Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this rapper's new offering is sexist, misogynist ("we gonna share the same bitch, I go first"), violent (gun shot sound effects and much, much, more), riddled with drug references ("I drop a bag off" at every opportunity), filled with product mentions -- but also tedious and unimaginative.
Families can talk about why so many rappers have to be shocking in order to gain attention. Could they get their point across as vividly with milder language? Aside from shock value, what do they accomplish artistically by pushing the envelope in this way? Families can also talk about what qualities make a CD exceptionally boring, despite obviously provocative content. Is it limited vocal range? A lot of thematic and lyrical repetition? What's your favorite song, by any artist? How could you "50-Cent" it up and make it really, really boring?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Listening to 50 Cent's CURTIS it's only natural to expect at least a line or two of soulful songwriting. Unfortunately, 17 tracks' worth of monotone posturing offer up loads of (very sexist) sex, drugs, and violent -- oh, wait, don't forget homophobic and racist -- party fun, but no poetry. Well, never mind. At least the guy can put a song across, right? Well…actually, he's got a pretty tedious take on that, too. With a vocal range of about five notes and stunningly repetitive tracks, 50 Cent isn't exactly what you'd call a crooner. Lines like "we gonna share the same bitch, I go first" aren't likely to make this a hit with the ladies, and the many, many references to gun play (including visceral sound effects) won't go over at Grandma's house. Add four-letter words, racist language, and matter-of-fact references to drugs, and this starts looking like a really good one to skip.
For some intelligent, deliciously funny, well-written, visceral hip-hop, buy Ludacris' Release Therapy instead.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentA lot of explicitly sexist -- even more than sexy -- imagery. "You squeal like a little girl you pitiful, chill/We gon' f--k, I just popped this little blue pill...And let me s--t on ya chest and if some pee comes out/Just guzzle it down, just guzzle it down." |
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ViolenceMany graphic references to guns and violence ("any motherf--ker touch me, I'll murder him" is a milder sentiment) and gunshot sound effects. |
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LanguageEvery four-letter word you can think of. |
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Social BehaviorSexist and racist language: The "N" word is used repeatedly. |
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CommercialismCar brands are mentioned; CD package contains ads for Trilla, Pontiac, G Unit footwear, ringtones and wallpaper, and, um, vitamin water. |
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Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco"Smokin' that yak" (crack) and "I drop a bag off" are just a few of the drug references. |
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