How Nas’ Unfinished Track Became 50 Cent’s Iconic Hit "Many Men"

In the vast world of hip-hop, many legendary tracks have unexpected origins—but few stories are as surprising as the making of 50 Cent’s “Many Men (Wish Death).” Recently, in an interview with XXL Magazine, former A&R Lenny “Linen” Nicholson shed light on the track’s fascinating backstory, revealing that the beat behind 50’s gritty anthem was originally intended for none other than Nas.

According to Nicholson, Nas recorded vocals over the now-famous beat during a session with up-and-coming rapper Nashawn. At the time, Nas was experimenting heavily in the studio, often laying down rough versions of songs to test a beat’s vibe. True to form, Nas treated this particular track as a trial run. Though he recorded something, he didn’t feel a strong connection and decided to move on, leaving the track unfinished.

Nicholson, recognizing the beat’s potential, approached Nas and received his blessing to repurpose it. From there, he passed it to a then-rising New York MC—50 Cent. What happened next would alter hip-hop history.

50 Cent took the beat and injected it with his raw, unfiltered narrative. The result was “Many Men,” one of the most powerful records on his 2003 debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’. With vivid lyrics detailing betrayal, survival, and the scars of street life, the track resonated with fans across the world and helped solidify 50 Cent’s position at the top of the rap game.

Knowing that Nas nearly claimed the track adds a new layer of appreciation for “Many Men.” It serves as a reminder of how one artist’s discarded draft can become another’s masterpiece. While Nas stepping away from the song may have seemed insignificant at the time, that choice ultimately paved the way for one of hip-hop’s most enduring anthems.

This behind-the-scenes revelation is yet another example of the intricate and often serendipitous nature of music creation—and how legacy-defining songs can come from the most unlikely of beginnings.