Before I Self Destruct - 50 Cent
Before I Self Destruct Image
Metascore
62 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.1 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 66 Ratings

Your Score
0 out of 10
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  • Summary: The fourth album for the rapper is finally released and features appearances by Eminem, Ne Yo, Lloyd Banks, and R. Kelly.

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. RapReviews.com
    75
    On the lyrical side of things, 50 seems to have his edge back. Whether he's orchestrating a robbery or bucking (pun intended) shots at his foes, it seems apparent that the criticisms got to him. For the hard core fans, the softer songs are skippable, but I can't hold that against him too much.
  2. Slant Magazine
    60
    Before I Self Destruct plays as a prudent step back. It's not that 50 has suddenly become terrifying, but the album possesses a sense of latent menace that's been left unexplored since his early mixtapes.
  3. Pitchfork
    60
    After initially promising a return to form, 50 doesn't have the ability or initiative to hold the listener's interest over the long run.
  4. Rolling Stone
    60
    On Fiddy's fourth album, the muscle-bound-warrior routine is the only one he trusts, so he keeps milking it.

See all 15 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. GarzaBlood
    10
    The Album is sick!! The sound quality is state of the art and the Instrumentals are banging. I also like the Idea that he disses Jay Z. Overall Great Album!! Yes I am from the West Coast!! Diego City that is.… Expand
  2. ValeriyS
    10
    I do think that it is the best thing he did except brilliant Massacre, and among the best rap albums of this year.
  3. NicoDaFlagburna
    5
    The record is superbly produced and the sound of each track is better than any I have heard for a while. There is a good sense of direction on the whole but the record is typically let down by 50's light-weight technical abilities. He is obviously trying his best but I can't help but feel indifferent about him. The way he can switch from sexually provocative "Baby By Me" to homicidal on "The Invasion" is quite unnerving and indicative of his lack of musicality. Considering the beats are so inspiring his verses are still basic which signifies to me that he should hang up his mic. 5/10 54/100… Expand
  4. TwinV
    0
    Truly dreadful, waffly nonsense. This man has been exposed big time. A billion miles away from the great first album.

See all 8 User Reviews

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