Over the last few weeks, I’ve been analyzing this 50 Cent vs. Rick Ross thing and the more attention I paid to it, the more I realized that I, like many hip-hop fans, are pulled into a story when there is “beef.”

It got me thinking about “beef” in hip-hop and whether or not it is good for the business of hip-hop. Now, don’t get what I am saying twisted. In no way am I saying that beef is good for hip-hop. After observing how Biggie and Tupac’s beef played out, few hip-hop fans would admit their addiction to hip-hop beef.

But after watching numerous Rick Ross videos (say it loud: BAWSE!), I’ve realized that my interest in his music has peaked. Before this drama, I was familiar with a Rick Ross song or two (”everyday I’m hustlin?”), but have never quite anticipated any of his album releases until now. When it drops, I think I’m going to listen to it all the way through, and I’ve spoken to friends who say the same. So I ask you this, is his beef with 50 Cent making him more interesting? Or are we so fascinated with the drama that it takes some good ole’ fashioned beef to pull us in.

The popularity of the Beef DVD series, produced by QD3, and later developed into a television series for BET definitely supports the theory that beef in hip-hop is something that sparks the interest.

We may not know whether beef is good for business, but when Ross’s album drops in April, we’ll have the answer as to whether it was good for his business, at least.

–KIM OSORIO

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