Archive for November 2nd, 2009

50 Cent: “Before I Self-Destruct” (Album Review)

You know, if his FACE WASN'T ABOUT TO EXPLODE, I'd say he looked a little scared in this pic. But HIS FACE...is ABOUT TO EXPLODE. So nevermind.

So who’s been waiting for another decent G-Unit associated album since “Beg For Mercy”?

*raises hand*

To me, Tony Yayo’s “Thoughts of a Predicate Felon” was the beginning of the end of the G-Unit takeover. Although I enjoyed BOTH of Young Buck’s albums, we all know the drama that surrounded the 2nd LP, so it didn’t have the pop/zing as all the other good G-Unit albums. But this isn’t a G-Unit album to me.

Actually…there are no G-Unit appearances at all here. Which to me is a good thing. But is that a plus or a minus to the overall value of the CD?

The Good: The gritty street vibe that’s been missing from the 50 Cent albums is back. There’s no “Candy Shop”/”Amusement Park” songs on here (although Amusement Park was kind of dope to me). It’s back to the reckless-mouthed Fiddy most people love to hate. Or love to love. Either/or.

The verses are back to the traditional 50 Cent candor that most fans love/hate, and the cameos for the most part contribute to the vibe of the album. 50 went in nicely on this album, and I can honestly say (in my opinion) that this is the best cd he’s had out since the debut album “Get Rich or Die Trying.”

Either you will love this album, or hate it.

The Bad: There’s nothing here that’s deep or mind-blowing to keep PURE hip-hop fans happy. It’s more of the same reckless dissing/gun talk that 50 got famous for…although comparatively, he’s toned it down a lot from the early days.

Also, a lot of the songs are dragged down by the uninteresting and usually repetitive hooks. “Then Days Went By” and “So Disrespectful” could’ve been top-notch songs if a little more care was put into their construction.

That being said…Both of those examples are still extremely great songs. “So Disrespectful” is somewhat on repeat in my Zune right now.

The Psychos: Regardless if 50’s albums suck or not, the one thing that cannot be denied is the creative juices that flow (no homo) when 50 Cent connects with Eminem. Simply put, they make hits. It’s as simple as that, and the track “Psycho” is pretty much one of the few standout tracks on here.

Bottom Line: This is the album that 50 needed to somewhat reestablish himself in the rap game. However, although he does it well, all it contains is more of the same that we’ve come to expect from him. Whether you consider that to be a good or a bad thing… that just depends on you.

Regardless, it’s a well-done street album, and I sincerely hope that it springing a leak doesn’t hinder its sale potential, but realistically it probably will. Let’s hope he doesn’t pull a Kanye West and redo the whole album.

Final Rating: —–> 3.5 / 5 <—–

Eljay’s Favorites:

• “So Disrespectful”
• “Psycho” feat. Eminem
• “Stretch”
• “Then Days Went By”