Before I Self Destruct

Last updated

Before I Self Destruct
50BISD.PNG
Studio album by
ReleasedNovember 16, 2009
RecordedJune 2008August 2009
Genre
Length57:23
Label
Producer
50 Cent chronology
Forever King
(2009)
Before I Self Destruct
(2009)
The Big 10
(2011)
Singles from Before I Self Destruct
  1. "Baby by Me"
    Released: September 10, 2009
  2. "Do You Think About Me"
    Released: January 16, 2010

Before I Self Destruct is the fourth studio album by American rapper 50 Cent, released November 16, 2009, on Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Interscope Records and Universal Music Group. The album is his final solo release with Shady, Aftermath and Interscope excluding his 2017 Greatest Hits album Best Of . [1] [2] An accompanying feature film of the same name coincided with its release, and is available within the albums packaging.

Contents

Before I Self Destruct debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200, giving 50 Cent his fourth consecutive top five album in the country, while the lead single "Baby By Me" reached the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 28. [3]

Background

Initially, Before I Self Destruct was planned to be 50 Cent's 2007 album, for which he confirmed he had already completed 12 songs. [4] However, he decided to release Curtis instead, and thus Before I Self Destruct's release date was originally pushed back to 2008. In a red carpet interview 50 Cent stated that while he was working on the album, he wrote, produced, and directed his first film saying that the release of the film would coincide with the release of the album. [2] Though a track list appeared in early January 2009, [5] 50 Cent later stated he reworked much of the album. Another track stated to be on the album, though not officially confirmed as a single, entitled "Crime Wave" was released in late October 2009. [6]

The album's release date was initially announced to be February 4, 2008, but later moved to March 2008, due to the release date of Curtis being pushed up to September 2007. [7] However it was later revealed, in an interview with Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks, that the album was scheduled to be released during the 4th quarter of 2008, with 50 Cent himself later stating that the album was due to be released December 9, 2008. [2] [8]

MTV later reported that the album would instead be released in 2009, [9] [10] with February 3 being the date 50 Cent himself confirmed. [11] Though it was later pushed back to March 2009, with March 24 being set as the day, [12] until he later confirmed that mentor and labelmate Eminem's album, Relapse , was going to be released before his own. 50 Cent then told MTV that he would release the album in June, [13] with the date being changed once again as he decided to retool parts of the album once Eminem's Relapse was completed. [14] However, the album was pushed back to a Fall 2009 release, [15] with September being the specific month. [16]

On Jimmy Kimmel Live! , 50 Cent stated that the album will be out "second week of September, I'll be back on the streets baby", [17] with the date later stated to be specifically September 11, which at the time, was the release date of Jay-Z's The Blueprint 3 . [18] However, these reports were later contradicted by MTV, when they stated that 50 Cent exclusively confirmed the release date as September 29, 2009. [19] The album was later officially confirmed to have been pushed back again by 50 Cent, who claimed November 3, 2009 as the newly confirmed release date, [20] but this was once again changed to November 17, 2009. [21] However, in October 2009, the album was pushed back a week to make the release date November 24, 2009. [22] Universal has pushed several albums forward to November 23, 2009, including Before I Self Destruct. [23]

50 stated that because the album leaked and the good response it got, he will release the album a week earlier, on November 16. [24] The album was released exclusively on the iTunes Store on November 9 at 12:00am, while the physical copy was released in stores on November 16. [25] Since the album was released digitally a week ahead of the physical copy, Interscope records requested that Billboard and Nielsen SoundScan uphold a rule instituted in 2008 where a label may ask Nielsen SoundScan to hold the digital sales count of an album for up to one week, and for Billboard to delay charting that album, when a leak results in a digital album beating its physical counterpart to brick and mortar stores. [26]

Music

Concept

50 Cent told MTV that he named the album Before I Self Destruct because "it could potentially happen." [27] 50 Cent described the album as "darker" and more "aggressive" than his previous album and stated, "hands down, [it] will be the best record of that time period". [28]

Production and guests

When speaking of producers and guests for the album, 50 Cent has stated Rich Harrison will be producing for the album, [27] as well as Kanye West, though his track will not be featured. [28] Other producers that have stated they will be working on the project include Sha Money XL and Ty-Fyffe, who posted his listening session on YouTube, [29] Swizz Beatz, after not having any tracks make the final cut of Curtis, [30] DJ Premier with a track entitled "Shut Your Bloodclot Mouth", [31] and Dawaun Parker, who has stated he is featured on the single "I Get It In". [32]

