I normally try to avoid writing record reviews, because I can only make them so funny. That is, unless the album is crap. Then it’s easy to make jokes. This time, it’s not that easy, because both Kanye West’s Graduation, as well as 50 Cent’s Curtis, are quality albums. This so-called epic September 11th showdown between 50 Cent and Kanye West is symbolic in many ways. I mean, the release date it so hot, Osama Bin Laden tried to drop a mix tape that same day to get in on the buzz. The CIA foiled Osama’s plans, so I can’t review his album, Muhammad! F*ck America! Jihad!. So I guess I’m stuck with Graduation and Curtis.
As I listened to both albums, I thought about it: Kanye and 50 really do have a lot in common. Both men obviously have no problem saying whatever the hell is on their respective minds, as evidenced by 50’s numerous beefs and Kanye’s many public rants. Both men are arrogant beyond ListenToLeon standards, which in itself is a feat of phenomenal magnitude. Both men have f*cked up jawlines, although it would be kind of wrong for me to make too many jokes about that since neither one of them can help it. Finally, both are undoubtedly among the best in the game right now.
Kanye’s album, Graduation, is consistent from top to bottom. To be honest, there is only one song that I skip on the entire album. His lyricism has improved, and the beats are, well, they’re Kanye beats, for Christ’s sake! His track record as a producer speaks for itself. He continues to take his sound in different directions with creative samples from various genres of music, as well as an eclectic mix of guest appearances(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 sh*t. 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.
Kanye West’s official Swagger Scale Ranking:
50 Cent’s official Swagger Scale Ranking:
Alright…It’s time to get drunk. I’ll drop a song from each album, just to convince you all that you should be at the album stores on Sept. 11. Preferrably, the mom & pop spots as opposed to the Wal Marts and Targets.
Kanye West feat T-Pain – Good Life
50 Cent feat Akon - I’ll Still Kill
Thank You
I agree with the review. 50 is very talented, but his promotional stunts are annoying. I will support Kanye…
I’m not a huge rap fan, but I guess if I were in the club and these songs came on I’d stay on the dance floor…except maybe for the 50 cent song. That Akon-voice makes my skin crawl! Blech!
I’m disappointed Kanye did a song with T-Pain. I think his name suits him because I experience pain everytime I hear his voice…or see his face.
I flat out can’t stand 50 and I need him to rap about something, no make that, ANYTHING other than how much money he has. We get it. Now move on.
That being said, I’ll buy 7 Kanye albums if it means I never have to hear another 50 song again.
Great post. Both albums are good quality music. Kanye was expected to be better, but that does not mean it’s a bad album. Curtis’ album shocked everybody with the lame singles he choose, but his album as well is good. I Get Money rocks the clubs. The joints I like on Graduation is Flashing Lights, I Wonder, Good Life, Champion, and of course Big Brother of course.
Who cares who sells more than the other. This day alone is good for Hip Hop and I hope they both do good numbers together. Hip Hop album sales are declining drastically. I had these albums an hour after they leak, but like all albums, I cop the officials and you should too (check your wallets first)
They both have their own lanes and catch diffrent types of audiences
I’m disappointed Kanye did a song with T-Pain. I think his name suits him because I experience pain everytime I hear his voice…or see his face.
^^ LMAO. Yea that is what I thought too when I first heard they did a song together, but the track is hot though. T Pain my need to voice box thingy to sing since he cant sing, but his some of his music rocks. Cant hate on the predator though.
“Both men have f*cked up jawlines” Do you know how much I laughed when I read this, Leon your pure genius.
About the albums I have to say I like Kayne’s Good life first time I heard it was on Entourage and even if it was just a snippet it sounded like a chart topper to me. Erm Curtis ive only heard the singles so I don’t really know whats going on there but I suppose it will be good.
Both of these dudes are QUEERS, not that there is anything WRONG with that… but I mean the pic of them face to face doesn’t look tough it looks like they are ready to take one another in a passionate embrace and say: “Let’s stop playing this silly game!” as they… ok that’s enough homoerotica… someone tell Fiddy & coon-azz Kanye that!
This is the day where you basically have to make a decision that will influence music history. Do you go out and support hip hop or do you want the airwaves to be continually flooded with commercial bulshit that leaves much to be desired. I will not say which album is on what side because those who actually care about good music already know.
Kanye West has absolutely better music….KAnye focuses on real issues not just about money…everyone go out and buy his cd
damn 50 u r nothing kanye is not a puntching bag u go kanye
kanye will win.. His music is more then quality, he has a soul..
He knows to semple so good, knows the old soul songs very good..
50 is nothing because he dont have scott storch on this album..
respect for the music, but lets be real, scott make ”the massacre” a best club album..
the songs on ”curtis” is boring, i can listen that songs once or twice and then what ?
”graduation” i listen all day long.. In the car, in the house, in the studio..
Zagreb, Croatia..NZS Crew..
You all are idiots. The guy ahead of me can’t even use proper grammar. Both albums are good. But it’s not about the furute, it’s all about the past. who was better in the past. Just because 50 is an asshole, especially to Kanye, doesn’t mean kanye is a better rapper. In the past, Kanye put out some good singles with descent albums to back them up. 50 cent on the other hand, has not only had good songs, but has had good albums. Get rich or Die Tryin’ didn’t sell 8 million copies just because the cover of the album looked pretty. Most songs on it were hits. Kanye’s Graduation is probably a little better than 50 Cent’s Curtis, but we are talking about retirement. Who has been more religable in the past. This will tell us who will be better in the future. I’m sure if 50 wins, he will put out an even better album in the near future. Kanye’s albums have all been similar. Think about that.
After all is said and done. West has done it and fifty being the b**ch i am surprised he is went back on his word about retiring.
kanye is winnning right now… staight up u wanna know why…because he is smart and his music means somthing, all the intelgent more people will probly buy kanyes album because they wanna actually hear somting, 50s got more of tha gangstas so there eventually gonna buy it… you knoww face the facts 50 is hip hop hes actually hip hop today.. no diss to kanye but he aint hiphop they shouldnt be vs eachother 50 and kanye are diffent storieewss if kanye tryed to rap gangsta probly 100,00 people would buy it .. face the facts BITCHHHEs
and kanye wont sell any records barley from this point on because most of his fans already bought it… 50s fans r gonna start buying itmoe now WHAT FUCKKK
LYK WTF………I LUV BOTH
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the 50 and kanye album was not a battle it was more like a opening to a new world of rap. which brought in other rappers. new music now more rappers are releasing albums. thats face it theres 3 main people in the gaame right now lil wayne,kanye,50. what do they have to battle albums for every one knows there the top on the list no one will argue so even if one loses be sure that he will be back in the game and making more hit records. but like i said it wasn,t a battle. The songs they made were for the future if hip hop.
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