Just so we’re clear, this is not to be confused with 50’s record-setting Get Rich or Die Trying album, which was reviewed by my dawg, Ashish. This is 50’s independently released 2002 album which has been making news in it’s own right. Guess Who’s Back has been on the Billboard charts for seven weeks and currently sits at #45 after peaking at #28.
Shrug if you must, but that’s an incredible accomplishment for what’s effectively an underground rap album. Most independent CDs strive to go “Ghetto Gold”, which is anywhere from 10,000 to 50,000 units in sales. Not surprisingly, 50 is getting the rub of a lifetime from his Dr. Dre and Eminem produced Get Rich…, so why not hop on the bandwagon and give this one a look?
Rotten Apple takes the listener on a gritty tour through life in 50’s world. The production bobs and weaves effectively, while he spins a tale of the effect the streets have on one’s soul. It’s a little over-the-top, but still manages to work due to the imagery presented and the surprisingly tight beat.
Nas has a pair of solid cameos and works very well in contrast to 50’s gruff style. On both Too Hot and Who You Rep With the beats are little slower, which works better for Nas. Unfortunately for 50, he sounds a little out of place when the tempo’s brought down. Even worse, Nas pretty much steals both tracks, especially on Too Hot where he uses his minute or so of mic time to spit one of his trademark “rap on everything under the sun” verses.
Get Out Tha Club is essentially a rough draft of 50’s current banger In Tha Club. While the production is weak and the subject matter a tad generic, 50 gets a chance to take a few darkly humorous jabs at bar-hopping women, club life in general and a quick jab a P. Diddy’s infamous club experience.
Like most rap albums without major label support, the emphasis is heavy on the lyrical content with barely any attention paid to the beats. There are a few freestyle tracks that clearly hammer this point home. All three are solid, with the Whoo Kid track a cut above the others. The guest spots range from decent to exceptional, as well. We’ve already covered Nas, but a quick acknowledgement of 50’s G-Unit crew on That’s What’s Up is in order. Their clever wordplay and solid flow show some real potential for the future.
