Masicka Credits 50 Cent For Inspiring His Stage Name
Dancehall star Masicka has revealed that his stage name was inspired by rapper 50 Cent.
During an interview with FOX 5’s ‘Good Day New York’ on Monday, the Black Sheep artist spoke about 50’s influence in high school and how the rapper’s sophomore album, The Massacre, had sparked the idea for his unique moniker.
“You know, a friend of mine gave me that name,” he told host Rosanna Scotto. “They used to call me ‘Sicka.’ 50 Cent had come out with an album … ‘The Massacre,’ and I was a huge 50 Cent fan at that time, in high school and growing up in Portmore.”
He continued: “G-Unit was a massive movement in Jamaica at that time and the album came out and at that point in my life, I was trying to be an artist, an aspiring artist, and they suggested that this sounds right and this name fits me, and after a while, I took on to it.”
“So it’s not like a real dictionary meaning. It’s more like a moniker.”
Despite his admiration for 50 Cent, Masicka admitted that they have never met, a fact that host Scotto expressed keen interest in changing. Responding to her enthusiasm, Masicka remarked, “50 Cent is the G, you know.”
50 Cent, whose name was inspired by a 1980s Brooklyn robber, rose to fame with his breakthrough album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ in 2003. His subsequent album, The Massacre, released in 2005, was also a commercial success, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and UK Album Charts and selling over 9 million units worldwide, including 6 million in the US.
The 22-track album included Candy Shop with Olivia, Just A Lil Bit, Disco Inferno, and I’m Supposed To Die Tonight.
In another recent interview with Quipmag, Masicka had reflected on his early passion for music.
“I knew I wanted to become an artist from a tender age yuh know,” he said. “I used to beat desks at school and make beats and sing along to it. I would also practice to be a famous deejay in front of the mirror.”
His first album, 438, reached No. 2 on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart when it was released in 2021.
His sophomore album, Generation of Kings, was released via Def Jam Recordings on December 1 to an overwhelmingly positive reception.
“Masicka album Isn’t just about the music. The arrangement of each song is so pure and creative,” one Twitter user said.
Added another: “Masicka album clean, Black Sheep and Triumph just deh pon repeat especially.”
“Masicka is THAT artist. Every time he drops something he solidifies it more.”
The Jamaican artist, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, performed at Club Amazura in Queens, NY, over the weekend.