50 Cent Approves of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s Relationship, Throws Shade at Ex
In a candid interview with Extra on Wednesday, October 22, rapper 50 Cent shared his thoughts on Taylor Swift mentioning him in her latest album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” while also expressing his approval of her relationship with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. The rapper didn’t mince words when he seemingly compared Swift’s romance with Kelce to the NFL star’s previous relationship, making it clear where his preferences lie.
“I like her boyfriend too,” 50 Cent said, referring to Kelce. “I like the team. I like KC. I like the whole thing.” But what caught listeners’ attention was his follow-up comment: “I like it a lot better than the last [relationship] he had going on… It’s a lot better.” While 50 Cent didn’t explicitly name anyone, many interpreted this as a reference to Kelce’s ex-girlfriend Kayla Nicole, whom the football player dated from 2017 to 2022. During their five-year relationship, Nicole, a 33-year-old journalist, frequently shared social media content featuring the couple, including one video where Kelce appeared frustrated, saying, “Oh, my God. Get off your phone… You’re not even drinking your wine anymore, can we go?”
The timing of 50 Cent’s comments is particularly interesting as they come shortly after Swift released her twelfth studio album, which includes lyrics in the song “Opalite” that some fans believe reference Kelce’s previous relationship: “You couldn’t understand it / Why you felt alone / You were in it for real / She was in her phone / You were just a pose.” Following the album’s release, Nicole appeared to respond indirectly by sharing a throwback clip from America’s Next Top Model on her Instagram Stories, featuring Eva Marcille’s response to Tyra Banks asking how she compares herself to other contestants: “I don’t compare myself to other girls. I’m Eva. I’m no comparison to anyone else.”
50 Cent’s enthusiasm for Swift mentioning him in her new song “Ruin the Friendship” was evident both in his initial reaction and during the Extra interview. In the song, which details Swift’s regrets about not kissing a guy friend in high school, she sings, “And it was not an invitation / But as the 50 Cеnt song played / Should’ve kissed you anyway.” When the album was first released, the rapper proudly shared on Instagram, “LOL 😆 THIS IS FOR BIG TIMERS ONLY! @50centaction wait I’m the only shout out on the whole album. 🔥.” In his conversation with Extra, he elaborated on why the reference meant so much to him, explaining, “It really is cool. Because she makes a reference, if you listen to the song, to what was going on in culture at the time… The shout-out is the shout-out, but what she was making reference to is the period [where] no one was more prominent in music at that point… So it was exciting to have that.”
The mutual respect between 50 Cent and the power couple seems to be growing, with the rapper even addressing the possibility of attending their future wedding. Swift and Kelce, who began dating in the summer of 2023, got engaged this past August after a whirlwind romance that captivated fans and media alike. When asked if he would attend their wedding should he receive an invitation, 50 Cent didn’t hesitate: “I would make my way over there.” His comments not only highlight his support for their relationship but also suggest he sees their connection as genuinely positive compared to Kelce’s previous romantic endeavors.
This celebrity crossover between the worlds of rap, pop music, and professional sports demonstrates how interconnected entertainment spheres have become in today’s culture. 50 Cent’s comments have added another layer to the ongoing public interest in Swift and Kelce’s relationship, while also reigniting conversations about Kelce’s past romance with Nicole. As the engaged couple continues planning their future together, they do so with apparent support from various corners of the entertainment industry, including from one of rap’s most iconic figures who seems more than happy to celebrate their love story—even if that means throwing a little shade at what came before.
