“Let’s raise the stakes,” said the native New Yorker. “If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I’ll no longer [perform] music. I’ll write music and work with my other artists, but I won’t put out any more solo albums”.
According to Nielsen Soundscan, on September 11, 2007, “Graduation” sold 437,000 copies to Curtis 310,000. During the first six days of release, Graduation moved 957,000 claiming the No.1 slot. “Curtis” captured the No.2 slot with 691,000 sold.
On September 12, 2007 50 Cent blamed his album’s 2nd place status on Interscope Records. He appeared on the Angie Martinez show (HOT 97) saying “To be honest, the process of selling this record hasn’t been fun. I’m happy with the performance, but I’m not happy with the set up. We had conference calls and after we created this plan, nobody actually had a plan.”
Fast-forwarding two years and three months, 50 Cent couldn’t refrain from releasing his fourth solo project titled Before I Self Destruct. Before I Self Destruct was scheduled to be released in 2007, but an executive decision was made to release “Curtis” instead and release Before I Self Destruct at a later date. It makes you wonder if reneging on his infamous bet was always in the plan. The fans of 50 Cent are certainly glad that he didn’t honor that bet. Here’s a secret, 50 Cent had contractual obligations to Interscope so he couldn’t honor the bet.
Released on November 17th, Before I Self Destruct is true 50. 50 realize that he has a formula that has been working for him consistently since his first major release in 2003 Get Rich or Die Tryin’. If you were a fan of 50 since day one, you will not be disappointed because he is giving you what he has always given you. 50 Cent is certainly true to his art. Before I Self Destruct has the hardcore beats that knock with a few commercial hits sprinkled among them.
The album opens up with “The Invitation” produced by DJ Premier and it brings hardness that sets the mood of the album. An ear catcher is “So Disrespectful” and the title says it all; along with several lyrical shots to The Game.
The CD features Eminem, Ne-Yo, and R. Kelly. Eminem blesses the listener with great lyrics and a tight flow on “Psycho.” Ne-Yo is featured on the first single and the most commercial song of the CD, “Baby By Me.” R. Kelly can make any track better with him just being on it, so “Could’ve Been You” is a chill, sexy vibe that is a perfect mesh of 50 and Kelly. “Do You Think About Me” and “Get It Hot” are two tracks that have potential of being released singles. Both songs have a radio friendly and commercial appeal like “Baby By Me.” “Do You Think About Me” is the grown and sexy song of the album; the track is mellow, smooth, with a nice knock to make you nod your head. “Get It Hot” would fall into the club banger category.
In the end, the overall vibe of “Before I Self Destruct” is dark and aggressive. While this album seems to cover all bases, there are still a few loopholes that could lead to its downfall. We will leave it to the 50 Cent fans to determine if Before I Self Destruct will be worth their money or a fireworks show signaling the end of a good run.
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