Customer Reviews

Before I Self Destruct 3 Disc Deluxe Edition

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Rugged and Raw 50 in this Prequal of sorts to "Get Rich or Die Tryin". Production by Dr. Dre, Polow tha Don, and More. Ne-Yo, R. Kelly, Eminem and more make appearances. This 3 Disc series is a Must have. To start the 2 Movies.."Before I Self Destruct and the Jam Master Jay Tribute" are worth the purchase alone, as they both feature good production value and inside views of 50's creative thinking in a visual sence and JMJ's all but deserved tribute. On the music end the CD starts with a blistering intro "The Invitation" as a reintroduction to the frame of mind that has made 50's story so compelling. Aggresion and energy quickly set the soundscape for the following tracks. And 1-10 are as rugged as it gets. Track 11 is somewhat annoying because of the lackluster hook, but lyrics and production still make the track borderline listenable. Track 12 "I Got Swag", resumes the pace of 1-10 and sets up the finish. Track 13/14 are radio singles and geared for the ladies, but have chemistry to be enjoyed by all. "Baby by Me" is a club smash that is currently #1 on video and some radio markets and picking up steam (post video), and the second single "Do You Think About Me" is a love gone bad Hip-Hop/Ballad that speaks on real-life situations from 50's perspective. This is a very solid track for many reasons. As the last track #15, the CD ends with a blistering Dr. Dre produced "Ok Your Right", which has to be heard in surround sound to fully appreciate this monster of a beat. 50 shines in classic and rare form as this is easily a stand out cut, that in my opinion has been largely overlooked. The Bonus track #16 "Couldve Been You" features R. Kelly and while a good track, wouldve been a better fit from an arrangement standpoint right after tracks 13/14 to fit the transition of R&B inspired to Street. But this is a bonus track, so that aside...Witty Wordplay, Stellar Production and what die hard G-Unit/50 fans have been longing for......Gangster Music! Would have been a classic if "I Get It In" and "Get Up" which were produced by Dr. Dre as well would have made the album, even as bonus cuts since they were somewhat old. NOW.......GO BUY THE ALBUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After such a dissapointing Junior album, Curtis, Before I Self Destruct shows 50 cent in good form. Most fans say that the 3rd album lacked street content and Before I Self Destruct's first half definitely serves up that missing content but it's done over average or below average production.

The second half of the album feels like 50 cent and Interscope had trouble finding a single to sell the album and so they packed as many half decent potential singles as possible on the disc, the only gem on this second half is Do You Think About Me which is one of 50's most personal tracks since Hate It or Love It.

The JMJ documentary and BISD the movie make this hefty price tag well worth the purchase though.