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September 11th is a historic date for millions of people around the world, it is just about to get bigger. 9/11 has imprinted itself into the History books but tomorrow, Hip Hop history is going down. Kanye West’s and 50 Cent’s albums are both dropping backed up by the over-net-hyped (PMA included) beef between the two rappers. If you’ve missed it (doubtfully), here’s the short version: If Kanye’s Graduation beats out Curtis in the Battle of Billboardsburg, Fiddy promises to never release a solo album again. So now that you understand what is going on. Who’s album will you buy? Kanye West’s Graduation seems like the obvious answer, but taking a look at 50’s Curtis actually makes it a tough decision. They are both substantial albums, believe it or not.
To make this as honest as I could, I only listened to the albums once, prior to this post. As I was listening to them, I noticed how much in common ‘Ye and Fiddy actually have. They both have absolutely no problem to speak their minds, albeit, a little too much, but admirable nonetheless. Both men are assholes and immensely arrogant beyond my standards, and thats a feat of massive magnitude in itself. Both albums drop some of the best beats in Hip Hop all Year, and finally, they are both the best in the game, without a doubt.
While Kanye West is still not the best lyricist in hip-hop, he has made great improvements and if he keeps it up, he could definitely achieve such a title. Graduation is by far his most streamlined album and it truly benefits. The songs are much tighter and, apart from “Drunk and Hot Girls,” the instrumentals are all incredibly interesting and creative. His ear as a producer has never been better but it sounds like his focus has a tighter rein. The results are songs that reach out further creatively but still have great pop hooks. Considering the bland work churned out by so many mainstream hip-hop artists, it’s refreshing to hear Kanye branch out and embrace his most creative impulses (with some help from T-Pain, Chris Martin, Dwele, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, with John Mayer and Young Jeezy on the bonus tracks).
The only reason that I can see some people not liking this album is because a lot of the songs have an anthem or arena-like feel to them. Some songs might be a little too different for folks who only listen to that gangsta shit. I have not recently killed anything other than a mosquito that bit me, and I have never moved keys of cocaine or sold rocks on the corner, so I have no problem with Kanye’s music. For real, even the open-minded street nigga can appreciate this album. Sensitive thugs that need to be constantly reminded that they’re hard should probably steer clear, though.
Speaking of sensitive thugs, I have to be honest: 50 Cent’s Curtis surprised me. Judging from the first few songs that were released a few months ago, it sounded as if Mr. Jackson has lost his passion for his craft. The first couple of releases sounded a little cookie-cutter and lethargic. So when I finally listened to Curtis, the rest of the album pretty much made up for it in a big way. The man is a genius when it comes to coming up with clever and melodic hooks. That’s why he’ll always be able to make radio-accessible hip-hop, no matter what it is that he rhymes about
Plus, 50 gets extra credit just for actually saying “I’m stanky rich†in one of his songs. Do you know how rich you have to be to be stanky rich? I didn’t think so. The man is literally so paid, he comes home from a long day’s work, sniffs his shirt, and says “Damn. I still smell like cash. Let me go take a shower and wash this shit off.†Now that, my friends, is incredible!
The harder stuff on this album is way better than the smoother songs. Basically, if you’re looking for something to nod your head to in the ride, this is your album. The really good songs more than make up for the ones that come off as kind of generic, enough so, that the back and repeat button on your mp3 player should get plenty of use. The album’s production is standout, so it’s definitely going to make fans happy. The guest appearances here include Akon, Justin Timberlake, Young Buck, Nicole Sherzinger, Tony Yayo, Mary J Blige, Eminem, and Robin Thicke.
As a fan of hip hop, you really can’t go wrong on September 11, either way. 50 and Kany have both put out quality products. I have a feeling that people’s personal opinions of the artists will be the determining factor as far as album sale numbers. I really don’t believe that foolishness 50 Cent said about retiring if he does not outsell Kanye, but then again, he’stanky rich. He doesn’t need to keep rhyming. If I had to choose an album as the winner, it would be Graduation in a 12 round split-decision victory.
MP3: Kanye West ft. Chris Martin – Homecoming
MP3: Kanye West – Champion
MP3: 50 Cent – I’ll Still Kill
Tags: 50 Cent, Kanye West, Off The Rack
Thank you!
Great review. I personally like Kanye’s music better. The gangsta shit don’t work for me
Whatever dude, 50 kicks ass! Thanks for the mp3!
I bought Kanye’s album on iTunes this morning. Its great! Burn to the ground Fiddy!
Sweet review Luis!
