Before I Self Destruct
by 50 Cent
Metascore
62

Generally favorable reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. AllMusic
    70
    Before I Self Destruct is still a fantastic juggernaut of a 50 album if you exit early, and a very good one even if you don't.
  2. PopMatters
    70
    With surprisingly little filler, renewed energy, and the unique glimpse Before I Self Destruct offers into the psyche of a public figure as intriguing as Curtis Jackson, 50 Cent has crafted easily his best album since "Get Rich or Die Trying."
  3. The A.V. Club
    67
    If Destruct qualifies as a pleasant surprise, it’s only because 50 Cent’s last few releases set the bar so low. Still, for the first time since The Massacre, it’s once again intermittently fun to root for the bad guy
  5. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    Growling violent threats over hard beats, 50 sounds the hungriest he has in years. Of course, there’s nothing remotely original about the formula he’s returning to, but at least he’s going through the motions with gusto.
  6. No Ripcord
    70
    Call it voyeur. Call it artificial. Call it exploitative. Just don’t call it boring. It’s the first 50 Cent album in some time that can boast that.
  7. 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.

Awards & Rankings

55
#55 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 99 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 99
  3. Negative: 16 out of 99
  1. GarzaBlood
    Nov 24, 2009
    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. 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.… Full Review »
  2. vmarro20
    Jan 2, 2014
    9
    Its a shame the album only sold how much it did because this album is lyrically one of 50 cents best albums Best songs are The Invitation,Its a shame the album only sold how much it did because this album is lyrically one of 50 cents best albums Best songs are The Invitation, death to my enemies, stretch and Pyscho.. Worst are get it hot gangsta delight… Full Review »
  3. ValeriyS
    Dec 6, 2009
    10
    I do think that it is the best thing he did except brilliant Massacre, and among the best rap albums of this year.
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