Preview (Match-UP

Curtis Jackson a.k.a 50 Cent has declared to the press that “If Kanye sells more CDs than me, I’ll retire.”

The showdown began on Sept. 11 as both Kanye West’s album “Graduation” was released simultaneously with 50 Cent’s soon-to-be last, “Curtis.”

Let the square dance begin. Brooklyn’s 50 Cent is weighing it up against Chi-town’s Kanye West.

The rivalry is nothing compared to Tupac vs. Biggie Smalls, but is thoroughly entertaining. Cheap shots have been taken, and the fans has called for no more low blows, let the sales speak for themselves.

50 Cent has thrown his retiree belt up for grabs, probably filled with diamond studs. Can Kanye climb the charts and make a run at it?

Red Corner (50 CENT)

The momentum doesn’t seem to pick up for “Curtis” as it resembles “The Massacre” in large portions. The central message during “Curtis” is that he keeps on getting richer and doesn’t know how to spend it all. He also articulates that he keeps on smoking Philly’s just to pass the time.

It seems that 50 Cent has nothing better to do than lie around his mansion and get high, (cause what did helping out the underprivileged ever do for anyone?)

Curtis seems to be a regurgitation of the same material his previous albums were comprised of.

“Mike Tyson’s Punch Out” music from the Nintendo game plays during the background of “Ayo Technology,” an electric beat that keeps on sparking as Justin Timberlake emits his usual soothing R&B sound, bringing a little diversity to the just-another-rap album.

The hip-hop scene will surely eat up this new album because of 50 Cent’s household name, but realize it doesn’t match up to his previous two stellar platinum records; “Curtis” is just plain mediocre.

I believe the biggest fallout is that Eminem wasn’t part of the producing, except in the track “Peep Show.” 50 Cent’s entire career is thanks to Eminem. There was nothing exceptional about 50’s production skills, which seem to lack something. That something was the superior touch of Mr. Marshall Mathers.

50 Cent really hyped up this release and put it all on the line and didn’t come through.

Blue Corner (Kanye West)

Topping all of his previous releases, “Graduation” ranks supreme over the repetitive flow of 50 Cent’s “Curtis.” New innovations and ideas is what Kanye West is all about and were shown throughout the album’s entirety.

The record mixes up genres and is open to all ears, not just the hip-hop crowd. Kanye’s “Champion” is a disco tune that fuses swift flowing vocals, cocaine-like energy, mixed with a little Saturday night fever, and beats that keep you moving.

A feel good vibe; “Stronger” is the hit on this album; tampering with genres from song to song, the techno-electronica, soul, hip-hop etc. verses culminate to make this tune/album an instant hit.

Although some of the softer tracks like “Everything I am” and “I Wonder” are buzz killers. A few tracks even mesh together and sound so similar that they’ll make you impatient enough to switch tracks; but the energetic compilations keep your head bangin’ and body movin’ and that is what it is essentially all about, at least in Kanye’s perspective, “Keepin it Hot’.”

The best featured guest on “Graduation” hooks Kanye up with Chris Martin, singer/songwriter/pianist from Coldplay. The duo rules on the track “Homecoming,” it features wicked piano with a euphoric sound and eccentric beats.

FINAL Results (Scorecard)

The results are in and after day one, 50 Cent has been knocked out. The fight is over and the score is in. Billboard.com revealed Kanye dropping a solid 480,000 CDs, whereas 50 Cent sold 310,000. The estimation shows the trend to head in the direction of Kanye conquering the gorilla, “King Kong.” Throw in the towel 50 Cent. It’s over…

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