Michael Jackson Tried To End 50 Cent/ Game Beef

The Game remembers when Jackson called and offered to mediate between the rappers.
By Jayson Rodriguez

Game

Photo: MTV News

“We Are the World” and “Heal the World” were undoubtedly two of Michael Jackson’s greatest songwriting and humanitarian achievements. But if MJ had been able to cool off the tension between 50 Cent and the Game, as the California rapper claims he attempted to a few years back, then Jackson could have won the Nobel Peace prize. He certainly would have earned it.

Game told MTV News that during his beef with 50, which began in 2005, Jackson actually called the Compton MC and offered to play peacekeeper between the two former friends.

“I was on tour in Canada, sitting in my room, cutting my hair,” Game told MTV News, recalling Jackson’s phone call. “I was messing my hair up. Then my road manager knocks on my door. Boom, boom, boom. He told me, I got MJ on the phone. I ran and snatched up the phone.”

On the other end of the line was a British gentleman who connected the two musicians. A nervous Game said Jackson started the conversation by talking about music and complimenting him on his records like “Hate It or Love It” and “How We Do.” Then the King of Pop asked about the rapper’s children. But before the phone call ended, Jackson touched on one last topic, a sensitive matter at the time.

“He got to this one thing that makes me laugh, man.” Game explained. “He said, ‘I don’t know how you’re gonna feel about this, but I want to ask you something. I don’t want you to judge me, but I don’t really know everything that’s going on between you and 50. But I want to be the middleman behind you putting this situation to bed.’ ”

Jackson wanted the two to meet, with him serving as a mediator, according to Game. The rapper mentioned Jackson’s outreach in his new song, “Better on the Other Side,” a tribute to the late King of Pop that features Chris Brown, Diddy, Boyz II Men and Mario Winans. A video for the track, featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the record, is set to premiere online on Tuesday (June 30), Game said. On Friday, 50 Cent also released two Michael Jackson tribute tracks, “Respect It or Check It N—a” and “Where You Are.”

Although 50 and Game eventually put their differences aside, Jackson wasn’t involved. Game said MJ wanted all three of the artists to collaborate on a song together. But, unfortunately, nothing ever came about.

“It just never manifested,” Game said.

Don’t miss “Michael Jackson: Picking Up the Pieces,” Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, featuring a special report from MTV News.

For complete coverage of the life, career and passing of the legendary entertainer, visit “Michael Jackson Remembered.”

Share your Michael Jackson memories by uploading video and comments to Your.MTV.com or joining the discussion below.

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