In contrast to Curtis, 50 Cent explained that fans "should not expect to see guest appearances like you saw on Curtis". [33] He also described Before I Self Destruct as an entirely different concept, which will set up "the next batch of records" in his career. [33] After 50 Cent's collaboration with Akon on "I'll Still Kill", which appeared on Curtis, Akon stated that 50 Cent and himself would be working on each other's upcoming albums due to the successful experience they developed while working on Curtis, and that, when working on songs, "Whoever’s album it feel right on, that’s where we gonna put it".

In an interview, Timbaland stated that he has worked with 50 Cent, but he did not know which albums (Curtis and Before I Self Destruct) the collaborations would end up on. [34] This song was released on May 18, 2010, for internet download and is titled "You Should Be Dead". This song gained popularity and is a constant source of debate as to why it was not featured on the album. The Koalition website stated "It truly is amazing how 50 Cent’s leftover tracks are better than most rapper’s singles. A perfect example of this is You Should Be Dead".

A producer J.R. Rotem also spoke about working on the album, saying that 50 Cent is into "soulful" music, and he sat down and gave him numerous tacks[ clarification needed ] and that on this album, 50 Cent was "[trying] to bring a very powerful new sound", and that is would be a "remarkable project". [35] Play-N-Skillz also confirmed working with 50 Cent for the BISD project, saying:

Our rhythm on the drum pattern, we had to switch it up a little bit. 50 Cent said he wanted to go back to the boom-bap hard-core gangsta stuff. We tried to fit his style. I think 50 is gonna come back. He's a hitmaker. He's written a lot of hits for a lot of people. Sha told me 50's getting back in the Get Rich or Die Tryin' mode. 50 is a person who doesn't like to know who the producer is. He just likes to go in with the music. But Sha Money XL is going crazy for the tracks we sent. [36]

Singles

The album's intended lead single, "Get Up" was released for digital download on October 13, 2008, after earlier being released through 50 Cent's official Internet community ThisIs50.com. [37] The song features production from American record producer Scott Storch, and peaked at number 44 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video was released to Vevo on June 16, 2009. The intended second promotional single, "I Get It In", was released in early January 2009, with production credited to Dr. Dre. [38] The song peaked at number 53 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, neither track appeared on the album, largely due to delays the album encountered.

The album's eventual lead promotional single, "OK, You're Right", was released for digital download on May 19, 2009, after originally being included on 50 Cent's seventh solo mixtape War Angel LP (2009). The song features production from Dr. Dre, with co-production from Mark Batson. [39] However, the song under-performed commercially, peaking at only number 20 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in America. The album's lead single, "Baby by Me", was released for digital download on September 10, 2009. The song features American R&B singer Ne-Yo, and is produced by American record producer Polow da Don. The song peaked at number 28 on the Billboard Hot 100, and peaked in the upper regions of several national charts worldwide. The song features a sample from an earlier 50 Cent song, "I Get Money". [40]

The album's second single, "Do You Think About Me", was released for digital download on January 16, 2010. The song features uncredited vocals from R&B singer Governor, and is produced by record producer Rockwilder. However, the song was one of 50 Cent's least commercially successful singles to date, only peaking at number 7 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart in America. During an interview with MTV, 50 Cent announced that the third single to be released will be Get It Hot. [41] Shortly after this announcement, 50 Cent confirmed with MTV that "a visual" will be released for So Disrespectful. [42] However this did not materialize.

Commercial performance

The album sold 160,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number five on the Billboard 200, giving 50 Cent his fourth consecutive top five album in the US. [43] Due to the album leaking on October 28, [44] nearly four weeks ahead of the original release date of November 23, the album was released exclusively to iTunes on November 9, and was physically released in stores on November 16, a week later. [45] Due to this unique circumstance, 50 Cent's label Interscope requested that Billboard and Nielson Soundscan delay charting the album for a week, so the first week digital sales were added to the total number of albums sold between November 16 and 22. [46] The album sold 46,000 copies during its iTunes exclusive week, meaning that 114,000 copies were sold between November 16 and 22. [47]

In its 21st week the album sold 2,500 copies, which was not enough to land in the Billboard Top 200 albums chart. However, it landed at number 188 in the Top 200 Current Albums Chart. [48] This was the last week the album would chart on the Billboard 200 or Billboard Top Current Albums Chart.

