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. 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.
  2. Prefix Magazine
    60
    He clearly yearns to evoke the mixture of fun and grit that made "Get Rich or Die Tryin’" such a remarkable effort, but he’s misguided in his approach.
  3. Rolling Stone
    60
    On Fiddy's fourth album, the muscle-bound-warrior routine is the only one he trusts, so he keeps milking it.
  5. 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.
  6. Chicago Tribune
    50
    His rhyme battle with Eminem on 'Psycho' has zero redeeming value, but the two old pros fire away with glee trying to out-psychopath each other. But about halfway through the album, 50 Cent detours from the street to the bedroom.
  7. The New York Times
    50
    Taken as a whole this album has a pleasingly morbid tone, in keeping with the best moments from 50 Cent’s first two albums. But context is this album’s undoing.
  8. Spin
    50
    Before I Self Destruct starts with 50 Cent literally growling, and it ends, on 'Could've Been You,' with Kelly crooning about sniffing his own excrement. Both sound equally laughable.
  9. Boston Globe
    50
    50 really needed to make an essential record to regain relevancy. Being merely good at this point isn’t enough.
  10. Dot Music
    40
    Before I Self Destruct needs as many bells and whistles as it can muster, because the music isn't going to cut it on its own.

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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