Much was expected from Fifty on this one. “Before I Self Destruct” is his fourth and final release on Interscope Records, excluding a “Greatest Hits” album. The anticipation only recieved responses suggesting a dark, honest and street album. Cam’ron was saying the same thing not long ago before his release of “Crime Pays” – maybe it’s the economy, but it seems people are demanding more street, and honest sounding rap-stars. Young Jeezy has reached tons of new found fame from being the underground street hustler, known for motivating the thugs. Fifty started this way, and on this album he does the best he can to remind everyone that he still has the title and is ferocious about keeping it.
“Death to Enemies” makes it clear Fif is not playing. “This ain’t the Carter, ni**ah this is harder” isn’t the only rip he throws down. It wouldn’t be complete without a hilarious rip on Jay-Z and his “mature” approach of being too “big to respond.”
Still, not all of “Before I Self Destruct” is hood and 5 mph, lean back music. “Baby by me” is that club hit that’ll definitely pop up in resorts in Mexico. Fulfilling that purpose, there’s not much left to expect, it’s already killer. Another key and expected appearance was Eminem, with his Christopher Reeves reference, I’m hoping he gets some new material, its worrying me. Still, when Fif’ rips on The Game, it’s in a new manner every time, and its a like competitor, the other – weird.
“Before I Self Destruct” also outlines much of Fifty’s childhood and the hardships he had to deal with while hustlin and building an empire, he speaks of those who were in G-Unit, but made him “so disrespectful.” Fif doesn’t leave out his pops either.
“OK, You’re Right” is the most banging track on the album. The beat is incredible as are the lyrics. “Do You Think About Me” is a track that has Fif’ in a mature, reflective state. The artist is evolving. The album is ferocious, and mature in it’s relativity. It is extremely similar to Eminem’s, “Marshal Mathers LP”
Still, it definitely has its own originality. Even with the last track featuring R. Kelly. I wish the Interscope producers and Fif’ would have gotten Nate Dogg on the choruses instead of R. Kelly. Either way, it does its part.
“Before I Self Destruct” is a banging, hood ass album. Fif’ has searched for the demons that are big enough to inspire a matured, concise cause and reaction manner of dealing with the past. Just as Eminem did in the “Marshall Mathers LP,” Fif’ gets at the reality of his life which built him into what he is. The usual matched with a pissed-off white-knuckled clutch to the crown.
