About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

After selling millions of records worldwide, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson looks to make a similar impact in Hollywood with his gritty biopic Get Rich or Die Tryin'. The film boasts an all-star cast of characters, and the rapper-turned-actor employs a similar approach for the accompanying soundtrack, which includes an equally impressive supportive lineup. Among the guests are longtime collaborators Lloyd Banks ("Get Low"), Young Buck ("No Help"), and Tony Yayo ("Fake Love"), who each get a solo track of their own. Even recent G-Unit recruits like underground hip-hop heroes Mobb Deep ("Have a Party"), rap-rock outfit MOP ("When Death Becomes You"), and former Diddy partner-in-rhyme turned gangsta Ma$e ("I Don't Know Officer") get a chance to bask in the spotlight. But much like the movie, 50 is clearly the headline act here. The Queens native does make time to share the mic, but the disc's strongest moments comes when he flies solo, as on the gripping lead single "Hustler's Ambition," where 50 skillfully reminisces on the struggles of his former life in the streets. The pensive "What If" displays a similar depth as the onetime drug dealer ponders the many alternate paths his life could have taken. But based on his successful rap career and this latest collection of lyrical gems, 50 Cent is doing what he was destined to -- and he didn't have to die tryin'. Anslem Samuel Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

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