50 Cent - Get Rich or Die Trying

Some people may disagree about the success of superstar rapper 50 Cent's crossover into acting, few would question his skills when it comes to supplying the accompanying soundtrack. Get Rich or Die Trying is packed with the lyrical intensity, gritty immediacy, and plain-spoken realism that originally endeared 50 and G-Unit to fans around the world. Get Rich or Die Trying the movie is a semi-autobiographical story of 50 Cent, a drug dealer turned MC. Most of the tracks on the album reflect that lifestyle and the struggle to survive in the ghetto, ("Hustler's Ambition," & "Don't Need No Help") or the cultural difficulties that can accompany a quick rise from dire poverty to fame and fortune ("Talk About Me," & "Fake Love").

50 Cent, Aka Curtis Jackson, has the first track and possibly the best single off the album, “Hustler's Ambition.” This track delivers typical 50 style: solid production on the track by B-Money, a catchy hook, and hard yet average lyrics. With a funky old school sample 50 illustrates a hustler's ascension from grinding over the Pyrex pots to the mansion on the hills. The second track, “What If,” tells the story of a young Hip Hop artist contemplating his own style and place in Hip Hop music. Nick Speed lays down a mellow and reflective beat which contrasts nicely with 50's sharp lyrics. This song is one of the stand out tracks on the album, as 50 compares himself to other Hip Hop artists and ponders how life would be if his style matched theirs. The first crew song comes in “I Don't Know Officer.” This track is a testament to not snitching (street loyalty). G-Unit continues their reputation of igniting beef, taking lyrical shots at several rappers, giving some humour to what is essentially a very serious album.

G-Unit fans will not be disappointed by this album but if you aren't a fan of 50 Cent previous to this album then maybe its best left on the shelf.