Various Artists
Get Rich or Die Tryin’
G-Unit/Interscope Records
One day before Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson made his movie debut in Get Rich or Die Tryin,’ the movie’s soundtrack hit music store shelves. Since the movie is about 50 Cent himself, it is no surprise the album entirely consists of songs by him and the rest of his G-Unit crew.
Even though this record can be mistaken for another G-Unit album rather than a movie soundtrack, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ has many good songs.
With the rapping of 50 Cent and the catchy beat, the first track of the album, “Hustler’s Ambition,” is definitely the best. In this song, 50 raps most about his life before getting rich. He makes it clear that the focus of his life has always been to get money – from when he was selling drugs on the streets through his current times as one of the most popular figures in hip-hop.
In “What If,” 50 Cent raps about how different things could be if he acted more like other rappers such as Eminem or Jay-Z, but he comes to the realization he would lose his appeal on the streets if he changed who he is. In all, the rapper concludes he will “keep doing what I do, cause [others] can’t do me better than I do.” These lyrics carry the most meaning than any others on the soundtrack.
Another song in which the Jamaica, Queens, native spits great lyrics is “Talk About Me.” The G-Unit boss raps about how people everywhere always speak of him. There are people who claim to love him, and there are also people all over who speak negatively of him. The song confirms what fans know about the artist’s life. “Talk About Me” is also better overall than “What If.”
The goal of “Have a Party,” by 50 and rappers Mobb Deep and Nate Dogg, seems to have been to make a club hit. It may be a good party song but the lyrics become very annoying.
“Things Change,” with 50 Cent, Spider Loc and Lloyd Banks, has the same problem, but Banks’ rapping saves the song from failure. Banks also does a good job with his rapping on “Get Low.” With the appealing beat, this may be the most danceable song.
50 Cent’s “Window Shopper” may have gotten the most radio play so far, but it definitely is not the top song of the record. However, while 50 Cent mocks those who cannot afford to buy what they want, he makes the song enjoyable to listen to.
While Get Rich or Die Tryin’ contains songs of both great and mediocre quality, any 50 Cent fan wants to avoid being a window shopper – so instead, buy the album.
-Jeff Appelblatt
Floetry
Flo’Ology
Geffen
This is for lovers only. If not, Floetry’s rhythms make you want to fall in love and experience the epitome of life’s purpose. To be or not to be in love, infatuated with the idea of love, in control of love or even loving to make love.
Everyone knows when the feeling is right and that same instinct deems Flo’Ology a concise album of rhyme and soul. A greater sense of self compliments the floacist, Natalie Stewart, and the songstress, Marsha Ambrosius, on the follow-up album to their Grammy-nominated 2002 debut, Floetic.
Class and maturity is self-evident in the delivery of their musical content. Hip-hop and R&B blend to perfection on every song.
The intimate vulnerability declared on “Feelings” is introduced with Stewart singing, “This is about being grown, being mature, being brave.” Each emotion and intention is blunt and true to the intricate talent of their artistry as a duo.
The lead single, “Supastar,” represents Floetry’s celebration of progressing with the satisfaction of love versus the heartache and regret audiences are often forced to relate to: “My love is honest and true and I can prove it.”
Flo’Ology provides listeners with an outlet to share in the perfection of their own experiences.
Common, the only featured artist on the album, appears on this track spitting his verse alongside Ambrosius’ demanding melodic perfection to pair up with Stewart’s earthy vibe.
“Blessed 2 Have” excites listeners, naturally yearning for more. It is a reintroduction to the sweet harmonizing between spoken word and rhymes that compliment gorgeous ballads belting over the keyboard.
This track is for people to appreciate and become consumed by the unique composition Floetry brings to the music game.
“You’re in my lungs, I’m feeling strong, so now I’m chasing a high,” Stewart sings on “Closer.”
A parallel is drawn between the intimate “Lay Down” and “I’ll Die,” wanting to take the relationship to another level.
“If it’s much too early to determine if we can stay together, this way together, let’s lay together. Knowing it’s better to leave the relationship that keeps drawing these lovers back in. You know I want to stay. If I do I’ll die.”
Many times it’s as if they may be getting too deep, scratching the surface of the unknown power embedded in human emotions.
Wordplay is key in the back and forth exchange between lyrics on “I’ll Die.” Gospel nuances are all over “Sometimes U Make Me Smile.” Depth is shared in telling their love stories in Flo’Ology.
Floetry succeeds in highlighting the most profound positive aspect of life. Listeners are inspired to believe in happiness and eternal bonds amid the harsh reality of today’s world.
-Sherice Brammer
Be the first to comment