It was ranked 67th on the Billboard Year-End for 2010. [49] The album was certified gold for sales of 500,000 units. [50]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Aggregate scores
SourceRating
AnyDecentMusic? 4.7/10 [51]
Metacritic 62/100 [52]
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [53]
The A.V. Club B− [54]
Chicago Tribune Star full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [55]
Entertainment Weekly B− [56]
Pitchfork 6.0/10 [57]
PopMatters 7/10 [58]
Rolling Stone Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [59]
Slant Magazine Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [60]
Spin 5/10 [61]
USA Today Star full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [62]

Before I Self Destruct has received generally moderate to average reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, which assigns a normalized rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream critics, the album received an average score of 62, based on 15 reviews. [63] AllMusic called it "a fantastic juggernaut of a 50 album if you exit early, and a very good one even if you don't". [53] Entertainment Weekly wrote that "Growling violent threats over hard beats, 50 sounds the hungriest he has in years. Of course, there’s nothing remotely original about the formula he’s returning to, but at least he’s going through the motions with gusto". [56] The A.V. Club said that, "If Destruct qualifies as a pleasant surprise, it’s only because 50 Cent’s last few releases set the bar so low. Still, for the first time since The Massacre, it’s once again intermittently fun to root for the bad guy" [54] Pitchfork wrote that, "After initially promising a return to form, 50 doesn't have the ability or initiative to hold the listener's interest over the long run." [57] PopMatters said that, "With surprisingly little filler, renewed energy, and the unique glimpse Before I Self Destruct offers into the psyche of a public figure as intriguing as Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent has crafted easily his best album since "Get Rich or Die Trying." [58]

In a mixed review, Rolling Stone magazine called it "an album where 'Got more guns than a gun store' passes for wordplay — but that's how 50 sticks to basics". [59] Greg Kot of the Chicago Tribune wrote that, "about halfway through the album, 50 Cent detours from the street to the bedroom." [55] The New York Times wrote, "Taken as a whole this album has a pleasingly morbid tone, in keeping with the best moments from 50 Cent’s first two albums. But context is this album’s undoing." [64] Slant Magazine's Jesse Cataldo stated, "Before I Self Destruct plays as a prudent step back ... the album possesses a sense of latent menace that's been left unexplored since his early mixtapes." [60] Marc Hogan of Spin criticized 50 Cent's rapping on the album's first half and stated, "The last several tracks shift to the club -- sometimes smoothly (baby-making Ne-Yo duet 'Baby By Me'), more often not (baby-mama dis 'Do You Think About Me')". [61] MSN Music's Robert Christgau gave the album a "dud" rating ( Rating-Christgau-dud.svg ), [65] indicating "a bad record whose details rarely merit further thought." [66]

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."The Invitation"
2:54
2."Then Days Went By"
3:44
3."Death to My Enemies"
3:46
4."So Disrespectful"
  • Jackson
  • Justin Henderson
  • Chris Whitacre
Tha Bizness 3:39
5."Psycho" (featuring Eminem)
Dr. Dre4:45
6."Hold Me Down"
3:19
7."Crime Wave"
  • Jackson
  • J. Fragala
  • D. Zacharias
  • W. Witherspoon
  • A. Bond
Team Demo3:44
8."Stretch" Rick Rock 4:07
9."Strong Enough"
  • Jackson
  • C. Ruelas
  • Q. Hysaw
  • C. McMurray
  • G. Jones
  • P. Sawyer
  • TeamJohnHill
  • Nascent
  • QB Da Problem
3:02
10."Get It Hot"
  • Jackson
  • M. Davis
Black Key2:59
11."Gangsta's Delight"
Havoc 3:14
12."I Got Swag"
  • Jackson
  • R. Frazier
  • W. Hutchinson
  • D. Jolicoeur
  • K. Mercer
Dual Output3:34
13."Baby By Me" (featuring Ne-Yo) Polow da Don 3:33
14."Do You Think About Me" (featuring Governor) Rockwilder 3:26
15."Ok, You're Right"
  • Dr. Dre
  • Batson
3:04
16."Could've Been You" (featuring R. Kelly) (bonus track)
DJ Khalil 4:20
17."Flight 187" (removed from clean version)C. JacksonPhonix Beats4:12
18."Man's World" (iTunes bonus track) (removed from clean version)
  • C. Jackson
  • Miller Kyeme
Ky Miller2:52

