Curtis (by 50 Cent, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Sexist, misogynist, violent, and boring rap.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this rapper's new offering is sexist, misogynist ("we gonna share the same bitch, I go first"), violent (gunshot 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.

Positive messages: Sexist and racist language: The "N" word is used repeatedly.

Violence: Many graphic references to guns and violence ("any motherf--ker touch me, I'll murder him" is a milder sentiment) and gunshot sound effects.

Sex: A 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."

Language: Every four-letter word you can think of.

Consumerism: Car brands are mentioned; CD package contains ads for Trilla, Pontiac, G Unit footwear, ringtones and wallpaper, and, um, vitamin water.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: "Smokin' that yak" (crack) and "I drop a bag off" are just a few of the drug references.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

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?

What's the story?

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 offers 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.

Is it any good?

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.

Music themes & details

Music Details

Released on: September 11, 2007
Label: Aftermath
Genre: Hip-hop
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark

Review It

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

SLUMDOG
teen, 14 years old

violent yes boring no

sure the album is violent but it's not boring this is why 50 is listen to 50 cent because he is amazing people say he sucks and that all he sings about violence sure the violence part is true just see my gun go off i'll stilll kill but when compared to eminem he's quite tame. so rap gets another great cd to keep fueling the insdustry and you get the satisfaction of a violent enjoyable rap cd

What other families should know

Music Details

Artist

Label

Genre

Curtis (by 50 Cent, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on Curtis

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

Music themes & details

Music Details

Review It

Review Curtis

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

violent yes boring no

huh

good

50 hit it with this one

Not His Best Work

icoverd my ears

I LOVE THIS

Good Music But Not For Young Kids

50 Cent's an idiot

UH

NO WAY

...

A Very Bad CD.

I like it...

My ears are bleading!!

The most badass mofo in all the land

Blah

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