Disco de 50 Cent: “Before I Self-Destruct [Clean]”

i have waiting a long time for this album, but some cuts like baby by me, made me insecure that i was expecting of the album, but i would take it anyway, but we cannot judge a album for 1 song, then when crime wave came to the light i was Hell Yeah this hit hard, but in a few words to not making too long this is THE BEST ALBUM OF 2009 its extremely gangsta lyrics and production theres only like RnB 2-3 songs but these are not so bad, Before I Self Destruct is so different in the good way, comparing to these days corny hip hop and with an A-list of infinite guest rappers use in his albums (these albums better call for example "Jay-Z and Friends present The Blueprint 3"), 50 with Em in one Song in his Album its ENOUGH for it, and the production its extremely good even than the only A-List producer is Dre in 3 songs the and rest is at the same quality with not A-list producers, for last i have to say I am very proud of this album FINALY some Gangsta Rap to the media.

I thought when the single dropped "baby by me", that this album was gonna be some ole bubble gum, its ur bday, for the club type tunes, but seems like that's the only song that doesn't belong on this joint. Thats the reason for the 4 star and not the 5 star rating. Guess he needed at least 1, maybe 2 for the radio. The rest is classic 50. It took me back to the first joint, mix tape 50. Don't listen to it around your kids, and a clean version wouldn't be clean enuff, but its guttah. i likes. 'Strong Enuff' is my fav. when your driving alone in your car, roll your windows up and bang it.

Rugged and Raw 50 in this Prequal of sorts to "Get Rich or Die Tryin". Production by Dr. Dre, Polow tha Don, and More. Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Eminem and more make appearances. This 3 Disc series is a Must have. To start the 2 Movies.."Before I Self Destruct and the Jam Master Jay Tribute" are worth the purchase alone, as they both feature good production value and inside views of 50's creative thinking in a visual sence and JMJ's all but deserved tribute. On the music end the CD starts with a blistering intro "The Invitation" as a reintroduction to the frame of mind that has made 50's story so compelling. Aggresion and energy quickly set the soundscape for the following tracks. And 1-10 are as rugged as it gets. Track 11 is somewhat annoying because of the lackluster hook, but lyrics and production still make the track borderline listenable. Track 12 "I Got Swag", resumes the pace of 1-10 and sets up the finish. Track 13/14 are radio singles and geared for the ladies, but have chemistry to be enjoyed by all. "Baby by Me" is a club smash that is currently #1 on video and some radio markets and picking up steam (post video), and the second single "Do You Think About Me" is a love gone bad Hip-Hop/Ballad that speaks on real-life situations from 50's perspective. This is a very solid track for many reasons. As the last track #15, the CD ends with a blistering Dr. Dre produced "Ok Your Right", which has to be heard in surround sound to fully appreciate this monster of a beat. 50 shines in classic and rare form as this is easily a stand out cut, that in my opinion has been largely overlooked. The Bonus track #16 "Couldve Been You" features R. Kelly and while a good track, wouldve been a better fit from an arrangement standpoint right after tracks 13/14 to fit the transition of R&B inspired to Street. But this is a bonus track, so that aside...Witty Wordplay, Stellar Production and what die hard G-Unit/50 fans have been longing for......Gangster Music! Would have been a classic if "I Get It In" and "Get Up" which were produced by Dr. Dre as well would have made the album, even as bonus cuts since they were somewhat old. NOW.......GO BUY THE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Before I Self Destruct (2009) is an uncompromising view of life in the inner-city that focuses on how things can change without warning. When that happens, you can be forced into making decisions that alter your path and the life of those around you. The story is told from the view of Clarence (Curtis Jackson), who also adds insightful narrative of his thoughts and past throughout the film.

Clarence and Shocka (Elijah Williams) are nurtured and loved by their hardworking single mother. Shocka is gifted academically and excelling in school while Clarence works at the grocery store after his future as a talented basketball player was shattered when he was injured on the court. Coming home one evening Clarence walks by the scene of a shooting without much thought, that is, until the police come to the door with the news that their mother was killed during a shooting. Life gets even harder when Clarence comes home to find an eviction notice the same night he is fired from his job for stealing food to feed his little brother.

After committing an act that opens the door to an illegal life he starts working for Sean (Clifton Powell) as an enforcer. He enforces Sean's enterprise and the code of the streets with deadly force. Shocka's life keeps getting better because Clarence shields him from everything. He is a positive role model at home and keeps Shocka on the right path. As Shocka asks... How long can this continue?

7 out of 10 - Rated R - Overall it is a powerful and thoughtful film that will leave a lasting impression on you. A few hilarious moments are thrown in to offset some of the seriousness. The acting is pretty simple and mostly holds true to the story and life, although a few of the lines from non-lead actors come across unnatural and forced at times. The cinematography was great; making many powerful scenes when combined with the music. I felt some of the sexual encounters where a bit over the top and not needed. Certainly worth the watch.

Dain Binder

Fanboys will listen to "Before I Self Destruct" and proclaim that 50 has returned. Detractors will listen to it and say that it's more of the same. The truth is that the album is somewhere in the middle, displaying elements of both at different times.

Fifty's flow has definitely improved on this album. While there are a couple of rhymes that will make you cringe ("I got more guns than a gun store", "When I say I'm ballin' I'm not talking `bout a ball"), for the most part, 50 has responded pretty well to those who say his flow fell off. His flow on "Psycho" is some of his best.

As far as the content of the lyrics, 50 is at his best when he's talking about something specific. In the beginning of "The Invitation," he talks a little about the specifics of when he was shot. In "So Disrespectful," he disses Game and Young Buck. When he's actually rapping about a specific topic, you hear the cocky candor that we've all come to love about him. Unfortunately, there are a lot of times when he falls back into making vague threats against anonymous foes while bragging about money and cars. Those are the moments when I find myself pressing "Next" on my CD/MP3 player.

As an aside, rappers need to figure out that personifying a gun as in "Hold Me Down" or drugs as in "A Baltimore Love Thing" off "The Massacre" has been done to death. Nas and 2Pac were original in the 90s when they did it, but it's played out now. Please stop.

The beats themselves range from great to just stupid. The beat on "The Invitation" is raw and grimy, and that song is one of my favorites. Same for "Crime Wave." Even though it's the album's "chick song", "Do You Think About Me" is probably the standout track on the album. The beat is slow and grooving, 50's flow is good and he's actually talking about something interesting. On the flip side, "Get It Hot" is probably the weakest track on the album. It is lyrically and musically so similar to "Fire" from the previous album that it can't be coincidence.

In all, I wouldn't call this album, nor would I call it terrible. It's that same middle-of-the-road fare that we've seen this year, from "Relapse" to "The Blueprint 3". Nothing on these albums is terribly bad, but these rappers are definitely not pushing the boundaries of their careers, either.