Spring Break
The Playlist approves of 'Fiddy'
Stephen Ortiz
Issue date: 2/19/09 Section: Focus
So 50 Cent is on his way to Storrs, huh? Sure, he was here in 2003 with Busta Rhymes for Spring Weekend, but you know what? I wasn't. I can already tell there is going to be a lot of criticism aimed at SUBOG for bringing another rap act to UConn, but the way I see it, if you don't like it, get involved. I, on the other hand, approve of this choice so much so that I am dedicating this week's Playlist to his best work.
1. "If I Can't"
What made 50 Cent so popular when he first came onto the music scene were his raw street rhymes, gun-wielding bravado and money-hungry gangsta' mentality. "If I Can't" combines all of those over a hell of a Dr. Dre beat. There's a certain cockiness to his flow, a youthful certainty that in a matter of minutes he'd be the biggest thing on the planet, and if not, then it can't be done. This song defines who he is.
2. "Hustler's Ambition"
"Hustler's Ambition" was the single released to promote the soundtrack to "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'," 50's first acting role and film loosely based on his own life. The track opens with a sample from Frankie Beverly and Maze's "I Need You," the beat drops and then 50 raps, "America has got a thing for this gangsta s--- / They love me." The song feels real and when it comes to gangster rap, it's a rarity.
3. "Just A Lil Bit"
Hands down, 50's best party song. A bass-heavy track booming out of your speakers that sports a Middle Eastern-style groove just feels so right. Seriously, if you don't find your head nodding to this song, you might not have a pulse. Sure, the lyrics are run-of-the-mill party rap, but they're quite funny. My favorite? "Now shorty shake that thing like a pro mang' / She back it up on me like 'oh, man.'"
4. "I Get Money"
The ultimate cash rap anthem with plenty of tongue in cheek humor, companioned by a hilarious music video. The beat is unlike any other featured on a 50 Cent album, let alone other artists' records. He raps, "Have a baby by me baby, be a millionaire / I write the check before the baby comes, who the f--- cares?"
5. "Many Men (Wish Death)"
From the brief sketch beginning with 50 being shot in a drive-by to the serious beat made mellower by the 6-key loop and subject matter, 50 spins some of his best hood dramas that can be summarized in his opening line: "Man, these p---- n----- put money on my head / Go on, get your refund, motherf---er, I ain't dead."
1. "If I Can't"
What made 50 Cent so popular when he first came onto the music scene were his raw street rhymes, gun-wielding bravado and money-hungry gangsta' mentality. "If I Can't" combines all of those over a hell of a Dr. Dre beat. There's a certain cockiness to his flow, a youthful certainty that in a matter of minutes he'd be the biggest thing on the planet, and if not, then it can't be done. This song defines who he is.
2. "Hustler's Ambition"
"Hustler's Ambition" was the single released to promote the soundtrack to "Get Rich Or Die Tryin'," 50's first acting role and film loosely based on his own life. The track opens with a sample from Frankie Beverly and Maze's "I Need You," the beat drops and then 50 raps, "America has got a thing for this gangsta s--- / They love me." The song feels real and when it comes to gangster rap, it's a rarity.
3. "Just A Lil Bit"
Hands down, 50's best party song. A bass-heavy track booming out of your speakers that sports a Middle Eastern-style groove just feels so right. Seriously, if you don't find your head nodding to this song, you might not have a pulse. Sure, the lyrics are run-of-the-mill party rap, but they're quite funny. My favorite? "Now shorty shake that thing like a pro mang' / She back it up on me like 'oh, man.'"
4. "I Get Money"
The ultimate cash rap anthem with plenty of tongue in cheek humor, companioned by a hilarious music video. The beat is unlike any other featured on a 50 Cent album, let alone other artists' records. He raps, "Have a baby by me baby, be a millionaire / I write the check before the baby comes, who the f--- cares?"
5. "Many Men (Wish Death)"
From the brief sketch beginning with 50 being shot in a drive-by to the serious beat made mellower by the 6-key loop and subject matter, 50 spins some of his best hood dramas that can be summarized in his opening line: "Man, these p---- n----- put money on my head / Go on, get your refund, motherf---er, I ain't dead."
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