Is 50 Cent Self Destruct-ing?

Curtis Jackson a.k.a. 50 Cent is one of the most notable artists in the rap game. Whether this is because of his music or his larger-than-life persona is up for the audience to decide.

Known for his blatant bashing of other rappers, deep beats and explicit lyrics, 50 Cent has become one of the most controversial rappers in the 21st century.

But 50’s career hasn’t been entirely easy. Being shot nine times and finding troubles with the law before finally landing a record deal is hardly what anyone would consider the easy route.

Before I Self Destruct is the latest installment from the Queens, New York native and is an attempt to step back into the spotlight after his 2007 release Curtis fell on deaf ears.

His fourth and possibly last studio album (five being on his contract with Interscope records, the last one being a greatest hits) doesn’t really do justice to the musician’s career as it features the same old cliché bouts seen on previous albums.

Self confidence is one thing and a publicity stunt is another, but on Death to my Friends 50 Cent is back at writing checks his music just can’t cash.

“This ain’t the ‘Carter’ n****,” raps 50 Cent about Lil Wayne. “This is Sparta! It’s Harder! I die and be a martyr, respect me like your father!”

Immediately after 50 is back at it on So Disrespectful where he doesn’t waste any time reigniting old flames against rapper friend turned-foe The Game.

“That n**** Buck like Game!” 50 cent confidentially pronounces. “Tell mamma he done smoked in TV, I ain’t know he f***** with more dope than B.G.”

The saying goes, “All clichés are truisms, and all truisms are true”; it couldn’t be any more relevant than it is in 50 Cent’s case.

He is the stereotypical gangster rapper armed with guns, sex and drugs which all decrease this album’s credibility and his own credibility in turn.

The most frustrating thing is he has excellent production from some of the genre’s biggest stars. The problem with releasing such a classic first album as Get Rich Now or Die Trying is that your whole career is measured up to that standard.

Sure, this album is not bad, but when you put it next to his first album or even his second it looks out of place, mismanaged and just plain ole’ boring.

When Curtis Jackson picked his stage name of 50 Cent years ago he probably didn’t know one day his alias would be such a literal representation of what his music is worth.

For more on 50 Cent and his new album, visit his official website. You can also purchase his album directly his iTunes page.