper discusses how timing and trends impacted the inclusion of a hit song on his 2003 debut album

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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In a recent interview, 50 Cent opened up about a track that almost didn't make it onto his 2003 debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'". The rapper explained that the song, "Many Men", was nearly left off the album due to its slower tempo, which didn't fit the production style at the time. However, 50 Cent's collaborator Tony Yayo advocated for the track, ultimately convincing him to include it. 50 Cent also discussed the importance of timing and trends in the music industry, noting that he's selective about releasing new music to ensure it resonates with fans.

Why it matters

This story provides insight into 50 Cent's creative process and decision-making when it comes to his music. It highlights the challenges artists face in balancing commercial success with their artistic vision, and how collaborators can play a key role in shaping the final product. The rapper's comments on the evolving nature of hip-hop and the need to stay relevant also underscore the competitive landscape of the music industry.

The details

50 Cent revealed that "Many Men", one of the most impactful songs on his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'", almost didn't make the final cut. The rapper explained that the track's slower tempo didn't fit the "boom-bap" production style that was popular at the time. However, his collaborator Tony Yayo advocated for the song's inclusion, ultimately convincing 50 Cent to keep it on the album.

  • 50 Cent released his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" in 2003.

The players

50 Cent

A successful rapper, entrepreneur, and media mogul who rose to fame in the early 2000s with his debut album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'".

Tony Yayo

A rapper and member of 50 Cent's musical group G-Unit, who advocated for the inclusion of "Many Men" on "Get Rich or Die Tryin'".

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What they’re saying

“I have music that I didn't release, pieces that I put to the side because I didn't think it was the right thing for that period, but something I created, you know what I'm saying? There's always stuff that you look at it and they go, 'Yo!' When I play it for people in the house, like personally around in the studio, they'll go, 'Yo, why you didn't put that out?' I was like, 'No, for that time period, it didn't work,'”

— 50 Cent (Rolling Stone)

“Like, the tempo. I almost didn't put 'Many Men' on Get Rich or Die Tryin' because it was slow. Production-wise, we were in boom-bap at that point. So everything was faster and up-tempo and had harder-hitting drums.”

— 50 Cent (Rolling Stone)

“I'm glad I stopped, 'cause you can bang your head against the wall until your brain falls out the other side. And it's not that the music isn't right, it's that they're choosing something else at the moment.”

— 50 Cent (Rolling Stone)

The takeaway

This story highlights the delicate balance artists must strike between their creative vision and commercial success. 50 Cent's willingness to hold back certain tracks until the timing was right demonstrates his understanding of the evolving trends and preferences in the music industry, and the importance of staying relevant to connect with fans.