The Comeback Kid

Have you ever heard of miracles? Maybe you've had one happen to you or someone you love. Well, in 2000, a young rapper by the name of 50 Cent was shot nine times outside his grandmother's home in Queens. Not only did he survive, he continued to make records. You gotta give him respect for that.

Now, a lot of people love 50. And a lot of people don't ('I'd give him a dollar to shut up' is a popular slogan). Personally, I had only heard his singles on the radio, but I had never ventured out to listen to his albums before now. His album Get Rich Or Die Trying, the first album after the shooting, and his debut album, was listed by Allmusic as "probably the most hyped debut album by a rap artist in about a decade". So, the real question is, did 50 Cent actually have enough talent and skills to change the game?

Well, yes, and no. I know, we say that for a lot of reviews. That's because music isn't black and white, its usually a gray area for most musicians. For 50, there are definite bright spots in his music, but there's a black hole that could easily suck him up if he doesn't change his ways.

When you listen to the album, there is no denying the fact that the man is creative. He can rap and he can definitely spin some words. For example:

D's come we dump the diesel and battery acid This flow's been mastered, the ice I flash it Chokes me, I'll have your mama picking out your casket, bastard I'm on the next level, Breitling Baguette Bezel Benz pedal to the metal, hotter than a tea kettle, blood

I wouldn't get in a battle with this cat. And the album isn't bad. I like how it's pure 50, even when he raps with other people like Eminem and Nate Dogg. He speaks his mind, but doesn't droll during a song. I enjoyed the first couple of songs, the middle of the album, and the end. Of course, though, I have a problem with this album...

I understand how, sadly, 50 Cent's shooting kind of fueled his career. However, that doesn't mean that that's all he has to rap about. We got it 50, you got shot. And I understand how you have to call out the haters and everything, but please don't base your whole album on that fact. Well, I guess you can (he did), but I have to admit, I got bored after a while. Like, oh, another die haters! I'm still alive song. I can even understand the 'ho's' and stuff like that, maybe because I'm used to that in rap, but, at this point in time, I would have told 50 to expand after this album, cause you can't ride on a shooting for the rest if your career. Well, I guess you can, but you really shouldn't want to. All musicians should strive to get better with each album, not stay the status quo.


Anyways, off Get Rich Or Die Trying, there were a couple of singles I'm sure you all would be able to sing at any given time. 'In da Club', '21 Questions', 'Many Men (Wish Death)' 'P.I.M.P'. If you don't know, you can look them up on YouTube. My favoirte of this album was the second track, 'What Up Gangsta'. I can't speak too much for Whitni, because you know how she feels about rap (if you don't, look up her post 'The Slow And Sad Degeneration Of Rap Music'). However, I like she would like 'Wanksta', which was featured in the 8 Mile album.

50 Cent has gone on to release other albums (this one was released in 2003), so I can't say much about how he is now musically. Otherwise, he looks as if he's doing okay, although seems to be having a lot of legal troubles. I also couldn't help but notice the fact that he has a large number of feuds going on, as well as a son. I just gotta say to 50, regardless of the music, stay safe man. These streets ain't as safe as they used to be, and I'm sure you know this better than anybody. And, if you have something you have to say, something worthwhile, then keep rapping.

I guess 50 Cent will always be rap's little miracle.

-Raivynn