50 Cent Keeps It Neutral: Why He Avoids Politics and Religion, Citing Ye and Nicki Minaj as Cautionary Examples
West Hollywood, January 22, 2026 – At the star-studded Los Angeles premiere of his latest executive-produced film Moses The Black, rapper and mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson delivered a candid, no-holds-barred explanation for steering clear of two of the most divisive topics in public life: politics and religion. The comments, delivered Tuesday night (January 20) at the SilverScreen Theater in the Pacific Design Center, came amid buzz for the upcoming crime drama, which hits theaters nationwide on January 30.
Promoting a project inspired by the real-life redemption story of fifth-century saint Moses the Black—a former violent gang leader who transformed into a monk—50 Cent emphasized keeping the film’s message universal and entertainment-focused rather than doctrinal. “It’s important for me not to make it about religion and make it about entertainment,” he told the crowd. “The subtext is already there. I wanted to promote this as something everybody needs to see.”
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He then expanded on his broader philosophy, drawing direct parallels to high-profile controversies involving fellow artists. “There’s two things they tell you to stay away from: religion and politics,” 50 Cent explained. “No matter what you think, someone passionately disagrees with you. I stay away from those things. That’s how Kanye f**ked up. Then Nicki said some sh*t. It feels crazy, but it’s very accurate.”
The pointed reference to Ye (formerly Kanye West) and Nicki Minaj as examples of careers complicated by outspoken views on polarizing issues drew laughs from the audience and quickly spread online. Ye’s public forays into politics—including a 2020 presidential run—and religious expressions like Sunday Service gatherings have sparked backlash, boycotts, and lost partnerships. Nicki Minaj has faced criticism for political commentary, including recent praise for certain figures on international issues, leading to heated debates and accusations of misinformation.
50 Cent’s stance reflects a calculated approach to fame. Known for his sharp social media presence and business acumen—spanning G-Unit Film & Television, Branson Cognac, and more—he prioritizes broad appeal over ideological battles. By avoiding hot-button topics, he maintains fan bases across divides and focuses energy on projects like Moses The Black, a high-stakes crime drama blending street-level tension with themes of repentance.
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The film stars Omar Epps as Chicago gang leader Malik, caught in escalating rivalries with Quavo’s Straw and Wiz Khalifa’s 2wo-3ree, while Chukwudi Iwuji portrays St. Moses the Black in parallel storylines. Wiz Khalifa also contributes to the soundtrack. Directed by Yelena Popovic and distributed by Fathom Entertainment, the movie arrives amid 50 Cent’s expanding Hollywood footprint, following successes like Power and other G-Unit productions.
The premiere drew a strong turnout, with cast members including Epps, Khalifa, and others walking the black carpet. Attendees praised the film’s balanced approach—delivering powerful redemption without overt preaching.
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Fans and industry observers have reacted variably to 50 Cent’s remarks. Some applaud his pragmatism in an era where artists face swift cancellation for controversial takes, while others argue silence on important issues can feel like avoidance. Regardless, his strategy has kept him relevant and profitable, dodging the pitfalls he attributes to Ye and Minaj.
As Moses The Black gears up for its January 30 release, 50 Cent’s comments serve as a reminder of the tightrope entertainers walk in 2026’s hyper-connected world. By keeping politics and religion off-limits, he aims to let his work—and not his opinions—do the talking.
