50 CENT HOSPITALIZED AFTER EATING A TAINTED HAMBURGER

50 Cent caused a stir this week after tweeting pictures of himself in the hospital after eating a bad hamburger. He later bounced back from the illness without having to go through surgery, but explained how Eminem called him and said that it wouldn’t be respectable if he died from consuming tainted meat.

After he got out of the hospital, he headed over to Hot 97 to debut his new mixtape The Lost Tape and discuss where his relationship with Lloyd Banks stands, as well his reconciliation with Cam’ron and their plans to record music and film a movie together.

JUSTIN BIEBER'S VEGAS FIGHT NIGHT

After the release of his music video for “Boyfriend,” Justin Bieber took some time to enjoy his success in Las Vegas, NV on Saturday night (May 5).

The record breaking fight of Miguel Cotto vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. brought in more than 1.5 million pay-per-viewers, and the 18-year-old singer shared his excitement about being in attendance as he tweeted, “cinco de mayo... #MayweatherCotto yeah @FloydMayweather today is a BIG day.” Bieber followed up with the simple hashtag tweet “#FIGHTNIGHT.”

Mayweather won the fight and the “Never Say Never” singer was the first person to congratulate the boxer and acted as his guest of honor. Bieber was also joined by rappers Lil Wayne and 50 Cent after the match, which was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

The victor took to Twitter to share his thanks to the teen sensation after the fight, messaging, “@justinbieber keep up the great work and thanks for the support #TheMoneyTeam. Enjoy the fight.”

50 CENT TALKS NEW ALBUM, EXPLAINS WHY G-UNIT WAS DROPPED & POSSIBILITY OF WORKING WITH GAME

50 Cent speaks on a slew of topics, including G-Unit's departure from Interscope and whether he and Game will ever work on a track together.

In an interview with Bootleg Kev on Las Vegas' Hot 97.5, 50 Cent discussed his upcoming album, which is set to drop July 2.

"My project is pretty much done, but I'm not done writing," said 50 of the project.

50 also explained that he wouldn't be going for a vintage sound on the album. "When you say 'take it back,' you're not leaving any room for growth. You're staying 'Stay where you were ten years ago.' For me, it has that energy that they were attracted to on Get Rich or Die Tryin', all across the board. I just think the way I articulated things on this project, my choices, are better. I think I'm better. I'm thinkin' it out a little more. They'll get a chance to see where I am."

Among the topics 50 discussed was why Interscope Records dropped G-Unit Records. "The reason why G-Unit was dropped, so that the general public understands: the reason G-Unit was dropped from Interscope records was because the deal I gave them was so well-put-together for them that they were to receive $750,000 in advance on the next albums - each one of the artists. They gotta remove that in this climate of record sales."

Finally, 50 was asked whether there was even a remote chance that he and Game would ever collaborate on anything in the future. The Queens emcee was noncommittal: "I don't know. Let me see if this is just one of my character defects or not: when you said [Game's album The Documentary] was crazy, you're making reference to things I wrote," he explained. "Meaning, the first three singles off of that were things that I wrote. So now, when you look at that, and you look at all the disrespect that was displayed over the years, ask yourself - would you be inherently uncomfortable with the concept of associating yourself again with someone where...you don't even know where it came from. If I did something wrong, I can accept it. ...But if I didn't do anything at all and it turns into what that turned into, I'ma just stay away from it.

50 CENT & JON RIVERS STAR IN STREET KING COMMERCIAL

50 Cent enlists Joan Rivers to help promote his energy shot.

50 Cent has enlisted personality Joan Rivers to star in an extended version of a commercial for his Street King energy shot.

In the advertisement, Fif is shown passing out SK shots to patrons at the gym. Rivers shows up and takes a shot of the energy booster, giving her a lift to help her work out.

The G-Unit general launched his Street King initiative in August 2011, intending to feed one billion children by donating a meal to youth in need for every shot purchased. In early

January, he signed a deal with independent bottler Honickman Group to expand the shots' availability. It is currently sold in stores like GNC and 7-Eleven.

