For years, 50 Cent has been a fixture in the hip-hop scene, building a legacy both on the mic and in business. From G-Unit’s chart-topping dominance in the early 2000s to 50’s success in television and brand ventures, the rapper has firmly established himself as a cultural icon. Now, as he prepares for a new Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood, 50 Cent reflects on the paths he could have taken-and how one pivotal decision might have changed everything.

During an appearance on The Breakfast Club, 50 Cent touched on a topic that surprised both his fans and the show’s hosts. Amid updates on his upcoming residency and the usual banter, 50 revealed a rare “what-if” scenario that, in hindsight, may have reshaped hip-hop history: the idea that he would’ve dropped G-Unit members if he’d had a chance to sign Nicki Minaj before anyone else.

Throughout the interview, 50 Cent didn’t shy away from sharing his admiration for Nicki Minaj, calling her one of the most influential female artists of the decade. He hinted that, had he discovered her talent earlier, he might have opted for a different roster. “If Nicki had come along back then, I would’ve made room-no hesitation,”50 told The Breakfast Club. His remarks came as he praised Minaj’s ability to create a lasting impact with her label, Heavy On It, and his conviction that she’s on a path to surpass his former label’s influence.

The residency, titled 50 Cent: In Da Club, marks another high point in the rapper’s career. Set to run from December through January, the show promises fans a nostalgic experience with some of his biggest hits like “In Da Club” and “21 Questions.” With his latest Vegas venture, 50 continues to evolve his brand, merging his music legacy with an immersive experience for loyal fans.

When asked about his ongoing impact in hip-hop, 50 drew comparisons to Minaj, noting her skillful blend of authenticity and business acumen. “She’s building something major,” he said, referring to Minaj’s Heavy On It label. 50 suggested that Nicki’s ability to dominate multiple spaces in the industry might eventually place her above his achievements with G-Unit, both musically and in terms of cultural reach.

50 Cent on Nicki’s ‘lightning’ vision and future moves with Omari Hardwick

His reflections on Minaj’s influence didn’t end there. 50 went on to discuss how her artistry has broken boundaries, recalling moments when her creativity left an impression on him. “Nicki had this vision and fearlessness that felt like lightning,” he said, adding that, with her drive, she could have elevated his brand in ways few artists could. For 50 Cent, Nicki’s success story is a testament to the potential he saw-and a hint of what might have been.

Beyond the hypotheticals, 50 also dished on his thoughts about other hip-hop icons. He commented on Omari Hardwick’s career post-Power and teased the possibility of new collaborations. Known for their close working relationship, the two have hinted at projects beyond their original show, with 50 saying, “Omari’s got that spark. We’re not done yet.”

Watch the full interview here:

The rapper-turned-entrepreneur wrapped up the conversation by offering his usual mix of industry insights and playful shade, even taking a jab at his long-time rival Diddy.“It’s funny watching things unfold,” he quipped, alluding to controversies surrounding the music mogul with his signature grin.

Though 50 Cent’s revelations sparked interest among fans, it’s clear his mind remains on the future. With his Vegas residency around the corner and potential collaborations on the horizon, he’s not dwelling on missed opportunities. Instead, he’s intent on pushing the boundaries of his brand-a brand that, had fate allowed, might have included Nicki Minaj in its early roster.