The long-running rivalry between Ja Rule and 50 Cent has reignited — this time, because of a documentary. The four-part series Sean Combs: The Reckoning, produced by 50 Cent, chronicles the controversial life and legal troubles of Sean “Diddy” Combs. The project has stirred fresh tensions, with Ja Rule publicly slamming 50 Cent over his involvement.
What triggered the latest eruption
The documentary debuted on Netflix in early December 2025 and examines Combs’ rise to fame — and the dark controversies that followed, including serious allegations and his recent criminal conviction. The series reportedly uses extensive archival footage and interviews intended to paint a full picture of Combs’ career and alleged misdeeds.
Combs, however, reacted strongly. Through his representatives, he denounced the docuseries as a “shameful hit piece,” claiming that Netflix used “stolen” and unauthorized footage, including private material never meant for public release. Critics of the series argue the participation of 50 Cent — a longtime adversary — as executive producer makes the project feel deeply personal rather than purely journalistic.
For 50 Cent, his involvement seems to be motivated by a belief that public figures — no matter how powerful — should be held accountable. He has defended the project, insisting it isn’t a vendetta but rather a refusal to let serious allegations slide.
Ja Rule’s take — and a blast from the past
Just days after the documentary’s announcement, Ja Rule used social media to deliver a scathing message. Though he didn’t name 50 Cent directly, there was little doubt whom he meant. He wrote:
“You rat — always have been, always will be a f—— RAT… Used-car salesman suit wearing, field-goal-nose having, Herman Munster head a– n–––.”
Those harsh words come from nearly 25 years of bitter history. Ja Rule and 50 Cent’s feud dates back to the late 1990s, involving accusations of betrayal, diss tracks, and a wider split across the New York hip-hop scene. Over time, what began as a rivalry between two artists escalated into a rivalry that divided fans, labels, and entire communities.
In recent years, the two have occasionally tried to move past the hate — but each new provocation has reopened old wounds. This time, the Diddy documentary appears to have done just that.
Why this fight matters (even now)
It’s easy to dismiss this as “just more rap drama,” but it speaks to larger issues within hip-hop culture: loyalty vs. accountability; legacy vs. consequences; fame vs. truth. A documentary — presumably intended to shed light on real allegations — becomes a battlefield, not only for Combs, but for 50 Cent and Ja Rule too.
For Combs, the docuseries challenges his public image and forces a reckoning with claims against him. For 50 Cent, executive-producing such a project is a risky move — mixing journalism, activism, and decades-old personal beef. And for Ja Rule, lashing out is as much about protecting a legacy and reputation as it is about old grudges.
At the end of the day: this feud isn’t just about music anymore. It’s about power, reputation, and who gets to tell the story.