Since he transitioned from rapper to business mogul, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has found himself in some interesting situations. But even he was probably shocked to find himself hanging out at the White House on Wednesday.
During his visit to Capitol Hill, the “In Da Club” artist mingled with politicians from both sides of the aisle, but it’s his photo with Rep. Lauren Boebert (R- Colorado) that had Black Twitter getting its jokes off and also asking hard questions about his political stance.
Boebert is a very controversial figure, as her conservative views often come off as racist. Her far-right politics had some on social media questioning why Jackson would platform her with a photo.
While some are calling the photo between Jackson and Boebert “flirty,” Fif appears to be using the same body language and stance from all the other photos he took that day.
The Congresswoman — or more likely someone on her staff — referenced his hit “21 Questions,” writing on X, “I’d still love you if you flipped burgers at Burger King ... I used to do that myself! Thanks for the photo, great to meet you!”
For his part, Jackson posted, “Lauren Boebert, Colorado Republican making the white house look good.”
One user cut right to the chase, noting Boebert’s lack of accomplishments, writing on X, “Her making anything look good is an impossibility. You actually have to accomplish something of value first. Looking forward to her primary.”
Considering how Republicans have criticized hip-hop since its inception, some people didn’t understand why Fif would take photos with conservative politicians.
“He represents a musical genre that conservatives have attacked for decades,” wrote one person on X. “And yet here 50 Cent is getting chummy with the likes of Lauren Boebert & Steve Scalise? Who next? Tom Cotton?”
Meanwhile, another user noted that Jackson is a savvy businessman who used his access to further his business interests by talking to representatives from both sides of the political aisle.
“How are you going to stop liking someone off of a picture? 50 cent is a business man who talked to people in both parties to talk about his [liquor] and music business he didn’t go there to endorse a candidate,” wrote one user.
Less serious reactions featured countless jokes about him taking her to the “Candy Shop” and references to her 2023 “Beetlejuice” theater scandal.
Ever the troll, the “Power” Universe executive producer quickly clapped back at everyone’s criticisms, writing on X, “Wait, wait, guys i took pictures with everyone and all you seem to care about is Lauren, what did she do in a dark theater that hasn’t been done, my God ! Hey I don’t have chlamydia by the way. LOL”
Whatever his political affiliation, 50 Cent is smart enough to know that as he expands his empire he needs allies on both sides of the aisle. But with Republicans actively going after teaching Black history, DEI programs, women’s rights and passing anti-LGBTQ legislation, it feels like he should know that there’s definitely a difference between the two sides.