Ja Rule isn’t biting his tongue when it comes to 50 Cent’s latest jab. In a recent interview, the Queens rapper revealed that he was “ready to go nuclear” over a comment 50 made surrounding Irv Gotti’s death — or more specifically, the idea of it.

The tension stems from 50 Cent’s history of trolling Ja Rule and his longtime collaborator and Murder Inc. co-founder, Irv Gotti. Things escalated recently when 50 made what Ja considered a tasteless remark that seemed to mock or fantasize about Gotti’s death. While Irv Gotti is still very much alive, the comment hit a nerve, especially given the decades-long beef between both camps.

Ja Rule says he was “ready to go nuclear” over 50 Cent’s comments about Irv Gotti’s death. pic.twitter.com/twDwNIpXNm

— XXL Magazine (@XXL) April 11, 2025

Fans of both artists know the history runs deep. From diss tracks to street-level drama, the Ja Rule and 50 Cent saga has never really cooled off even if public interest in their rivalry has faded at times. But Ja’s latest comments show that the wounds are still there, and some boundaries can’t be pushed without a reaction.

Irv Gotti, the influential hip-hop producer and co-founder of Murder Inc. Records, passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 54. His death was attributed to a hemorrhagic stroke, which he suffered while eating American Chinese food and playing poker with friends in New York City. Gotti had a history of health issues, including diabetes and a prior minor stroke in early 2024.

Irv Gotti’s legacy as a visionary producer and record executive continues to influence the music world, leaving an indelible mark on the genres he helped shape. Throughout his career, Gotti played a pivotal role in shaping the hip-hop and R&B landscape. He was instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Ja Rule, Ashanti, and DMX, and produced numerous chart-topping hits. His contributions extended beyond music production; he also created the BET series Tales in 2017 .​