Ugh... being a predictable, mass-marketed pig isn't necessarily art.

[CanuckAmok]

Is 50 Cent an enigma? A complex character who's part cold-hearted thug, part sophisticated ladies man?

No. 50 is a straightforward street kid who's hit the big time and now sits, bemused, talking to the likes of Jonathan Ross. It's his distinctive drawl that's thrust him into the limelight and, as this album proves, it can be compelling. Certainly a lot of girls seem to like a well-toned thug and tracks such as Disco Inferno and Candy Shop ("I'll take you to the candy shop / I'll let you lick the lollipop") will further endear him to them.

http://www.arabia.msn.com/entertainment/music/album3/


I'm just so sick of these 'gangstas' being heralded as the new poets of our generation. And before you think I'm being racist, it's the genre I don't like, not the colour of the performer's skin. I don't even mind 'intelligent' hip-hop/rap. Give me a KRS-One or a Chuck D, or even a Mike D, anyday.

This culture of flak jackets, bling, and 'lickin' the lollypop' is just so degrading. Why do we laud it?

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Because at present...

It is all that the bigs are signing and developing. I don't get it either, but like Pete Townsend said, I ain't supposed to. It's for the kids.

Fair enough.

Don't worry, something new will be along soon.

[livinginphotographs]

4. There's the line about....

The rich white record execs have some rap songs lying around, so in their meeting, they say, "Go grab a black guy from the mailroom."

That's what I think this is about. These people aren't lifting up black people, they're helping perpetuate a stereotype because it makes money.

The Chuck D's, the Talib Kweli's, and the other intelligent hip hop artists will never be as successful as the 50 Cents of the world, simply because they require too much work. It's the Wal Mart principle of doing business.

[BiggJawn]

2. And I thought this was gonna be about Thomas Kincaid...

F'shizzle!

[Hoping4Change]

3. I agree but I go further. I can't stand shows like The Sopranos.

The question is why the dredges of humanity are being glamourized?