I personally will buy both. Like you said they are both great artists and 50 is good for those boring long traffic jams in LA, so is Kanye I guess. But I’d listen to Kanye when I want to enjoy the music.
I think its funny how Kanye’s music sounds epic, but in reality its talking about something stupid.
They both suck. All hip hop/ rap music is shit!
What was that? Hip-Hop sucks? Then why are you even reading this? Go back to Stereogum, no wait, then Stereogum posts hip hop. Sorry bud you’re screwed
Kanye sounds like a horny robot.
50 sounds like a horny idiot
Rob, I second that.
I agree, but I enjoy Kanye’s beats. He’s briliant
Kanye is the best producer alive!
@Travis: you expect me to take your opinion seriously?
Kanye was won Best Rap Album of the last 2 years at the grammys!
He must be good right?
All this hype around 9/11 for 2 lousy albums, their both mediocre albums, as hip-hip goes lately their pretty good. This weeks best album is “Strawberry Jam” from AC.
Or Hot Hot Heat
@Beef: Does that suppose to mean anything? Grammy for best Rap Album isn’t sayin much.
When it comes down to it, Kanye’s is better than 50’s. End of story
like that he widens his pallet out to include all kinds of strange collaborations. Most hip-hop acts only “feat.” other hip-hop stars and the sum total usually sounds like the parking lot after the topless bar has closed for the evening.
Is the album great? Well, no. It’s good and it will turn lots of heads, but one hopes Kanye’s school-themed trilogy doesn’t go 4-peat. He needs to move on and move out. This is a closing statement to an idea and anything afterward, based on the same premise, will be strictly running on fumes.
Early prediction: it’ll sink “Curtis”s battleship. Not that it’ll make a damned bit of a difference…
DwD
Kanye is obviously gonna sample Arcade Fire next. *yawn*
He should sample “The Smiths”, really…I’m waiting that.
no, The Beatles. :/
Holla @ that Luis! x]
Who gives a fuck about these two, AC and HHH have albums out too!
haha
http://cache.idolator.com/assets/resources/2007/09/kanyecurtis.jpg
To be honest, it doesn’t seem like he tried very hard. On the last two, he made very clear his quest to make it to the top, and here he’s made it to the top and is content to tell everybody how great he is.
The problem is that Kanye, like Jay, is enjoying the good life so much that he doesn’t really need to come out and blow everybody away… he’s content to fuck around, and thus the “did he really sample that?” songs that are abundant on this record. There’s nothing as infectious as ‘Touch the Sky’ or ‘Gold Digger’, but everything is pretty solid and listen-able.
I kept wishing for a great hook in every song, only to find none- Can’t Tell Me Nothing’s got an almost-great chorus and Everything I Am is a really heartfelt tune.
So this one, in my mind, doesn’t come close to matching Late Registrations highs, but it never hits that albums lows (and there are quite a few), although coming dangerously close with the disappointing Mos cut “Drunk and Hot Girls”.
I think this album shows that Kanye really isn’t a killer emcee, and he can really benefit from having back-up. He lets himself be the star of this one, and it doesn’t always work out because the beats are slow and the rhymes aren’t usually free flowing. Still, it’s a decent album and I’m only picking out its flaws because West undoubtedly didn’t give a whole-hearted effort, and who can blame him? He’s got lots of money, as he makes clear.
Kanye West doesn’t care about black people.
50 Cent isnt really black
“graduation” is great. kills “late registration”.
and “flashing lights” is the def. an early favorite…
Fuck 50 Cent!
Fuck you.
Kanye blows
Kanye is on the iTunes Top 10 UK, no sight of 50
Hmm..
50’s presales – 339,000
Ye’s – 319,000
I personally like Ye better but those are solid numbers, hopefully that will change.
Graduation is great, “flashing lights”, “champion”, and “homecoming” are amazing.
I totally agree with Sherwood! You are so right!
This album is full of singles! Champion, Good Life, Barry Bonds, Flashing Lights, Homecoming, and The Glory. Damn were never gonna hear the end of Kanye!
Its funny how most of the comments here are about Kanye.
I could care less about 50 Cent.
Kanye West’s album is really fun. I like it, Homecoming is so catchy! Chris Martin is the excellent pop hook vocalist for rap music!
I have new found respect for “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” its one of the few jems on “Gaduation”. 50 Cent’s opus has a whole lotta high points as well… tough choice.
I just bought Graduation, I love it!
Great review, I like Kanye’s album a lot
Curtis #1 on US iTunes :/
Graduation #1 on US iTunes.
I loved Kanye’s album, it really is a “holy shit!” album
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