RAP RELEASE DATES: NAS, KID INK, CHRIS BROWN, JUVENILE

Nas gets a release date for "Life Is Good" along with Kid Ink's "Up & Away," while Juvenile and Chris Brown get the baby bump to June and July, respectively.

While lots of artists stay on everyone's radar, the man of the moment is Nas. Mr. Jones has the ability to keep coming back whenever he pleases. First it was the release of the "The Don," then he dropped the follow-up to his classic "Black Girl Lost" with "Black Girl Lost Pt. 2."

Just last week we got another track "Daughters." With all of this new music going on, Nas also announced that his tenth studio album Life Is Good will be dropping on July 17th. When Nas returns, he makes an impact. So mark that date, as it is also the tentative date for French

Montana's Excuse My French. While constantly getting moved around, Juvenile's Rejuvenation is now showing a June 19th date, one week after the new entry of Kid Ink's Up & Away. If you were hoping for a May release of Chris Brown's Fortune, you'll have to wait on that. CBreezy pushed his album to July 3rd, one day after what is supposed to be a Monday release for 50 Cent's upcoming album. Stay tuned for details on that.

Check HipHopDX's Release Dates page for all your Hip Hop album needs.

May 1
Apollo Brown & O.C. - Trophies
B.o.B. - Strange Clouds
Blockhead - Interludes After Midnight
Chino XL - Ricanstruction: The Black Rosary
Santigold - Master Of My Make Believe

May 8
I Self Devine - The Sound Of Low Class Amerika
Oh No - OhNoMite
Punchline & DJ Soul Clap - Underground Superstars

May 15
J. Rocc (Beat Junkies) - Taster's Choice Vol. 6
Killer Mike x El-P - R.A.P. Music
Lil Scrappy - The Grustle
Yukmouth x Blanco - Cookies'n Cream

May 22
1982 (Statik Selektah x Termanology) - 1982
El-P - Cancer For Cure
Amiri - Vinyl Ritchie
Casual - He Still Think He Raw

May 29
Travis Porter - From Day 1

June 5
Big K.R.I.T. - Live From the Underground
Cam'ron - More Gunz Less Buttah
Curren$y - The Stoned Immaculate
Kool Keith - Love & Danger
Madchild (Swollen Members) - Dope Sick
Ryan Leslie - Les Is More
Bigg Jus (Company Flow) - Machines That Make Civilization Fun
One Be Lo (as Rahlo) - K.I.C.K. P.U.S.H.

June 12
Bow Wow - Underrated
Slaughterhouse - welcome to: Our House
Waka Flocka Flame - Triple F Life: Friends, Fans & Family
Wordsworth - The Photo Album
Spaceghostpurrp - Chronicles of Spaceghostpurrp
Oddisee - People Hear What They See
Kid Ink - Up & Away

June 19
Del Tha Funkee Homosapien x Parallel Thought - Attractive Sin
Pastor Troy - Outlaw
Juvenile - Rejuvenation


June 26
DMX - Undisputed
Eminem - Curtain Call: Hits (Import)
La Coka Nostra - Masters Of the Dark Arts
Large Professor - Professor @ Large

July 2
50 Cent - Untitled

July 3
Chris Brown - Fortune

July 10
Aesop Rock - Skelethon

July 17
French Montana - Excuse My French
Nas - Life Is Good

August 14
2 Chainz - Based On a T.R.U. Story

August 28
Wiz Khalifa - O.N.I.F.C.

September 11
Saigon - Bread and Circuses

September 18
Skyzoo - A Dream Deferred

50 CENT "THE LOST TAPE" MIXTAPE RELEASE DATE

UPDATE: 50 Cent teams with DJ Drama for their first Gangsta Grillz mixtape.

50 Cent has announced the release of his upcoming Gangsta Grillz mixtape The Lost Tape with DJ Drama.

The G-Unit honcho, often credited for popularizing mixtapes on a mainstream level in the early ‘00s, is yet to release a project with DJ Drama. He last released  The Big 10 in December 2011, and prior to that, dropped Forever King in July 2009.

