In a new interview with Nyla Symone for VSG Entertainment, Juvenile shared an unexpected piece of hip-hop history: he says he helped 50 Cent get signed to Eminem.
According to Juvenile, this happened shortly after 50 was shot and struggling to find studio space in New York. “He couldn’t really go to studios at the time,” Juvenile explained. “I had one of the first studio buses, so I let him, Yayo, and Banks come record on it.”
While Eminem was in New York filming a D12 video, Juvenile says he was invited to the set and brought along Shawty Money — and told them that 50’s music would align perfectly with what Eminem was building. That moment, he claims, sparked the connection that led to 50’s deal with Shady Records.
“He gives me my credit in his book,” Juvenile added. “Ask 50 — he’ll tell you.”
It’s a fascinating bit of hip-hop connective tissue. The rise of 50 Cent reshaped early-2000s rap, and the idea that a Cash Money legend played a quiet hand in that chain of events underscores how small — and intertwined — those industry circles really were. It also speaks to the kind of behind-the-scenes respect Juvenile commanded during that era, even beyond his regional and label ties.
