50 Cent is letting the numbers talk again, as it was revealed that the mogul crowned the most-streamed New York City (NYC) rapper of 2025 for the third straight year.
The distinction came via music stats account Diverse Mentality, which dropped the news on December 30 after reviewing YouTube’s global streaming charts.
Rather than popping champagne, 50 brushed it off like routine work. “I thought we got over this guys, it is the way it is. LOL @bransoncognac,” he wrote on Instagram.
The caption carried his trademark mix of sarcasm and confidence, signaling that this level of dominance no longer surprises him. 50 has always kept his pulse on New York City hip-hop while his classics continue to be relished by the city.
Diverse Mentality made it clear this wasn’t business as usual for anyone else. “50 Cent’s music has been dominating for years despite not releasing a new solo album since 2014!” the account tweeted.
The post highlighted YouTube’s 2025 data, which showed 50 racking up a massive 1.9 billion views globally, putting him well ahead of the rest of New York’s rap heavyweights.
The distance between first and second place was hard to ignore. Nicki Minaj landed at No. 2 with 1.22 billion views, followed by Cardi B with 955 million.
Jay-Z came in fourth with 711 million, just ahead of 6ix9ine at 696 million. The rest of the list included Pop Smoke, French Montana, The Notorious B.I.G., A$AP Rocky, and Lil Tecca, rounding out the top 10.
Diverse Mentality didn’t mince words about the margin. According to the account, 50 “dominated the numbers and by dominated we mean by a long distance from the other New York rappers.”
The framing positioned the moment as proof of longevity rather than a short-term win.
50’s response leaned into that idea. “It is the way it is,” he wrote, framing the achievement as inevitable.
The added “LOL” kept it light, while the Branson Cognac tag reminded fans that his empire stretches far beyond music. 50 Cent released new music in 2025 in support of his upcoming U.K. boxing series, Fightland.
The moment reinforces 50 Cent’s rare position in hip-hop. Even without a new solo album in over a decade, his catalog continues to move at elite levels. At this point, he isn’t chasing relevance. The streams keep chasing him.