50 Cent

On his much-anticipated second album, 50 Cent offers a strong collection of murderous threats and sensitive-thug love jams. Cameos come from Tony Yayo, Eminem, Olivia and Jamie Foxx, while Dre and Scott Storch contribute tight production. Includes the chart-topping "Candy Shop" and the relentless beef-starter "Piggy Bank."

Ever since he rode to fame on the epochal party groove of "In Da Club" two years ago, 50
Cent has been living a double life. On the one hand, he's the former crack dealer who, as
he claims on his new album, has your mama hogtied in the other room. At the same time, he
is -- as Beyonce put it in one of the many versions of "In Da Club" that followed 50's smash --
a "sexy little thug." It helps that 50 Cent is the most likable rapper ever to need a... More >

He's impossible to love but hard to resist, and though that may not be what he'd prefer, hard to resist will do. All the ugly gangsta lies are here, especially as regards the brutalization of women and the business of death. But they're incidental to the mood of the piece, which is friendly, relaxed, good-humored, and in the groove. As cute as Jay-Z if somewhat less intelligent, 50 throws a party that doesn't quit. I note for the record that Dr. Dre claims production on just two tracks while Eminem takes four, and that "Candy Shop" and "Just a Lil Bit" are both by "Scott Storch for Tuff Jew Productions." (Grade - A-)