Back in 2003, two young stars stepped onto the world stage in completely different arenas. LeBron James was drafted into the NBA, beginning a career that would shape basketball history, while 50 Cent released his debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin’, a project that dominated charts and solidified his place in hip-hop. That shared breakout year has always tied the two together. Since then, their relationship has been on full display, from social media shout-outs to public appearances, showing their admiration runs deep.

Now, decades later, 50 Cent is chasing a new challenge, and LeBron is once again showing his support. In June, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson officially joined the cast of the upcoming Street Fighter movie, where he is playing Balrog, the disgraced boxer who serves as a villain’s bodyguard. The film brings together a star-studded lineup including Jason Momoa as Blanka, Noah Centineo as Ken, and Orville Peck as Vega. Reports say 50 is in intense training for the role and will even perform his own stunts, a move that signals just how seriously he is taking this opportunity.

To build excitement, 50 Cent recently posted a short clip on X that instantly went viral. In the caption of his post, he wrote, “Work hard when they hardly working, and they will be surprised at the outcome. I hit a 🥷🏾he gonna see a white light and hear Jesus say come to me child. LOL Street Fighter coming soon.” The post revealed a gritty training look at him in character, giving fans their first real taste of Balrog. LeBron couldn’t hold back his reaction, dropping a fiery comment filled with emojis: “🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😤😤😤💪🏾.” With the relationship of mutual respect that the two share, it was not surprising that LeBron would show his support for 50’s move.

James and 50 Cent appear to have been on friendly terms since years. Back in 2020, the rapper wished the then Cleveland Cavaliers star a happy 36th birthday. However, much before that, in 2003, 50 Cent attributed an $80 million windfall from Nike to LeBron James.

“Me & LeBron James we are very good friends. He is a reason I grabbed the $80m contract with the Reebok after he ditched them and went for Nike. It’s fair to say the deal only took place because of him and that’s why me & him we always say like we ‘03 baby!” he had said, a lesser known incident of James directly impacting the entertainment world.

Over the years, the rapper has continued to litter evidence of his love for James on social media. During the Lakers’ championship run in 2020, the rapper posted a picture of himself photoshopped on the body of LeBron after their win over the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference semifinals. And now, it seems as if James was merely returning the favor.

So what exactly was in the clip that had LeBron this fired up? 50 Cent appeared in full Balrog style, complete with the character’s signature haircut, throwing powerful punches in a brutal training session. The video showcased not only his transformation but also his commitment to making the character authentic to the game’s roots. Fans who grew up with Street Fighter immediately noticed the accuracy, and the buzz around the film has only grown stronger. With a release set for October 2026, one thing is clear: As 50 Cent finally steps into Balrog’s gloves, no one is prouder than LeBron James.

How LeBron James’ missed deal helped make 50 Cent $100 million

While James deliberately helped 50 Cent as well, sometimes, missed opportunities tell us more than the wins. Early in his career, LeBron James was flooded with endorsement offers. One of those came from Vitamin Water, then a small startup. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, LeBron decided to pass. He explains in LeBron James Inc.: The Making of a Billion-Dollar Athlete that James did not yet understand the difference between endorsement and partnership. That decision cleared the path for someone else to seize the chance: 50 Cent.

“A few months after LeBron passed, Glacéau did a major endorsement contract with the rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent. The company noticed Jackson drinking one of their products in a music video, and it spurred the relationship,” Windhorst wrote. But 50 Cent’s team went further. Instead of just promoting the drink, they pushed for an equity deal. The result was Formula 50, his own flavor, launched in 2004.

By 2007, Coca-Cola bought Glacéau for over $4 billion. That move left the Queens rapper with a reported $100 million payday. As Windhorst points out, “his willingness to attach his name to the brand ended up creating an incredible payday.” For LeBron, the lesson was clear. Endorsements bring quick money, but ownership builds wealth. It was a reminder of the power in taking calculated risks.

Still, James turned that early mistake into a long-term learning experience. He later signed a Coca-Cola deal estimated at $14 million, and his portfolio today stretches far beyond endorsements. With stakes in sports franchises, a lifetime Nike contract, and multiple media ventures, his fortune has grown to billionaire levels. Yet even now, one can’t help but look back and wonder, was it fate that one man’s pass made another man $100 million richer?