Fif is currently recording his oft-delayed fifth album, which is tentatively set for release on July 2nd.

ERIC SERMON SAYS HIP HOP LACKS MUSICAL BALANCE

Erick Sermon weighs in on the Hip Hop industry at large, saying there's no balance of music.

Erick Sermon has never been one to bite his tongue when it comes to his thoughts on Hip Hop. Now, the Green Eyed Bandit weighs in on the industry at large, saying that Hip Hop has lost its sense of artistsic balance.

In a recent interview with ThisIs50, the EPMD/Def Squad double threat said that the mainstream market has become overly saturated by one single style of Hip Hop. The legendary Sermon explained that this lack of sonic balance in the industry is hurting new artists' chances at breaking into the game and achieving success.

"Right now, like I said before, I think that we don't have a balance in the industry," he explained. "I'm not claiming to be the mad rapper neither, I feel like right now we just have one side. You have people like 50 [Cent] and [Lloyd] Banks…and Lupe Fiasco who fought so hard to get that Hip Hop to where [they] wanted it to be so [they] can do what [they] wanted to do and [they] won that way…we don't have a balance right now, everything's one sided. All the new Hip Hop kids who want to rhyme and the producers who want to make beats…they feel there's no place for them because no one's picking them up. I feel like there is a lane that needs to be filled up and somebody needs to open their mouths so we can get creativity and balance back in music."

LIL' KIM HINTS AT "BIG COLLABO," DISCUSSES WORKING WITH 50 CENT

Lil' Kim promises a big name on her next album, and talks working with 50 Cent.

Lil' Kim has big plans for her upcoming album, including a very high-profile appearance from a currently anonymous emcee.

"I have a song...that I know my fans is gonna love," teased Kim, in an interview with MTV RapFix. "I dont' wanna say it until we officially announce that that's the official video, and the person that I have the song with is official."

"Everybody loves him," said Kim of her mystery collaborator. "It's a dude. He's a rapper. Everybody loves him. He has an ill fanbase."

DJ WHOO KID RECALLS GETTING CHASED OUT OF CLUB BY SUGE KNIGHT

Whoo Kid recalls the time that Suge Knight and an army of gang members chased him out of a club.

In his 10 years of work with 50 Cent and G-Unit, DJ Whoo Kid has managed to come out of it all with a few good stories. Now, in a recent interview with ThisIs50's Young Jack Killer, Whoo Kid recalls the time when Suge Knight and some hired goons chased him and other members of G-Unit out of Los Angeles, California club.

Whoo Kid explained that 50 Cent and Suge Knight were feuding around the time that the event occurred over the song "Tha Realest Killaz," which featured a previously unreleased verse from the late Death Row rapper 2Pac. So when Whoo Kid hit Los Angeles to spin at a club, Suge made sure to give him a special welcome by hiring an army of 34th Street Gang members to chase out of the club at which he was performing.

"I got paid five G's to DJ at a club in [Los Angeles], but I didn't know that they were promoting [the event] on LA radio, so good old Suge Knight is in his car tuning in," he explained. "It was [at] the time that I leaked the 50 Cent and 2Pac song 'Tha Realest Killaz,' which it was a record that Snoop Dogg couldn't clear on his album, so whoever they [originally] gave the record to, they gave it to me, so I kinda spliced it up [with a verse from 50 Cent] and made it a bigger record, 'cus it was a verse [from 2Pac] that nobody ever heard, and the fact that [Snoop] couldn't clear it, he gave it to me to leak."

He continued, "Suge Knight took it upon himself to 'find me' that day…he set it up [so] that everybody in [the club I was DJing in] was in [the 34th Street Gang]…the promoter got tricked, too. The promoter gave me the five G's and once I got to the stage, of course, at the time 'In Da Club' was the biggest record, so of course the first record I played was 'In Da Club.' So as soon as I played 'In Da Club,' the whole club turned and looked at me…[then] the promoter came up to me and was like, 'We gotta get you out of here…Suge Knight's in the front. We're trying to call the cops so he don't come in, but he wants to come in'…we started running out the back, I'm jumping in the van, and then for some reason - I don't know where, but C-Lo got the dirtiest looking gun I ever seen in my life…so I'm looking up and I see the 34th Street Gang running up to us with knives, so I'm like, 'Holy shit, I'm about to get stabbed for some 50 shit!' I'm like, 'Yo, get the gun!' By the time [C-Lo] grabs it…the police come [up]…[C-Lo] throws the gun all the way to back of the van. The cops grab the 34th Street Gang, and we peel off."

