Non-Conceptual, Non-Exceptional
Numbing the minds of the masses and insulting the intelligence of sophisticated music fans, 50 Cent brings us The Massacre. From a production standpoint it’s easy to understand the appeal of this album but the lyrics of the self proclaimed “King of New York” are an embarrassment to the rap industry. The shooting, robbing, sexual themes, and trash talk of The Massacre displays an overall lack of integrity. These themes are by no means new to rap music, but while predecessors such as Kool G. Rap and NWA intended to make a cultural statement, it is clear that 50’s use of such topics is purely exploitative.Another thing 50 exploits is his vocal niche, creating hooks that a baby could sing along to and staying true to his slack-jawed flow. However, with an album full of insert your favorite rapper” beats, it’s hard to criticize him for continuing to do what is safe for him as a vocalist. Even avid 50 haters might find themselves nodding their heads and singing along if caught off guard. Hooks like “Hate it or love it dunn, the dog’s on top” and “Click-i-ty clank, click-i-ty clank” can get into your head and come out involuntarily at any given moment.
The Massacre does everything to guarantee a number one spot on the charts. It exploits the whole rap industry and black culture in general, it’s watered down enough to appeal to the masses, and it’s infectious enough to keep the 50 buzz alive. Hate it or love it, 50 Cent will always have a fan base as long his records stay true to form, but gimmicks like this can’t live forever.
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