The Song That Almost Cost 50 Cent His Life: The "Ghetto Qu’ran" Story

In hip-hop history, few songs have carried the weight—or danger—of 50 Cent’s unreleased track “Ghetto Qu’ran (Forgive Me).” Originally recorded for his 2000 debut album Power of the Dollar, the track was leaked before the album’s release and quickly became one of the most controversial records of 50’s career.

The reason? The lyrics. In the song, 50 Cent vividly recalls names, events, and figures from his formative years in South Jamaica, Queens, including alleged references to Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff and his nephew Gerald “Prince” Miller of the infamous Supreme Team drug organization. The detail in the verses struck a nerve—especially among those still tied to the streets.

According to an affidavit by IRS agent Francis Mace, law enforcement officials believed that 50’s near-fatal shooting in 2000—where he was struck nine times outside his grandmother’s home—was a direct retaliation for the lyrics of “Ghetto Qu’ran.” The speculation was that the record made certain powerful figures uncomfortable, painting 50 as someone exposing truths better left unsaid.

The fallout from the song also extended into the industry. It was rumored that 50 Cent’s subsequent blacklisting by Kenneth “Supreme” McGriff and his associates played a role in the tragic 2002 murder of Run DMC legend Jam Master Jay. Many believe Jay ignored the industry pressure by mentoring 50 and helping introduce him to key figures, a move that may have cost him his life.

On the music front, the song became ammunition for 50’s rivals—especially Ja Rule, Irv Gotti, and Murder Inc.—who labeled him a “snitch” for naming names. 50, however, defended the record, pointing out in an interview with AllHipHop.com that other artists like Nas also referenced real people in their songs without receiving the same backlash.

Produced by Poke & Tone of Trackmasters and sampling Diana Ross and Marvin Gaye’s duet “Stop, Look, Listen (To Your Heart),” “Ghetto Qu’ran” is haunting both in sound and in legacy. Though it was never officially released on Power of the Dollar, the track resurfaced on 50’s 2002 mixtape Guess Who’s Back? cementing its place in hip-hop lore.

The record remains a pivotal moment in 50 Cent’s journey. It not only underscores the blurred line between art and reality but also highlights how one song nearly ended the career—and life—of one of rap’s most influential figures.