Notes

Sample credits

Personnel

Charts

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [87] Gold100,000
United States (RIAA) [50] Gold500,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

CountryDateLabelFormat
United States [88] November 9, 2009 Interscope Records iTunes download
Germany [89] November 13, 2009 Universal Music CD, CD+DVD, digital download
United States [90] November 16, 2009Interscope RecordsCD, Super Deluxe Edition CD+2 DVD (Best Buy exclusive)
United Kingdom [91] Polydor Records Standard (CD, digital download)
Deluxe (CD+DVD)
France [92] Interscope RecordsCD, digital download
Japan [93] November 18, 2009Universal International
Brazil [94] November 27, 2009Universal Music

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ja Rule</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Jeffrey Bruce Atkins Sr., better known by his stage name Ja Rule, is an American rapper, singer, actor, and felon. Born and raised in New York City, Ja Rule became known as a leading figure in 2000s hip hop for his blending of gangsta rap with commercially oriented pop sensibilities. He signed with Irv Gotti's Murder Inc Records, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release his debut studio album Venni Vetti Vecci (1999), which spawned his first hit single, "Holla Holla". Ja Rule peaked the Billboard Hot 100 thrice in 2001 with his single "Always on Time" and his guest appearances on Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real " and "Ain't It Funny". His encompassing singles, "Put It on Me", "Mesmerize", "Livin' It Up" and "Wonderful" have each peaked within the top ten of the chart and spawned from commercially successful album releases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">50 Cent</span> American rapper and actor (born 1975)

Curtis James Jackson III, known professionally as 50 Cent, is an American rapper, actor, television producer, businessman, and record executive. Born in South Jamaica, a neighborhood of Queens, Jackson began pursuing a musical career in 1996. In 1999–2000, he recorded his debut album Power of the Dollar for Columbia Records; however, he was struck by nine bullets during a shooting in May 2000, causing its release to be cancelled and Jackson to be dropped from the label. His 2002 mixtape, Guess Who's Back? was discovered by Detroit rapper Eminem, who signed Jackson to his label Shady Records, an imprint of Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records that same year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lloyd Banks</span> American rapper from New York

Christopher Charles Lloyd, better known by his stage name Lloyd Banks, is an American rapper. He began his career as a member of East Coast hip hop group G-Unit, which he formed with childhood friends 50 Cent and Tony Yayo in 1999. After the release of their debut album Beg for Mercy (2003), Banks released his debut solo album, The Hunger for More (2004) the following year. Met with critical and commercial success, it peaked atop the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top ten single, "On Fire", as well as the top 20 single "Karma". His second album, Rotten Apple (2006) peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and saw mixed reviews. Banks then left Interscope Records and signed with EMI in 2010—along with his G-Unit cohorts—to release his third album, H.F.M. 2 in November that year, which saw a critical rebound and peaked at number 26 on the chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shady Records</span> American record label

Shady Records is an American record label founded by rapper Eminem and his manager Paul Rosenberg in 1999, following the commercially successful release of The Slim Shady LP that same year. The label's name comes from the last name of Eminem's alter ego, Slim Shady.

<i>Graduation</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Kanye West

Graduation is the third studio album by the American rapper Kanye West released on September 11, 2007, through Def Jam Recordings and Roc-A-Fella Records. Recording sessions took place between 2005 and 2007 at several studios in New York and Los Angeles. It was primarily produced by West himself, with contributions from various other producers, including DJ Toomp. The album features guest appearances from recording artists such as Dwele, T-Pain, Lil Wayne, Mos Def, DJ Premier, and Chris Martin. The cover art and its interior artwork were designed by contemporary artist Takashi Murakami.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fat Joe</span> American rapper from New York (born 1970)

Joseph Antonio Cartagena, better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper. He began recording as a member of hip hop group Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) in 1992, and pursued a solo career with the release of his debut studio album, Represent (1993) the following year. Cartegena formed the hip hop group Terror Squad and its namesake record label in the late 1990s, through which he has signed fellow New York artists including Big Pun, Remy Ma, Tony Sunshine, and Cuban Link, as well as then-unknown producers DJ Khaled and Cool & Dre.

