50 Shekel was a former Jewish novelty rapper who underwent a much publicised conversion to Christianity. His conversion touched off a certain degree of controversy in the Jewish community especially after his attacks on Judaism and Jews and use of his music site to preach the falsehood of Judaism. Some Christians questioned the sincerity of his conversion and the volume of his attacks. Up until this point 50 Shekel had been featured in New Yorker Magazine and his novelty rap song 'In Da Shul' had recieved airplay and exposure.

Aviad Cohen, using the stage name "50 Shekel", was a Jew hip-hop musical artist, a parody of the rapper "50 Cent." Born in Tel Aviv he came to New York at the age of 2. He worked as a director's assistant on a Christina Aguilera video and then launched a career singing Jewish parodies of mainstream music. His big hit was a sendup of 50 Cents's 'In Da Club' with 'In Da Shul' After encountering some negative criticism particularly at the pop culture website JewSchool which ridiculed his music, he joined Jews for Jesus and became a meshumad, a "completed Jew", a phrase common among Messianic Jews.

He is currently in the process of producing his debut music release, Get Righetous or Die Tryin' , which he calls
:"an eclectic album featuring God glorifying rhymes to the flava of pop, hip hop, R&B, dance/trance, rock and classical music. Also included are spoken word interludes of Bible verses over music and soundscapes as well as humorous, thought provoking and controversial skits."

However on his blog Aviad claimed that he was abandoning the 50 Shekel name because of the negative associations with rap music, which he described as doing the work of Satan and began calling himself, 'The Artist Formerly Known as 50 Shekel.'

:"Why were there SO MANY Jewish kids and adults who were fans of and or knew of a murderous, satanic, demonic, evil soldier of Satan named 50 Cent? You wanna know why there could or would never be a Christian or Messianic version of 50 Cent? First off, most of the Christian parents would NEVER let their kids listen to such evil Satanic anthems by 50 Cent and G-Unit and secondly, most God-serving believers don't take to such evil media content like 50 Cent and G-Unit. In other words, they wouldn't even know who 50 Cent was in the first place, let alone a parody act of 50 Cent. If you are a Jewish parent and are reading this and your kid has a 50 Cent album or two and some other demonic music and media (Harry "witchcraft" Potter and "porno" BRATZ dolls to name a few), it's about time you and your family come to know Y'shua (Jesus) and then break loose of those demonic strongholds in your life. If you think they aren't a stronghold in you're life, why are you hesitant to destroy the CDs, dolls and books? My point is made. That's how I felt about Dr. Dre's 2001 Hip Hop CD, until I broke it. When I did that, I said to Satan in more than just words, "take your demonic music and shove it". See, I've learned that I never really understood the effects of evil like 50 Cent until I came to know good like Jesus." 50 Shekel blog post

He then accused Jewish record executives of also serving Satan.

:"There is nothing more demonically enjoyable for a money hungry music business exec who is an unsaved Jew who hates Jesus and doesn't serve God in Truth to take a shvartza (n#gga) with guns and vulgarity and strap an expensive cross on his chest and put it on a CD and make sure it's hustled to every Jewish kid on the block. Why? The Jewish exec works for Satan." 50 Shekel blog post

Previously however 50 Shekel had praised 50 Cent

:"50 Shekel: I do appreciate 50 Cent's music. Even though he and I come from different worlds, there are definitely many themes in his music and lyrics that I can relate to and connect with. Truthfully, if it weren't for 50 Cent and his "In Da Club" song that inspired me to write and record my kosher "In Da Shul" version, 50 Shekel would not exist. Straight up props to 50 and his producers for making a great track that brings smiles to people and inspires fun."
50 Shekel Interview

50 Shekel attributed his newfound belief in Jesus to giving him the power to quit smoking.

:"In fact, it was Y'shua who recently wiped out a 15-year addiction to smoking cigarettes and nicotine. With God, all things are possible. Unsaved Jews keep telling me, "Avi, you did it!" and I'm like, "No, its impossible for me to do it. But with God, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE."

Aviad Cohen aka 50 Shekel also expressed that he believes all Jews who have not converted to Christianity as he did will now burn in hell.

:"If you are an unsaved Jew reading this and hate me for actually believing in God and the Messiah that HE appointed to die for the sins of everyone in this world, well then you can take your "Jewish" pride, ignorance and hatred, pack it in a Rabbinically kosher lunch bag and take it to hell with you."

50 Shekel blog post

He also became embroiled in controversy over his affiliation with a Messianic website which appeared to copy a prominent Jewish website.

His post 50 Shekel music thus far comprises Christian religious songs to promote his ministry.

External links

Aviad Cohen's website, including approximately two dozen songs for free listening

Web War Ensnares Jewish Rapper

A Hebrew Homie's Search

See Ya Fiddy

50 Shekel announces he is abandoning the 50 Shekel name

Jews for Jesus

Ex-Jews for Jesus