Rapper 50 Cent urges an end to Gun violence in Chicago after tragic weekend

In the wake of a violent weekend that left seven people dead and many more injured, hip-hop legend 50 Cent has taken to social media to call for an end to gun violence in Chicago. The Queens native, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, expressed his frustration and concern about the escalating crime rates in the city.

A weekend of tragedy

Between Friday, May 3, and Monday, May 6, Chicago witnessed a staggering 31 shooting victims, resulting in seven fatalities. The grim statistics have prompted 50 Cent to use his platform to advocate for change. In an Instagram post, he shared a screenshot of a news headline reporting on the violence, captioning it,

"Come on now, this gotta stop. This ain’t gangster; this is just crazy."

While 50 Cent’s call for an end to gun violence received widespread attention, it also sparked mixed reactions. Some social media users pointed out the irony, questioning whether the rapper’s own music and creative content inadvertently promote the very crimes he condemns. However, others urged him to take a more active role in curbing violence within the city.

One Instagram user, who identified themselves as an outreach supervisor at the Institute For Nonviolence Chicago, wrote,

" Bro, it would be powerful to have you join in on helping us stop this violence in Chicago. We know a lot of these young men will be willing to listen to you."

Gun violence in Chicago has been a topic of national concern, drawing attention from figures beyond the hip-hop community. Former U.S. President Donald Trump famously questioned the situation in the city, asking, “What’s going on in Chicago?” Lil Durk, a Chicago rapper, later responded, emphasizing that violence is not unique to the city and occurs globally. He stated,

"Every city has its moment of high crime rates."

Celebrities from various backgrounds have used their platforms to speak out against gun violence and advocate for stronger gun control laws. Here are some notable moments when musicians and other public figures have waded into the debate:

Neil Young: After the tragic Kent State shootings in 1970, folk rock supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young recorded the song “Ohio,” which mourned the loss of lives and called for non-violence. Neil Young has remained an outspoken advocate for gun control throughout the decades1.

KRS-One: The Bronx hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions, led by KRS-One, released their debut album “Criminal Minded” in 1987. Despite being associated with early “gangsta rap,” KRS-One has consistently advocated for peace and non-violence.

Julianne Moore, Amy Schumer, Jennifer Aniston, Michael J. Fox, Sofia Vergara, and Kristen Schaal: These celebrities, among others, have lent their voices to the cause of gun control. Their advocacy aims to raise awareness and promote sensible gun laws.

It’s heartening to see influential individuals using their platforms to address this critical issue and advocate for change. Let’s hope that their voices continue to make a difference in promoting safety and preventing gun-related tragedies.

As the debate continues, 50 Cent’s plea for an end to gun violence remains a powerful call to action. Whether his words will lead to meaningful change remains to be seen, but his message serves as a reminder that the fight against violence requires collective effort.