<i>T·O·S (Terminate on Sight)</i> 2008 studio album by G-Unit

T·O·S is the second and final studio album by rap group G-Unit. It was the group's first album in five years since their previous album, Beg for Mercy. The title of the album was originally announced to be Shoot to Kill and then Lock & Load, with the eventual name being Terminate on Sight. The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 24, 2008, but was rescheduled to July 1.

<i>The Mirror</i> (Ja Rule album) 2009 mixtape by Ja Rule

The Mirror is the second mixtape by rapper Ja Rule, originally planned to be released as his seventh album in 2007. Two singles, "Uh-Ohhh!" and "Body," were released in 2007 to poor chart performance. After tracks from the unreleased album were leaked online, Ja Rule decided to re-record the album, but later decided to release it as a mixtape on July 31, 2009 along with two bonus tracks, "Free" and "Style On 'Em."

<i>Curtis</i> (50 Cent album) 2007 studio album by 50 Cent

Curtis is the third studio album by American rapper 50 Cent. It was released September 11, 2007, by Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, G-Unit Records, Interscope Records, and Universal Music Group. The album features production from Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Timbaland, among others. Music writers have noted that 50 Cent divides between "hard" and "soft" songs on the album. The album went through many changes in the lead up to its release and was heavily anticipated after the success of 50 Cent's two prior albums, Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003) and The Massacre (2005).

<i>Brass Knuckles</i> (album) 2008 studio album by Nelly

Brass Knuckles is the fifth studio album by American rapper Nelly, released on September 16, 2008, after several delays. In 2008 Nelly embarked on The Brass Knuckles Tour in support of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I'll Still Kill</span> 2007 single by 50 Cent featuring Akon

"I'll Still Kill" edited for radio as "Still Will" is a song by American hip hop recording artist 50 Cent, released as the fifth single from his third album Curtis (2007). The song, which was produced by DJ Khalil, features guest vocals from Senegalese-American singer Akon. The single officially hit airwaves on November 6, 2007. The song peaked at number 95 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Untitled Nas album</span> 2008 studio album by Nas

The untitled ninth studio album by American rapper Nas, commonly referred to eponymously as Nas, or simply Untitled, was released on July 15, 2008 by The Jones Experience, Columbia Records and The Island Def Jam Music Group. Its original title Nigger was omitted due to controversy surrounding the racial epithet. The album is distinguished for its political content, diverse sources of production, and provocative subject matter. The album features guest appearances from Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Busta Rhymes, and The Game, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">A Milli</span> 2008 single by Lil Wayne

"A Milli", abbreviated occasionally as "Milli", is a song by American rapper Lil Wayne. The song was released April 23, 2008, as the second official single from his sixth album Tha Carter III.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Get Up (50 Cent song)</span> 2008 single by 50 Cent

"Get Up" is a single by rapper 50 Cent, produced by Scott Storch. It was initially released as the official first single from his fourth studio album Before I Self Destruct, but it was later replaced by "Baby by Me", thus becoming an outtake from that album, and was only released in digital download on October 7, 2008 via Shady Records, Aftermath and Interscope.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Get It In (50 Cent song)</span> 2009 single by 50 Cent

"I Get It In" is a song by rapper 50 Cent. It was initially released as the official second single from Before I Self Destruct, but it was later replaced by "Do You Think About Me".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crack a Bottle</span> 2009 single by Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent

"Crack a Bottle" is a song by American rappers Eminem, Dr. Dre and 50 Cent. The song was released as the lead single from the former's sixth studio album Relapse (2009). On February 12, 2009, the song broke the first week digital sales record with 418,000 downloads, topping the previous record held by "Live Your Life" by T.I. featuring Rihanna. This record was broken again the following week by "Right Round" by Flo Rida. The song won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2010.

