The Massacre
by 50 Cent
Metascore
66

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 26
  3. Negative: 3 out of 26
  1. AllMusic
    70
    At worst, it feels unfinished, and at best, it feels like a mixtape cobbled together from mostly choice tracks but without that overseer's polish.
  2. Pitchfork
    70
    The Massacre's best tracks have 50 dropping club-clatter and gangster lean to show us the mind behind the six-pack, gat, and Teflon.
  3. Uncut
    60
    Not even tight productions from Eminem and Dre can stop things from flagging midway. [May 2005, p.95]
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  5. PopMatters
    80
    The beats are captivating, the choruses memorable, the skits kept to a minimum, and, most importantly, the rapping deft, inventive, and full of surprises.
  6. Q Magazine
    50
    Not a wholly convincing return. [May 2005, p.110]
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  7. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    There's a new depth to the murderous lyricism here that discounts any possibility he's renounced violence. [12 Mar 2005, p.58]
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  8. Rolling Stone
    80
    Not all of Massacre is as immediately catchy as Get Rich, but it's close.
  9. The Guardian
    20
    With nothing musically fresh, attention is focused on [50] himself. Bad idea.
  10. The A.V. Club
    60
    But while its flaws are formidable, so are its strengths, beginning with Cent's dark charisma, belligerent sneer of a voice, fluid delivery, and mastery of hip-hop style
  11. Spin
    67
    This time around he's tryin' too hard to be everything to everybody. [Apr 2005, p.97]
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  12. Entertainment Weekly
    67
    The new songs (and subject) aren't as absorbing as the old. [11 Mar 2005, p.101]
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  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    20
    It's pretty much all the same synth leads, bang-bang beats, and tired rhymes as every other Aftermath related project since The Eminem Show, which wasn't that great either.
  14. The New York Times
    80
    It is a collection of stark but sly threats and come-ons, nearly as addictive as its predecessor. [3 Mar 2005]
  15. Austin Chronicle
    40
    Representing the devolution of civilized man, 50 Cent pitifully uses the excuse of a deranged society to stoop even lower into a perpetual chest-thumping nightmare of unbridled greed, misogyny, and black-on-black crime.
  16. Blender
    80
    He represents gangsta rap's evolution into pure entertainment. [May 2005, p.116]
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  17. cokemachineglow
    53
    [50's] rhymes are as stupid as ever.
  18. Billboard
    60
    Sadly, the album is reminiscent of everything he has already done.
  19. Los Angeles Times
    75
    A joyride of an album that's as fun as it is familiar. [2 Mar 2005, p.E2]
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  20. Dot Music
    30
    A stunningly bad record.
  21. Stylus Magazine
    67
    The pandering that characterizes the first half of the album leaves no hint of the hidden gems that follow.
  22. RapReviews.com
    80
    "The Massacre" is still a fine follow-up to his last full length release, and despite a few miscues avoids letting down his fanbase.
  23. E! Online
    75
    Fortunately, Fiddy's rhymes are a riot, and Dr. Dre's production is as golden as ever.
  24. Village Voice
    80
    It is hands-down the most diabolically sensous collection of baby-making gangsta music since Pac's All Eyez.
  25. Vibe
    70
    A taut, albeit less explosive, album. [Apr 2005, p.166]
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  26. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    All the ugly gangsta lies are here, especially as regards the brutalization of women and the business of death. But they're incidental to the mood of the piece, which is friendly, relaxed, good-humored, and in the groove.
  27. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    40
    The Massacre is as frustratingly uneven as Get Rich or Die Tryin’, but it’s longer and messier.

Awards & Rankings

15
#15 Most Discussed Album of 2005
40
#40 Most Shared Album of 2005

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
5.5

Mixed or average reviews- based on 273 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 137 out of 273
  2. Mixed: 36 out of 273
  3. Negative: 100 out of 273
  1. DanA
    Sep 23, 2007
    5
    The Massacre is produced better than 50's debut album. However the problem is that 50 is at his worst more consistently than he was on The Massacre is produced better than 50's debut album. However the problem is that 50 is at his worst more consistently than he was on GRODT and even Beg For Mercy. There are two songs that need to be downloaded from this album, and the rest can go to the landfill. A Baltimore Love Thing is a great track where 50 raps a solid lyrical performance combined with great production through the perspective of not a drug abuser, but the drug itself. Build You Up features Jamie Foxx and has the pizazz that 50 tries to capture on most of his love songs, but this one is actually the real deal.… Full Review »
  2. Gmmusicreview
    May 3, 2021
    10
    Too many negative reviews. Not as good as his debut but a pretty strong album. The first half is brilliant but the second half has someToo many negative reviews. Not as good as his debut but a pretty strong album. The first half is brilliant but the second half has some filler but just a lil bit position of power and god gave me style are still great tracks.… Full Review »
  3. therealmohamed_
    Nov 18, 2013
    5
    50 cent has never been a lyricist, but this album is pretty bad lyrically. It seems that 50 keeps repeating himself on this album. Production50 cent has never been a lyricist, but this album is pretty bad lyrically. It seems that 50 keeps repeating himself on this album. Production (like on EVERY 50 cent album) is great. However, lyrically, this album is up there with Curtis as the worst 50 album ever. Btw, this album comes NOWHERE close to Get Rich or Die Tryin!… Full Review »
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