DJ WHOO KID TALKS ABOUT GETTING FIRED AND SMACKED BY 50 CENT

Whoo Kid jokingly recalls all of the times he's been fired and "love" smacked by 50, talking about his experience behind the turntables for G-Unit's General.

For years, DJ Whoo Kid has been the resident deejay for 50 Cent and his G-Unit camp. During a recent stop at ThisIs50, Whoo Kid talked about his experience with G-Unit and described what it feels like to be fired and smacked by 50 Cent. DJ Whoo Kid also explained why Eminem and his camp wanted him killed.

"The first DJ got stabbed and left town, went to Tennessee or somewhere," Whoo Kid said, describing how he became a part of G-Unit. "I think it was during that studio situation where the lights got cut off. It was a deejay that got stabbed. When 50's mixtape came out, they had the tour schedule. They just needed a deejay but at that time, they weren't interviewing anybody. The trust issue was crazy. So, I was put into G-Unit as the deejay."

Since then, Whoo Kid has rocked with 50 Cent on stage. However, during that time, 50 also fired Whoo Kid on several occasions.

"It's up to 48 [times being fired] now," he said. "I don't mind getting fired because I guess he's so used to doing it so much that he gotta keep firing me. You could go on YouTube and see all the countries I got fired from."

Firing has been one part of the job, but smacks have apparently been another. According to Whoo Kid, he watched as 50 "smacked random people" during a tour, adding that he's also been smacked.

"I didn't want to fuck up with 50 on stage because during those days, he was ruthless. He was smacking everybody. He was smacking people per day. He was smacking everybody on the bus. If he had nothing to talk about or to do, he would smack random people on the bus. That's why I stayed in the front with the fucking bus driver."

Still, that tactic didn't keep him safe from smacks, though he says they were "love smacks." "He loves me so it's like a love smack. But the new niggas was gettin' wrecked."  During the interview he also explained why Eminem wanted him killed.  "Along time ago, I leaked an Eminem joint by mistake and they wanted to kill me," he shared

50 CENT CLARIFIES HIS SUICIDAL TWEET

Fif explains why he said that he doesn't think he's "gonna live much longer." During a Twitter rant earlier this month, 50 Cent worried fans by tweeting, "I don't think I'm gonna live much longer," which was interpreted as threat of suicide. While promoting his Sleek by 50 headset at CES 2012, Fif spoke with CNET to clear up any misconceptions about the suicidal tweet and that he was only trying to communicate that life is too short to settle for less.

"You only got a certain amount of characters [on Twitter]. What I was trying to say is, what do you want your legacy to be? I want to be more than a guy who was able to create a few cool songs or was able to memorize the lines and have a decent performance in film projects," said Fiddy. "I want to be someone who impacts a lot of people’s lives in a positive way, so I’m a little more conscious of the things I’m doing in business to try and give back and make a difference."

He said that he's learned to live in the moment thanks to meditation that he learned from Deepak Chopra and that it's allowed him to focus on how he helps the world around him. "I do believe life is short, and because humans are habit-forming and we look forward to the future and don’t want to think about - we all got bank accounts - tomorrow’s not promised, so you’ve got to be conscious of today."

BABY BLUE IVY CARTER FIRST PICTURE TWEETED BY 50 CENT (EXCLUSIVE PHOTO)

After Beyonce giving birth to Baby Blue Ivy Carter, many would like to get a glimpse of the baby's photo. Rumors said that some magazine offered 1.3 million dollars for the photo alone. Everybody is waiting when and where it will come out.