<i>Deeper Than Rap</i> 2009 studio album by Rick Ross

Deeper Than Rap is the third studio album by American rapper Rick Ross. It was released on April 21, 2009, by Maybach Music Group, Slip-n-Slide Records and Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions for the album took place during 2008 to 2009, while the additional productions was handled by The Inkredibles, The Runners, DJ Toomp and Drumma Boy; as well as guest appearances from Nas, Avery Storm, Foxy Brown and Ne-Yo, among others. During the album's development, some controversy arose over the releasing of photos, showing Ross working as a correctional officer during his ongoing feud with a fellow rapper 50 Cent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rick Ross</span> American rapper (born 1976)

William Leonard Roberts II, known professionally as Rick Ross, is an American rapper and record executive. An influential figure in modern hip hop music, Rick Ross has become known for his "booming" vocal performance, "larger than life" persona, and vivid lyrical imagery. His lyrics form the hardships of street life and black market economic activity into a rags to riches narrative, often describing affluence, wealth, and luxury.

<i>Goon Affiliated</i> 2010 studio album by Plies

Goon Affiliated is the fourth studio album by American rapper Plies. It was released on June 8, 2010, by Big Gates Records, Slip-n-Slide Records and Atlantic Records.

References

  1. Darryl Gudmundson & Andres Tardio (March 24, 2007). HHDX News Bits (Lil Jon Sets Record, Ron Artest, 50 Cent Album News) Archived February 22, 2014, at the Wayback Machine . HipHopDX. Retrieved July 14, 2007.
  2. 1 2 3 ITN (September 15, 2008) 50 Cent on what he's been up to and his good mate Eminem on YouTube. Retrieved September 20, 2008.
  3. Caulfield, Keith (November 25, 2009). "John Mayer Snares No. 1 On Busy Billboard 200". Billboard . Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2009.
  4. Kevin Clark (August 13, 2007). 50 Cent: Shut Me Up...I Dare You! Archived September 30, 2007, at the Wayback Machine . HipHopDX. Retrieved August 14, 2007.
  5. "Tracklist For 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct Released". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved January 6, 2009.
  6. New Music: 50 Cent – ‘Crime Wave’. Rap-Up.
  7. visiontellie2 (September 13, 2007). 50 Cent on Jimmy Kimmel Live 9-11-07 pert2 on YouTube. Accessed May 14, 2008.
  8. 50 Cent (September 14, 2008) 50 Cent New Single in Albany!!(Mocking Kanye West) on YouTube. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
  9. Shaheem Reid with additional reporting by Yasmine Richard (November 14, 2008). 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct Pushed Back To 2009 MTV. Retrieved November 14, 2008.
  10. Slava Kuperstein. (November 14, 2008) 50 Cent Album Bushed Pack To '09 Archived January 5, 2009, at the Wayback Machine . HipHopDX. Retrieved November 15, 2008.
  11. 50 Cent Says He Delayed Before I Self Destruct So He Could Release More Singles. MTV.com. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  12. Danielle Harling (February 11, 2009) "Crack A Bottle" Sets SoundScan Record Archived February 12, 2009, at the Wayback Machine HipHopDX. Retrieved February 11, 2009.
  13. 50 Cent To Release Two Albums This Year. MTV News. Retrieved March 16, 2009.
  14. Reid, Shaheem (May 5, 2009). "50 Cent, Dr. Dre Revamp Before I Self Destruct". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2009.
  15. 50 Says He's Losing His Motivation To Rap. Archived March 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Rap Basement. Retrieved June 8, 2009.
  16. Reid, Shaheem (June 11, 2009). "Exclusive: 50 Cent Talks War Angel LP, Which Drops Next Week – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on June 15, 2009. Retrieved September 22, 2009.
  17. Video: 50 Cent Jokes with Jimmy Kimmel. Rap-Up. Retrieved June 15, 2009.
  18. 50 Cent To Release New Album Same Day As Jay-Z. Archived October 1, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Hip-hop DX. Retrieved July 14, 2009.
  19. Reid, Shaheem (July 17, 2009). "50 Cent Sets Album Release Date, Stays Active Underground". MTV . Archived from the original on September 18, 2012. Retrieved July 17, 2009.
  20. AllHipHop News (50 Cent Album officially pushed back to November) Archived August 26, 2009, at the Wayback Machine . AllHipHop. Retrieved August 23, 2009.
  21. 50 Cent’s Destruction Date Nears. Rap-Up.
  22. 50 Cent's Album Pushed Back Again. Rap-Up. Retrieved October 13, 2009.
