50 Cent Posts Instagram Taunt After Omari Hardwick Defends His Role in Power
The G-Unit founder reacted to the actor’s comments about the show's creative dynamics, reigniting his public dispute with executive producer Courtney Kemp.
By Grace Almasi ·
50 Cent posted a new message on Instagram on Sunday to mock Courtney Kemp, the executive producer of the hit series Power. The rapper directed his comments at Kemp after actor Omari Hardwick discussed the friction between the two during a media interview.
The post included a caption that read, “Small ass in a BIG seat, 😆 she forgot I hired her @OmariHardwick is a real [ninja emoji] we hit the bullseye with POWER.” The image served as a direct response to remarks Hardwick made earlier in the week.
Hardwick spoke with Gary Gerald Hamilton of the Associated Press about Kemp’s earlier claims. Kemp had previously stated she intended to write the character James St. Patrick out of the show early in its run. Hardwick acknowledged a shift in the dynamic but suggested that talented individuals are often undervalued.
“There was definitely a shift,” Hardwick said. “Often times, the most talented people are treated not necessarily the greatest. I think there’s a lot of small a, es in big seats in life. Trying to relegate the big a, es to small seats in life. So I started to know the lay of the land as it pertained to New York having me.”
Hardwick also addressed the long-standing tension between the show’s two key figures. He noted that 50 Cent always said nine men would fight for him, though one might have a grievance. Hardwick stated he never spoke up about the conflict and maintains a personal connection to both parties.
“I never said anything, did I? That’s why I always rock with 50. I always pray for Courtney. Always. Never stopped praying for her,” Hardwick told the Associated Press. His comments appeared to side with 50 Cent, prompting the rapper’s immediate social media reaction.
The dispute stems from 50 Cent’s recent interview with Variety. Ahead of his role in the Street Fighter movie, the rapper said he would never work with Kemp again. Kemp responded to the outlet, noting that 50 Cent was rarely present in budget meetings despite his importance in the show’s creation. She expressed confusion over his continued references to her in public forums and wished him success in his upcoming film.