A close friend of Jay-Z and Beyonce tweeted the first photo of the baby and now trending online. 50 cent the rapper is the culprit who just tweeted the first pic of the baby, he even said “Y’all play too much congratulations to JAYZ and Beyonce BABY,” he wrote.  “#BlueIvyCarter IS GEORGOUS. [sic]” with the photo.

Obviously the picture is fake, 50 cent just used it as his greetings and added seriously “I’m sure Jay is the happiest he’s ever been in his life,” he wrote. “…I remember when MARQUISE was born I was so happy. I have to have another kid one day.”

50 CENT SPEAKS ON HEADPHONE MARKET, FRUSTRATION WITH INTERSCOPE

G-Unit's 50 talks about his line of headphones and explains why it has been "discouraging" at times when dealing with Interscope.

During a recent stop at the Consumer Electronics Show, 50 Cent spoke about his line of headphones, as well as his frustration with Interscope Records. G-Unit's General spoke with SpikeTV about why he decided to get into the business of headphones and why he had to vent about his frustrations with his label.

When asked about why he got into the business world of headphones, 50 explained that it has been a natural progression for him. He added that his involvement with music, his "passion" for it, has made him more aware of what it takes to create great quality of sound.

"It's an extension to my passion for music," he explained. "I spend more time in the studio actually mixing material, making sure that the sound quality is right than the actual creating the idea. The song writing process for me is faster than actually finishing the song, mixing it."

50 was also asked if he felt his headset was superior to Dr. Dre's very popular Beats by Dre headphone line. He acknowledged that 50's line is "huge" but added that his line contains the best "wireless" headset.

"I think it's the best sounding wireless headset," he noted. His interview also included a portion about his frustration with his label. As we reported, 50 Cent has complained about his label and his upcoming projects a few times in the past. While he apologized to the label most recently, he still noted that "it's been discouraging" for him.

"I wrote this album. I went through the process of writing it. It's been discouraging at points to not see the same effort from everyone."

50 CENT APOLOGIZES TO INTERSCOPE RECORDS

UPDATE: Fif apologizes to his label for ranting against them over his song leaks and album delays. 50 Cent recently stated that he would not be promoting his new music, but in a

Twitter rant today, he explained why he won’t be supporting future recordings and that he has no faith left in his label, Interscope Records.

“I have lost all faith in the team I’m on. I have nothing left to say I will not be promoting my music,” he wrote. ‘I’m going to deliver this album then. I have a film I wrote to focus on I’m not upset I’m just convinced this is not how I want to remembered.”

He continued by stating a troubling message that he doesn’t think he will live much longer. “Ill be honest I don’t think I’m gonna live much longer. That’s why I started my street king movement. I want to mean more in other peoples lives.”

Fif ended his tirade with an explanation as to why he mixed The Big 10 mixtape and how it was meant to inspire other artists.“I mixed the big 10 because everything I do has to be the best I can make it cause other artist will create after hearing the ideas.”

50 CENT SPEAKS ON COMPETITION WITH DR. DRE IN HEADPHONE MARKET

Fif also explains what differentiates his Sleek by 50 headphones from others.

50 Cent tossed his hat into the audio market with his Sleek by 50 headphones, which sparked some ire from Dr. Dre, who was one of the first to enter the industry with Beats by Dre. During an interview with Gizmodo, Fif said he doesn’t exactly look at it like competition with the West Coast veteran and that the market isn’t narrow enough to put one ahead of the other.

“It depends on how you look at it. The category itself, how big is it? Is he in direct competition with me, or Bose or Sony? At this point, it’s just me creating what I feel like is the higher standard,” he said. “This is what I sit in the studio for after recording for the mastering process, to feel like it’s completely up to par and standard, so when people hear it, it registers the right way.”

50 did note that many rappers license their name for a product without overseeing the business side of things. With artists like Ludacris and RZA coming out with their own headphone lines, Fiddy is steering his company’s ship.  

“For them, it’s a licensing agreement. They just put their name on it, and they really don’t have any control over what their company decides to sell under that brand later,” he says. “I’m actually CEO of the company.”

