In an explosive revelation, renowned producer Sha Money XL discloses the harrowing aftermath of 50 Cent’s near-fatal shooting, where the rapper was shot nine times and nearly finished off at the hospital. Just as 50 Cent was poised for a career-defining moment working with Destiny’s Child, his trajectory was violently interrupted. The attack didn’t just threaten his life—it halted a groundbreaking music video and nearly ended one of hip-hop’s most iconic careers before it fully ignited.
The timing couldn’t have been more pivotal. 50 Cent was preparing to shoot a major music video that would catapult his career into another stratosphere. As Sha Money XL recounts, the dynamic artist was in peak condition, getting ready for the shoot scheduled for April. But everything came to a screeching halt when news broke that 50 had been shot multiple times. What followed was a brutal fight for survival that left the music world stunned.
Sha Money XL recalls the agonizing moment he heard the news on the radio while driving with his infant son. Instinctively, he headed to Jamaica Hospital in Queens, where family members and friends were gathered in tears, desperate for hope. Despite the chaos, access to 50 Cent was tightly restricted—he was handcuffed to the hospital bed, treated like a criminal as much as a victim. The danger was far from over.
Security was immediately ramped up to prevent any further violence. Cory Rooney, a key figure in 50’s camp, sent in protection details to guard the rapper from assassins who might try to “finish the job.” Sha Money XL describes a tense hospital scene guarded by intense security, including a formidable white man who physically held off threats. It was a clear indication that 50 Cent’s survival was still very much under siege.
The road to recovery was long and grueling. For over six months, 50 Cent underwent physical rehabilitation and mental rebuilding. He had to completely restructure his life, relocate to Pennsylvania, and reset his entire career blueprint. Yet, despite the trauma and setbacks, the rapper’s resilience shone through—a testament to his unbreakable spirit after such a violent brush with death.
Sha Money XL also reveals intimate details about 50 Cent’s mindset during his recovery. In a rare phone call six months post-shooting, 50 uttered the chilling line, “They don’t put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” a dark yet sarcastic acknowledgement of the severity of his injuries. Even in pain, 50 Cent’s sharp wit and unique persona began to resurface, marking the turning point toward his comeback.
During this recovery, a new creative sanctuary emerged. Sha Money XL built a private studio away from Queens’ harsh streets where 50 Cent could work safely and freely. For the next year and a half, 50 frequented this suburban studio five days a week, focusing relentlessly on music. This period birthed critical mixtapes and key portions of the legendary Get Rich or Die Tryin’ album, signifying a rebirth fueled by perseverance.
The story also sheds light on the early recognition of 50 Cent’s potential within the Queens hip-hop scene. Sha Money XL remembers a candid conversation at a barbershop after Biggie’s death, where he boldly predicted 50 Cent would be the next major figure to rise. Despite initial skepticism from local peers, his prediction proved uncannily accurate, highlighting 50’s unique combination of talent and unyielding determination.
Sha Money XL’s firsthand account underscores 50 Cent’s extraordinary work ethic and authenticity. Unlike many of his contemporaries, 50 approached every track with precision and intensity, rarely needing multiple takes. His secret weapons were relentless self-discipline and a surprising spiritual depth, often carrying a small Bible and demonstrating a profound reverence that fueled his artistic vision and personal fortitude.
This behind-the-scenes narrative paints a vivid picture of a pivotal chapter in hip-hop history. It reveals not only the violence and peril surrounding 50 Cent’s life but also the resilience and support network that helped transform tragedy into triumph. Sha Money XL’s testimony brings urgent clarity to the chaos, illustrating how close the music world came to losing a defining icon—but didn’t.
As 50 Cent transformed his near-death experience into motivation, he reshaped hip-hop with a rawness and realness that resonated worldwide. This story serves as a powerful reminder of the fragile line between life and legend—and how sheer grit can rewrite fate. The violent attempt to erase 50 Cent failed, ultimately fueling the fire that made him a global superstar.
