How 50 Cent Shocked the Music Industry With “How to Rob” by Calling Out Hip-Hop's Biggest Stars in 1999

#NOLAZINE - Before 50 Cent became one of the biggest names in hip-hop, the Queens, New York rapper was an upcoming artist determined to make the music industry pay attention. In 1999, he released a controversial record titled “How to Rob,” a song that would quickly make him one of the most talked-about new rappers in New York.

At the time, 50 Cent was still trying to establish himself in an industry dominated by major stars such as Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, and Puff Daddy. Instead of following the traditional route to success, he decided to take a much more aggressive approach.

Produced by Trackmasters, “How to Rob” featured 50 Cent humorously describing fictional scenarios in which he would rob some of the biggest celebrities in entertainment.

The song mentioned numerous well-known figures, including Jay-Z, Puff Daddy, DMX, Missy Elliott, and several others. While 50 Cent presented the record as entertainment, not everyone found the jokes funny.

The record quickly created controversy throughout the hip-hop industry.

Several artists responded to the song, including Jay-Z, who famously referenced 50 Cent during his verse on “It's Hot (Some Like It Hot)” from his 1999 album Vol. 3... Life and Times of S. Carter.

The controversy helped introduce 50 Cent to a much larger audience, proving that an unknown rapper could generate national attention simply by challenging established names.

Although “How to Rob” didn't immediately turn 50 Cent into a mainstream superstar, it helped establish his fearless reputation and ability to create controversy through music.

Just a few years later, 50 Cent would sign with Eminem and Dr. Dre, releasing his groundbreaking 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin', which transformed him into an international superstar.

What makes “How to Rob” such an important moment in hip-hop history is that 50 Cent understood the power of controversy before social media existed.

With one provocative record, he managed to get some of the biggest names in entertainment talking about him, demonstrating how bold marketing and fearless lyricism could help an emerging artist stand out in a crowded industry.

More than two decades later, “How to Rob” remains one of hip-hop's most memorable early-career publicity records and a defining chapter in 50 Cent's rise to fame.