50 Cent is once again hitting out at Fox series ‘Empire’, accusing the show of suffering from a drop in ratings. But what 50 probably didn't count on was actress Taraji P Henson, who plays the feisty Cookie Lyon on the hit show, firing back at the rapper with some shade of her own.

Taraji P Henson Taraji P Henson hit back at 50 Cent’s ‘Empire’ shade on Instagram

According to E! News, in a now deleted post, 50 shared a screenshot of Taraji along with a headline claiming ’Empire’s’ ratings were falling.

'Well look at the bright side at least. You can eat your trophies,' he wrote. 'I was talking to old girl but you felt like you had to respond. SMH you know I love you cookie. I got a new show for you BMF COMING SOON !!!’

More: Taraji P. Henson Hands Out Cookies As She Wins Golden Globe For 'Empire'

‘BMF: Black Mafia Family’ is a new series the rapper is currently developing for network Starz, following the success of ‘Power’, which he also produces.

But Taraji wasn't going to take 50’s diss lying down and on Saturday she shared her own screen grab on Instagram, showing that ‘Empire’ 'remains the No. 1 show on broadcast TV.’

The actress then wrote: 'For the confused ppl. Do REAL research!!! Loose change makes sooooooo much UNNECESSARY NOISE. STILL LOOKING FOR THAT DAMN CENT SIGN!!! I guess it's obsolete. AGAIN CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS BLACK MAN!!! @50cent.’

50 later responded in another now deleted post which read: ‘All this back and forth s--t is starting to turning me on cookie, LMAO I ran into Lee Daniels at the gym on Sunset Blvd. he asked why I didn't except his offer to be on EMPIRE.

‘I told him I have a lot going on, I'm actually working on the show FOX is gonna replace EMPIRE with, he looked at me like…why the f--k are you doing that? It's because I'm a drug dealer, and I was taught to get in, get your weight up, then take over. So that's the deal #EFFENVODKA #smsaudio #FRIGO’

More: ’Empire' Star Taraji P. Henson Assures Fans She's A Tough Cookie After Hospitalisation

But while Taraji has her problems with 50, she did praise his ‘Power’ co-star Naturi Naughton in a later Instagram post. 'Sooooooooo proud of you@naturi4real,’ she wrote.

‘I WANT YOU TO KNOW I will NEVER let any NEGATIVITY come between the LOVE I have for my sisters!!! As women we put up with enough BS. I will NEVER add to that stress and heartache!!! YOU ARE DOPE on #Powerand in life!!! #BlackGirlMagic SHINE BABY SHINE.’