by Aaron Salas
Daily Lobo
Fifty Cent claimed he sold more records than all other New York MCs combined in the last two years.
His debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', has sold more than 11 million copies. Fifty Cent, or Curtis Jackson, also said if his latest album, The Massacre, sells any less, he will consider it a failure.
At least he is quoted calling his album a failure before hip-hop heads do. Sadly, his second effort shows 50 was more worried about his clothes, shoes and money last year than making sure his next release would be fire.
The Massacre starts with a skit where a fan opens up the disc and gets shot when she puts it in the stereo. It's a fitting intro, considering this record may lead 50 to lose many fans because of the controversy engulfing this otherwise weak effort.
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Much publicity surrounded the album, with two MTV specials, commercials on major television stations and reports of 50 dissing rapper The Game.
"Piggy Bank" plows down an all-star roster of hip-hop's greatest as 50 declares war on Jadakiss, Fat Joe, Shyne and Nas.
Fifty may have bit off more than he can chew declaring war with such lyrically savvy heavy-hitters - especially since he is known for catchy hooks but weak lyrics.
The three standout tracks on the album include the Eminem-produced "I'm Supposed to Die Tonight," a dark song that has 50 proving he's still gutter and not afraid to take out any of his enemies.
"So Amazing" should be his next club-banger after people get tired of dancing to "Disco Inferno" and "Candy Shop." Another booty-shaker is "Just a Lil Bit," where he explicitly tells the ladies what he would like to do to them behind closed doors.
Twenty-one tracks are a lot for one album, but nine of the joints are less than three-and-a-half minutes, which leaves listeners wanting another verse or two.
Jackson set lofty goals for the new year. It will be hard for him to sell more than the 11 million Get Rich sold with such a lyrically and musically weak album. He uses many unknown and underground producers, and the Dre- and Eminem-produced tracks are not close to the explosive beats we usually get from both.
Fans can anticipate response songs from Joe on his album in April, and Jadakiss on Styles P's album set to drop later in the month. And with the Jay-Z and Nas beef still in our minds, it is a matter of time before Nas strikes back and shows 50 he is the better rapper.
Let the massacre begin.
The Massacre
50 Cent
Grade: D+
