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]

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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