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50 Cent Tells Story of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Once Giving Him the Cold Shoulder

By | Published on May 25, 2020
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50 Cent once approached Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in an airport, and the meeting left the rapper feeling far less than happy about it.

50 told the story to his 25 million Instagram followers on Thursday, May 21, next to a photo of the NBA legend sporting several championship rings.

50 Cent told a story about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar giving him a chilly reception in an airport. (Photos: @50cent/Instagram)

Based on his account, Abdul-Jabbar didn’t offer the reaction that he expected, which bothered him.

“🤔yo i was in the airport one time, i looked i said oh s–t that’s Kareem abdujabar,” wrote 50. “i went and said what’s up, he looked at me like i was crazy👀I said oh s–t 🤔😠well f–k you then, you old ass n—-a I don’t give a f–k about a sky hook n—a, n—-s been trying to kill me s——-t f–k you.😡I was mad i said something to his a-s.”

Some got a kick out of 50’s post and let him know.

“At sky hook part took me to the floor🤣🤣💀💀you New York n—-s wild af😂😂I love it,” wrote one of his followers.

But others found his story disrespectful, considering that the Lakers great Abdul-Jabbar is considered an icon and one of the greatest basketball players ever. Abdul-Jabbar still holds the NBA record for most career points scored.

“My dude. No shade. But he’s a LEGEND. You’re just famous. There’s a difference. Did it ever occur to you that he doesn’t listen to rap and he legit didn’t recognize you?” one person asked. “If you expect everyone to immediately recognize you on sight, then you should humble yourself bro. It ain’t that serious.”

Abdul-Jabbar is a noted jazz fan who might well have been completely unfamiliar with 50 when they met.

Another possible reason for Abdul-Jabbar not warming up to 50, assuming the rapper’s story is accurate, is that he’s never been a talkative person.

In 2018, the former Los Angeles Lakers center spoke to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution about often being quiet and giving reporters quick, short answers when he played.

“I’m not known for being a blabbermouth, you know?” said Abdul-Jabbar. “I think it kept me from a head coaching job and commercials and stuff because people wanted to assume the worst.” 

There was another comment left under 50’s post by someone who said the G-Unit founder responded to him at an airport coldly.

“I saw you at JFK 13 years ago n said what’s up,” that person stated. “You did the same d–n thing. SMH 🤦‍♂️ Walked away mumbling.”

@50cent/Instagram

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