  23. Universal Readies Super Monday Lineup. Rap-Up. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
  24. Reid, Shaheem (November 2, 2009). "50 Cent To Release Before I Self Destruct On November 16". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on November 5, 2009. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  25. "50 CENT'S NEW ALBUM BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY ON THE ITUNES STORE AT MIDNIGHT ON NOVEMBER 9". Thisis50.com. November 6, 2009. Archived from the original on July 29, 2012. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  26. Caulfield, Keith. "Bon Jovi Comes Full 'Circle' At No. 1 on Billboard 200". Archived December 21, 2020, at the Wayback Machine . November 18, 2009.
  27. 1 2 Corey Moss (November 30, 2006). 50 Cent, Almost Ready to Self Destruct, Unloads on Critics First. MTV. Retrieved July 14, 2007.
  28. 1 2 MTV (November 16, 2007). EXCLUSIVE |Curtis tells MTV about mentor Eminem, collaborating with Kanye West and reveals all about his next album.... MTV. Retrieved November 16, 2007.
  29. YouTube. Episode 5 Ty Fyffe - 50 Cent Before I Self Destruct Listening Session (August 20, 2008) on YouTube. Retrieved September 9, 2008.
  30. Slava Kuperstein (January 31, 2008). Swizz Beatz Keeps Busy in the Studio. HipHopDX. Retrieved February 4, 2008.
  31. Jake Paine (February 14, 2009) Sha Money XL Talks One Stop Conference, 50 Cent & DJ Premier HipHopDX. Retrieved February 16, 2009.
  32. Chad Kiser Dawaun Parker Interview (January 2009) DubCNN Retrieved January 28, 2009.
  33. 1 2 Shaheem Reid (October 22, 2007). 50 Cent Talks Akon, G-Unit, Next LP from Set of 'I'll Still Kill' Video. MTV. Retrieved October 22, 2007.
  34. Shaheem Reid (August 8, 2007). Timbaland Talks About His and Justin Timberlake's 'Hot' Collabo with Madonna. MTV. Retrieved October 21, 2007.
  35. Shaheem Reid (December 19, 2006). Producer J.R. Rotem Helping 50 Get Soul, Tossing Beats For Dr. Dre. MTV. Retrieved August 27, 2008.
  36. Shaheem Reid (August 26, 2008). Lil Wayne Almost Didn't Get 'Got Money' -- Pitbull Had It First. MTV. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  37. Shaheem Reid (October 7, 2008) 50 Cent Drops First Before I Self Destruct Track MTV.com Accessed January 6, 2009.
  38. 50 Cent Premieres New Single, 'I Get It In,' Featuring Beat Dr. Dre Recorded For Eminem. MTV.com. Retrieved January 6, 2008.
  39. "New Music: 50 Cent - 'OK, You're Right'". Rap-up.com. May 19, 2009. Retrieved May 6, 2012.
  40. 50 Cent Premieres New Single, 'Baby By Me' MTV
  41. Reid, Shaheem (November 9, 2009). "50 Cent Says People Will 'Identify With' 'Do You Think About Me' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on November 7, 2012. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  42. Rodriguez, Jayson (December 28, 2009). "50 Cent Says 'A Visual' Is On The Way For 'So Disrespectful'". MTV. Archived from the original on September 10, 2011. Retrieved October 30, 2011.
  43. Caulfield, Keith (November 25, 2009). "John Mayer Snares No. 1 On Busy Billboard 200". Billboard . Archived from the original on May 24, 2013. Retrieved November 25, 2009.
  44. Reid, Shaheem (October 28, 2009). "50 Cent Goes 'Psycho' With Eminem On Before I Self Destruct Leak – News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  45. "50 Cent Premieres Before I Self Destruct in Boston, CD's Digital Release Moved to Nov. 9". XXLmag.com. Archived from the original on November 4, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  46. "Bon Jovi Comes Full 'Circle' At No. 1". Billboard.biz. Archived from the original on May 12, 2010. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  47. "News". HITS Daily Double. November 20, 2009. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  48. "Hip Hop Album Sales: The Week Ending 4/11/2010 | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. April 14, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2010.
  49. "Best of 2010 - Billboard Top 200". Billboard . Nielsen Business Media, Inc . Retrieved April 29, 2021.
  50. 1 2 "American album certifications – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Recording Industry Association of America.
  51. "Before I Self Destruct by 50 Cent reviews". AnyDecentMusic? . Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  52. "Before I Self Destruct by 50 Cent". metacritic.com.
  53. 1 2 Jeffries, David. "Review: Before I Self Destruct". AllMusic . Retrieved November 22, 2009.
  54. 1 2 Nathan, Rabin (November 24, 2009). Before I Self Destruct. The A.V. Club . Retrieved on November 24, 2009.
