Wiz Khalifa Confirms 50 Cent’s Claim: “See You Again” Was Originally Offered to Eminem and Others
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
“See You Again,” the heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker from the Furious 7 soundtrack, became a global sensation upon its release on March 10, 2015. Topping the Billboard Hot 100 for twelve weeks and earning the distinction as the first hip-hop music video to hit 1 billion views on YouTube, the song solidified Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s place in music history. However, recent revelations confirm that this iconic track was initially offered to a lineup of other top-tier artists before Khalifa took it on.
50 Cent’s Early Disclosure
Back in January 2016, 50 Cent disclosed in an interview on New York’s WFAN radio that both he and Eminem were offered the chance to record “See You Again.” He explained that they passed on the opportunity to focus on the Southpaw soundtrack—another project they were deeply involved with under Shady Records. This insight was widely reported by outlets like XXL Magazine, highlighting the strategic decisions artists make when juggling multiple projects.
Wiz Khalifa Sets the Record Straight in 2024
Nearly a decade later, in a December 2024 episode of the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe, Wiz Khalifa confirmed 50 Cent’s account. Khalifa revealed, “Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Eminem, and Wale were all originally supposed to be on the song.” He acknowledged 50 Cent’s mention of Eminem, saying, “I could see that,” affirming his respect for the song’s journey and the artists considered for it.
This candid conversation provided fans with a fresh perspective on the song’s origins, weaving it into Khalifa’s broader narrative about his career and rise to fame.
The Industry Context: A Collaborative Selection Process
Offering songs to multiple artists, especially for high-profile film soundtracks, is standard industry practice. The goal is to match the song’s emotional tone and commercial potential with the artist best suited to deliver it. The fact that “See You Again” circulated among some of hip-hop’s biggest names—Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Eminem, Wale—reflects a strategic effort to find the perfect fit for the tribute.
Eminem and 50 Cent’s decision to focus on Southpaw, with Eminem producing and 50 Cent starring, highlights the complexities artists face balancing concurrent projects.
A Serendipitous Outcome
Ultimately, Wiz Khalifa’s rendition of “See You Again” captured hearts worldwide, becoming one of the defining songs of the 2010s. The collaborative and iterative journey of the song—from multiple artist considerations to Khalifa’s breakout hit—demonstrates the fluid, behind-the-scenes nature of music production.
Rather than controversy, the story is one of respect, timing, and creative alignment—underscoring how sometimes the perfect match takes time to find.
Would you like me to explore the impact of “See You Again” on the Furious franchise or delve into other iconic movie soundtrack collaborations?
