CORPORATE LINE: The pressure is on for the Queens-born rapper to match the sales of his massive 2003 debut, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Get Rich was 2003’s best-selling release and spawned monster tracks like “In Da Club,” “P.I.M.P” and “Wanksta.”
Fiddy’s latest is expected to top of the charts on the strength of his number one single “Candy Shop,” cameos from the likes of Oscar nominated actor (and budding R&B star) Jamie Foxx and early street buzz from cuts like the controversial diss track “Piggy Bank,” which takes swipes at Fat Joe, Ja Rule and the recently hitched Nas and Kelis.
THE GREAT:
“A Baltimore Love Thing” – This is no ballad—drugs, love, and addiction meet in what is disguised as a love song.
“Piggy Bank” – A hot beat flips on a track that is more about being rich than about pissing off enemies.
“Hate It Or Love It” f/G-Unit – 50 takes back the track that he made a hit for the Game.
THE AVERAGE:
“Candy Shop” and “Disco Inferno” – 50 drops one for the radio even though it might alienate diehard fans.
“I’m Supposed To Die Tonight” – The hook works and the rhymes are on—but something is missing.
“Ryder Music” – 50 goes with the west coast style—smooth and laid back.
“Build You Up” f/Jamie Foxx – Jamie Foxx has proven he can act but his cameo here isn’t necessary as he throws out a few “ohs” and “ahs.”
THE BAD:
“Gatman and Robin” – You’d think that an Eminem’s cameo would burn up the record—he doesn’t deliver the goods and it holds 50 back.
FRANKLY: 50 Cent drops the vocals for the choruses and it’s better than hearing some singer trying to fake the same emotion. The biggest surprise is 50’s mellowness. Has he started to calm or is that the vibe he was going for? This may alienate some hardcore fans although he might appeal to more fans who found Get Rich or Die Tryin’ out of reach.
+ CC Morris
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