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PARIS - US rap star 50 Cent's fourth and latest album, titled "Before I Self Destruct" and featuring a much-awaited duo with Eminem, is getting mixed reviews from the critics.
Released a few days ago, his first album since 2007 lacks the musician's legendary Midas touch though Eminem provides some redeeming sparkle, critics said this week.
"50 has said all this before and better," the BBC said, while the New York Times seemed to agree that the album could well self destruct.
The US paper called it "the ramblings of a stubborn heavyweight pushing retirement, not clever enough to replace declining agility with wit."
The duo with Eminem produced by Dr Dre and called "Psycho", along with fourth track "So Disrespectful", bring relief after a bout of limp lyrics and underdeveloped melodies.
"Psycho", which displays the velvet, effortless quality of 50's voice, is one of few tracks on the album (Shady/Aftermath/Interscope Records) where the MC seems relaxed and connected to his artistry.
Eminem serves up tight rhymes that anchor the track, reminding the listener of the talent both rappers have.
The track "Strong Enough" embodies components missing from most of the album and serves as a flashback of what 50 Cent can potentially offer and has offered in previous albums.
The New York-born rapper worth an estimated 150 million dollars last year, according to Forbes, says "Before I Self Destruct" is the closest he will get to perfect.
The first single released from the album, "Baby By Me", featuring R&B sensation Ne-Yo, is a commercial club track that has scored highly on the charts but it fails to match the explosive success of previous singles like "In Da Club".
50 Cent's 2003 debut album, "Get Rich or Die Tryin," sold 12 million copies. The artist has since shown the world he is not just a rapper, but a shrewd businessman, skilled actor and most recently an author.
- AFP/rs
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