SOURCE: detroitnews.com
There were a few celebrities at Little Caesars Arena for Game 5 of the Eastern Semifinals between the Detroit Pistons and Cleveland Cavaliers.
In the first half of the game, rappers and longtime friends 50 Cent and Eminem were shown on the Jumbotron sitting courtside. 50 Cent was supporting his mentor’s hometown team, wearing a blue hat with “Detroit” written on it.
Seated to 50 Cent’s left was Paul Rosenberg, Eminem’s longtime manager, and next to Rosenberg was rapper Denaun Porter, Eminem’s longtime cohort and on-stage hype man.
50 Cent was presented to the world by Eminem — at the time, at the peak of his powers — who signed him to Shady Records in 2002 and placed him under the tutelage of Dr. Dre, who knows a thing or two about minting stars.
“Get Rich or Die Tryin'” was a monster breakthrough for 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson in Queens, New York.
The album made 50, a New York mixtape rapper with an underground following, an instant superstar and a commercial powerhouse. He became something of a gangsta rap superhero and supervillain, all rolled into one.
TMZ reported that Eminem and 50 Cent sat courtside in 2005 at the NBA Finals at the Palace of Auburn Hills when the Pistons played the San Antonio Spurs.
In 2023, Eminem joined 50 Cent on stage at his concert at Pine Knob during his Final Lap tour.
Detroit also was represented by rapper Tee Grizzley, born Terry Sanchez Wallace Jr., who is known for his debut single “First Day Out” and made an appearance in the fourth quarter.
Big Sean was there as well, sitting courtside near the Pistons bench, and got extended time on the Jumbotron, including when he threw Pistons merchandise into the crowd.