In a surprising turn of events, 50 Cent’s iconic track “Many Men” saw a staggering 250% surge in streams, catapulting it back into the spotlight. However, the song’s producer, Darrell “Digga” Branch, found himself in a bittersweet situation when he learned that the Trump camp was eyeing the track for use.
As the news of Donald Trump’s assassination attempt broke, “Many Men” resurfaced and caught the attention of fans worldwide. While Digga acknowledged the boost in popularity for the 2003 hit, he was quick to express his disapproval of associating the song with Trump’s image, given his personal sentiments towards the former president.
Amidst the chaos surrounding the incident in Bethel, PA, where Thomas Matthew Crooks attempted the unthinkable, Secret Service agents intervened, albeit too late to prevent a tragic loss of life at the rally.
The sudden spike in streams for “Many Men” did not go unnoticed by Digga, who witnessed over 2 million streams in just 2 days following the alarming events. 50 Cent seized the moment during his Boston concert, cleverly incorporating the song into his performance with a provocative twist featuring Trump’s face on the album cover.
While the musical resurgence brought temporary excitement, Digga made it clear that any attempt by Trump to co-opt the song for political purposes would not be tolerated. The seasoned producer, known for his work with prominent artists like Ma$e, remained steadfast in his stance against any such misuse of his creation.
Looking ahead, Digga is gearing up to showcase his impressive catalog in an upcoming beat battle in Atlanta, reflecting on his journey from producing for Harlem’s finest to navigating the complexities of the music industry.
As revelations from the past resurface, including Ma$e’s account of a dangerous encounter orchestrated by Big L, Digga remains a key figure in the storytelling of hip-hop history, poised to share his experiences in a future biopic alongside industry heavyweights like Cam’ron and Ma$e.
Written by
Derek Chan
