Kanye West Wins, 50 Cent Loses

Awhile back 50 Cent told reporters that if Kanye West’s “Graduation” album outsold his “Curtis” album in the first week, then he would retire from rapping solo. The first week totals are in and 50 Cent approximately sold 600,000 units while Kanye West sold approximately 900,000 units, thus beating 50 Cent in total first week sales. The central question is whether Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson will actually retire from rapping solo, but the more important question is will it even matter if he does?


The second question is more important because almost all current albums are filled with guess appearances. For instance, on the “Curtis” album, Akon, Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake, Timberland, Robin Thicke, Eminem, Nicole Scherzinger, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo all appear on the album, thus leaving 50 Cent with nine tracks where he’s by himself. So, in reality, should “Curtis” and other albums with tons of guest stars really be considered solo album releases? I’m not sure, but it’s something to think about.


I have both albums and they’re both pretty good, although if I had to pick one over the other, I’d go with “Graduation” over “Curtis” because of West’s unique beats and his sometimes social commentary, as opposed to 50’s solid and consistent sound, but tried and true gangsta lyrics. After three albums, I’d expect variation in 50’s lyrics. West at least tries to rap about relevant social events, even if a majority of his rhymes center on his over-inflated ego.