50 CENT'S DISTRIBUTION DEAL FOR STREET KING ENERGY SHOT ISN'T WITH PEPSI

UPDATE: Fif didn't actually team up with Pepsi, but rather one of its independent bottlers.

50 Cent has announced a deal with Pepsi to distribute his Street King energy shot.

Breaking the news on Twitter, Fif plans to bring his energy shot to new markets. The business deal comes shortly after he launched the shot in September 2011, with the intention to supply a child in need with a meal for every shot purchased.

“I did a deal with Pepsi to distribute streetking its gonna be every were buy a bottle feed some one in need,” he tweeted.

50 Cent has dealt with soft drink companies before, having sold his Glaceau Vitamin Water stake to Coca-Cola in 2007. He made off with $400 million from the deal.

50 CENT SAYS HE WILL NOT BE SUPPORTING HIS NEW MUSIC

Fif lashes out at Interscope Records yet again, and explains why he won't be promoting future releases. 50 Cent recently stated that he would not be promoting his new music, but in a Twitter rant today, he explained why he won’t be supporting future recordings and that he has no faith left in his label, Interscope Records.

“I have lost all faith in the team I’m on. I have nothing left to say I will not be promoting my music,” he wrote. ‘I’m going to deliver this album then. I have a film I

wrote to focus on I’m not upset I’m just convinced this is not how I want to remembered.” He continued by stating a troubling message that he doesn’t think he will live much longer. “Ill be honest I don’t think I’m gonna live much longer. That’s why I started my street king movement. I want to mean more in other peoples lives.”

Fif ended his tirade with an explanation as to why he mixed The Big 10 mixtape and how it was meant to inspire other artists.

“I mixed the big 10 because everything I do has to be the best I can make it cause other artist will create after hearing the ideas.”

50 CENT LAUNCHES STREET KING CONTEST

Fif wants fans to submit videos sharing a unique way of how they use their energy.

50 Cent has launched a contest for his Street King initiative, posting a video announcement on ThisIs50.com.

The contest calls for entrants to film a video that “demonstrates the great things you do with your energy - in your community, your school or job - with your friends, family or for the world.” The winner will receive $10,000, a VIP experience with Fif and have 10,000 meals donated in his or her name through the United Nations World Food Programme.

Submissions can be made and users can vote on Facebook. The contest will run until January 27th, and the video with the most votes will win.

50 CENT TO DONATE PROCEEDS FROM HEADPHONE SALES TO FEEDING AMERICA CHARITY

Fiddy plans to use some of the profits from his SMS Audio sales for charity.

With his Street King initiative aimed towards helping to stop world hunger, 50 Cent is extending his philanthropic venture to his SMS Audio headphones. During an interview with MTV News, Fiddy revealed that he will donate some of the proceeds from sales of his SMS Audio headphones to Feeding America.

“Because of my Street King initiative, with every purchase there's a meal being provided through the United Nations World Food Programme," he said. "And with this actual project, I decided I wanted to do something here in America. So for every pair of these headsets that are sold domestically and online through SMSAudio.com, 250 meals will be provided by Feeding America, which is our leading charitable organization against hunger." 

Fif explained his intention to use entrepreneurial ventures as a way to assist those in need and break from the typical business cycle.

“I think business is the answer for finding finances for situations that have been unanswered and untouched," 50 continued. "If young entrepreneurs follow in my footsteps, with having a charitable business model that actually gives back, then you don't have people standing at Occupy Wall Street, because they're aware that the major corporations are conscious of them.

50 CENTS STILL AT ODDS WITH INTERSCOPE, RELEASES NEW VIDEO

50 continues to be at odds with Interscope and says, "I'm not putting my album out [until] we are all on the same page."

This year has been an interesting one for 50 Cent and his dealings with Interscope. The G-Unit general has had his share of ups and downs with the label, frequently broadcasting both his displeasure and his satisfaction with his current situation. This year, he even announced that he'd written dis records about Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre before saying he worked out his conflicts with them. However, on Monday, December 12, 50 Cent noted that he's still not pleased with his label situation.

50 took to his Twitter account to voice his concerns with releasing an album on Interscope at this moment.