The recent trend of 50 Cent’s song “Many Men” alongside the news of the Donald Trump assassination attempt has been met with mixed feelings by the song’s producer, Darrell “Digga” Branch. While the veteran beatmaker acknowledges that having the classic record go viral in 2024 is a positive development, he is not pleased with the association of the song with making Trump look gangsta, especially considering his personal feelings towards the former president.
Digga’s notifications began to blow up shortly after the news broke of the assassination attempt on Donald Trump in Bethel, PA. Initially unsure whether it was a real incident or a prank, it was soon confirmed that the shooting was indeed real. The attempted assassin, Thomas Matthew Crooks, was identified on the roof by Secret Service agents but not before tragically taking the life of an innocent bystander at the rally. The aftermath of the incident saw a significant increase in streams for “Many Men,” with a 250% rise and over 2 million streams in just 2 days, showcasing the enduring popularity of the song despite its release back in 2003.
Taking advantage of the buzz, 50 Cent embraced the attention at his recent concert in Boston by performing “Many Men” while projecting his “Get Rich Or Die Tryin'” album cover with Trump’s face photoshopped onto it. While the rapper may see it as all in good fun, Digga draws the line at the potential use of the song on Trump’s campaign trail, expressing his discomfort with the idea of his music being associated with the former president in that context.
Having started his career producing for artists in his Harlem hometown in the late ’90s, Digga has a rich history in the music industry. He will be showcasing his catalog in an upcoming beat battle in Atlanta, highlighting his expertise and contributions to the hip-hop scene. With connections to iconic figures like Ma$e, Cam’ron, Big L, and others, Digga’s insights into the industry’s past and present offer a unique perspective for fans eager to learn more about the behind-the-scenes stories of their favorite artists.
The intersection of music, politics, and culture in the context of 50 Cent’s “Many Men” going viral amidst the news of a Donald Trump assassination attempt highlights the complex nature of art and its interpretation. While the song’s resurgence in popularity is a testament to its enduring appeal, the producer’s reservations about its use in certain contexts underscore the importance of considering the ethical implications of music’s association with real-world events and political figures.
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