In the Studio: 50 Cent Gets "Dark" on New Disc

Last year, 50 Cent went up against Kanye West, and lost. Both rappers released albums on September 11th, 2007, and while West's sold 950,000 copies its first week, 50's moved about 250,000 units less. Looking back, 50 says, "If I could change anything, I'd change the timing that I released it. But together we created the largest-selling week for hip-hop music."

The two won't be going head-to-head again: West's 808s & Heartbreak is slated for November 25th, and 50's Before I Self Destruct will be out early next year. Compared to 2007's R&B-heavy Curtis — which featured Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige and Robin Thicke — 50's fourth LP is more stripped-down, with fewer guest spots. "It's darker," he says. "It has the essence of [his debut] Get Rich or Die Tryin'. It's authentic with harsh realities." Beyond the first single, the Scott Storch-produced "Get Up," 50 won't reveal any song titles, though he says the CD will feature collaborations with Dr. Dre and Eminem. Also, every disc will come with a DVD of a full-length movie written, directed by and starring the MC: He plays a none-too-bright baller with NBA potential, whose teen brother is a college-bound prodigy. "It might sound far-fetched, but 13-year-old college students are out there," says 50. "There's more than one Doogie Howser, baby."

[From Issue 1066 — November 27, 2008]

Related Stories:
• Trailer: 50 Cent's Directorial Debut Before I Self Destruct
• 50 Cent Doles Out Hood Business Advice on The Money and the Power

• 
  MUSIC The Top 25 Teen Idol Breakout Moments
• 
  MOVIES & TV 'Game of Thrones': The Show Vs. the Books
• 
  POLITICS Matt Taibbi: Facebook IPO vs. Shareholders
• 
  VIDEOS Exclusive: Garbage Rip Through 'I Think I'm Paranoid'

Song Stories

“Smells Like Teen Spirit”

Nirvana | 1991

"Smells Like Teen Spirit," named after a brand of deodorant marketed to girls, was Kurt Cobain's attempt to "write the ultimate pop song," he said, using the soft-loud dynamic of his favorite band, the Pixies. Cobain "had that dichotomy of punk rage and alienation," the song’s producer, Butch Vig, told Rolling Stone, "but also this vulnerable pop sensibility. In 'Teen Spirit,' a lot of that vulnerability is in the tone of his voice." Sadly, by the time of Nirvana's last U.S. tour, in late '93, Cobain was tortured by the obligation to play "Teen Spirit" every night. "There are many other songs that I have written that are as good, if not better," he claimed.

More Song Stories entries »

Twitter