Album Review: 50 Cent “Before I Self Destruct”

An article by CHICAGORilla    1 Comment

Track Listing:

1. The Invasion
2. Then Days Went By
3. Death To Enemies
4. So Disrespectful
5. Psycho
6. Hold Me Down
7. Crime Wave
8. Stretch
9. Strong Enough
10. Get It Hot
11. Gangsta’s Delight
12. I Got Swag
13. Baby by Me” (feat. Ne-Yo)
14. Do You Think About Me
15. Ok, You’re Right
16. Could’ve Been You

Shout out to my connect for looking out on the BISD long sleeve t-shirt, CD and USB drive with the chunky exclusives. Aight let me give this disclaimer first before I give my opinion on Boo Boo’s latest effort. I AM NOT A 50 CENT FAN! The opinions of CHICAGORilla are mine and mine alone. Kaos doesn’t agree nor disagree with this post. And I was not paid to write anything about dude. I was just supplied with the material on the strength and just wanted to share what I thought with the family. For the record I am avid admirer of Curtis Jackson the marketer though. With that said let’s get into it…

 Tony Yayo got A&R credits on this project and I’m not sure what that means. If he really did an A&R’s job though he deserves a pat on the back. The track selection is good as it is typical 50. And as far as lyrical content Curtis stepped it up a little bit better from the “I love you like a fat kid loves cake” line. I mean dude holds his own with Em on “Psycho”.

But then Boo Boo gets real gutter like on some “GET RICHER OR DIE TRYING” tip with this project. With the exception of the obvious radio record, the cd is pretty consistent. The lead off track “The Invasion” sets the tone for the project and while it doesn’t offer anything new in terms of content. It does set the listener up for the tales of  drugs, guns, money, death, sex & love (yes love) that follow. The only thing I’m wondering is with his noted success and financial position is Curtis believable as a gun toting gangster now?

If you take it at face value as just pure entertainment then this is as enjoyable as Rick Ross’ “Deeper Than Rap”. I mean “Baby By Me” might be the weakest track on the cd. Everything else goes pretty hard. The beats are gutter with production from Dr. Dre, Mark Batson, Rockwilder, Polow da Don, Rick Rock, Havoc, and a host of newcomers. “So Disrespectful” has Curtis calling out Jay, Game, Buck and Shaniqua out in the most disrespectful vocals possible. LOL! Dude may have been challenged from the producers in the booth this go round. Then “Hold Me Down” & “Could’ve Been You” are strictly for the ladies and I doubt they’ll be disappointed.

Overall if you a fan of Fif then you’ll enjoy his latest (last?) endeavor. If not though you may actually find yourself like me saying “Not my cup of tea per se but not as bad as I thought it was gone be”. The cd also comes with a copy of the Before I Self Destruct Movie Kaos & Oz caught on Camp Creek a week or two ago plus a scratch and sniff POWER cologne card! It actually smells good too.

Here are a couple vids for your viewing pleasure

Baby By Me ft Neyo

Crime Wave

Stretch