50 Cent Reveals His Biggest Musical Regret—and the Song He’d Rewrite Today

In a career defined by grit, reinvention, and relentless ambition, 50 Cent has rarely looked back with regret. But the hip-hop icon—born Curtis James Jackson III—recently admitted there’s one track from his past he wishes he could take back to the studio: “Pearly Gates,” his 2006 collaboration with Mobb Deep.

The song, which appeared on Mobb Deep’s Blood Money album, sparked controversy for its confrontational stance on religion. Although 50’s own verse wasn’t overtly inflammatory, the track’s overall tone clashed with his evolving personal beliefs—enough for him to now call it a misstep in an otherwise carefully built legacy. “It didn’t sit right with me,” he’s said, framing the desire to re-record it not as damage control, but as a sign of personal growth and accountability.

Humility Forged in Hardship

For 50 Cent, the ability to admit this regret stems from a life shaped by survival and self-reinvention. Raised in Queens, orphaned at eight, and swept into the crack epidemic, he endured hustling, incarceration, and a near-fatal shooting in 2000 that left him with a wired-shut jaw. Instead of succumbing to bitterness, he turned trauma into art, releasing Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and cementing himself as a rap powerhouse.

His candor about “Pearly Gates” is part of that humility. In a genre where defending controversial work is often seen as a badge of authenticity, 50 has instead acknowledged when art strays from his values. He’s scrapped entire albums for not meeting his creative standard and has never shied from crediting others—particularly Eminem and Dr. Dre—for helping him rebuild after his shooting.

Gratitude as a Driving Force

Gratitude has always been woven into 50 Cent’s narrative. He thanks not only his musical mentors but also his grandmother, who raised him with the values he now uses to guide business and philanthropy. That same gratitude shapes his wish to rework “Pearly Gates”—seeing it as a chance to realign his catalog with the principles that carried him from the streets to the boardroom.

From donating millions through the G-Unity Foundation to mentoring rising stars like Pop Smoke, 50’s loyalty to his “army” of fans and collaborators has kept his empire grounded. Even in business moves—like his $100 million Vitamin Water sale—he shares credit, treating partnerships as mutual victories.

Emotional Openness Behind the Hustle

Beneath 50’s famously unshakable persona lies an openness that continues to surprise fans. He has written candidly about the psychological toll of his shooting, spoken publicly about anxiety, and urged young artists to protect their integrity in an industry that often rewards controversy over conscience.

Admitting regret over “Pearly Gates” fits this pattern. It’s not about erasing the past—it’s about showing that evolving values are worth honoring, even if it means rethinking old work. While he’s increasingly focused on film and television projects like Power, 50 has hinted at new music with Dr. Dre, proving he’s still open to reinvention when it aligns with his principles.

In a genre that thrives on bravado, 50 Cent’s willingness to admit a rare regret—and his desire to set it right—feels like one of his most powerful moves yet. It’s a reminder that true longevity in hip-hop isn’t just about hits and hustles, but about the courage to grow without losing your edge.