Posted Jan. 27, 2003-- At an unspecified time last night, pranksters attempted to trick the urban community into thinking that both Jay-Z and 50 Cent were murdered in Los Angeles, but the prank isn't true. Still, rumors ran rampant as many people assumed the hoax was fact.Utilizing a content management system called the "CNN.com Fake New Generator," the pranksters promoted their rumor through online message boards. The site appeared, at face value, to be a genuine report with a headline that emblazoned "Rappers Are Found Dead."

Representatives for Jay-Z confirmed that the artist was actually on tour in Europe along with The Clipse and nowhere near Los Angeles. "This is a completely wrong, because he is in Sweden rocking shows or something," the spokes person said to BET.com.
Likewise, James Cruz, Vice President of Promotions and Marketing at Violator Management, stated via email that 50 Cent was still very alive. "50 is fine," Cruz said. The 27-year-old rapper was on New York radio at the time the prank spread across the country.

The full text of the story reads as follows, in its raw unedited form, "It was just reported that, rap stars jay z and 50 cent have been found killed in the lobby of a hotel in Los Angeles. Police say they more than 2 people were involved on this and the other suspects got away. Jay z was fatally wounded from a knife slash to his neck and rap star 50 cent was killed of a 3 shots of a semi automatic rifle to his head. More will be posted on this issue when stated."

Since starting the rumor, the site has been completely removed from the original URL address.
"Why do people start stuff like this? Last night I stared at my computer screen in shock. We are still mourning Jam Master Jay," said Chris Brown, 25, of Manhattan. "Cats need to get a life."