  55. 1 2 Kot, Greg (November 12, 2009). "Review: Before I Self Destruct". Chicago Tribune . Retrieved on November 12, 2009.
  56. 1 2 Vozick-Levinson, Simon (November 9, 2009). "50 Cent's Before I Self-Destruct: EW's review". Entertainment Weekly . Retrieved September 12, 2023.
  57. 1 2 Cohen, Ian (November 16, 2009). Review: Before I Self Destruct. Pitchfork . Retrieved on November 17, 2009.
  58. 1 2 Henriques, Anthony (November 17, 2009). Review: Before I Self Destruct. PopMatters. Retrieved on November 17, 2009.
  59. 1 2 Sheffield, Rob (November 23, 2009). Before I Self-Destruct: 50 Cent: Review: Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone . Retrieved on November 23, 2009.
  60. 1 2 Cataldo, Jesse. Review: Before I Self Destruct Archived December 14, 2009, at the Wayback Machine . Slant Magazine. Retrieved on December 14, 2009.
  61. 1 2 Hogan, Marc (November 2009). Review: Before I Self Destruct. Spin . Retrieved on June 28, 2011.
  62. Gundersen, Edna (November 16, 2009). Review: Before I Self Destruct. USA Today . Retrieved on November 17, 2009.
  63. Before I Self Destruct (2009): Reviews. Metacritic. Retrieved on December 28, 2009.
  64. Caramanica, Jon (November 16, 2009). Review: Before I Self Destruct. The New York Times . Retrieved on November 17, 2009.
  65. Christgau, Robert (January 2010). "Consumer Guide". MSN Music . Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  66. Christgau, Robert (2000). "CG 90s: Key to Icons". Robert Christgau. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
  67. "Australiancharts.com – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  68. "Austriancharts.at – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct" (in German). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  69. "Ultratop.be – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  70. "Ultratop.be – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct" (in French). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  71. "50 Cent Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  72. "Dutchcharts.nl – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  73. "Lescharts.com – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  74. "Offiziellecharts.de – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct" (in German). GfK Entertainment Charts. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  75. "Top 75 Artist Album, Week Ending 19 November 2009". GfK Chart-Track. Archived from the original on September 5, 2017. Retrieved August 8, 2022.
  76. "Italiancharts.com – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  77. "Charts.nz – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  78. "Official Scottish Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  79. "Swisscharts.com – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". Hung Medien. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  80. "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  81. "50 Cent Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  82. "50 Cent Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  83. "50 Cent Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  84. "Top de l'année Top Albums 2009" (in French). SNEP. Retrieved May 5, 2021.
  85. "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  86. "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
  87. "British album certifications – 50 Cent – Before I Self Destruct". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  88. "Before I Self Destruct (Deluxe Version) by 50 Cent – Download Before I Self Destruct (Deluxe Version) on iTunes". Itunes.apple.com. November 9, 2009. Archived from the original on November 13, 2009. Retrieved December 12, 2009.
  89. "Before I Self-Destruct: 50 Cent: Amazon.de: Musik". Amazon.de. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  90. "Before I Self Destruct: 50 Cent: Music". Amazon. Archived from the original on November 24, 2009. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  91. "Before I Self Destruct: 50 Cent: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved August 31, 2009.
  92. "Before I Self-Destruct: 50 Cent: Amazon.fr: Musique". Amazon.fr. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  93. "Amazon.co.jp: ビフォア・アイ・セルフ・デストラクト‾自我崩壊の日。(初回生産限定特別価格): 50セント, Ne-Yo, R.ケリー, エミネム: 音楽". Amazon.co.jp. Retrieved November 8, 2009.
  94. "Before I Self-Destruct – 50 Cent – Brazil". livrariacultura.com.br. Archived from the original on May 26, 2012. Retrieved November 18, 2009.