Column: The High End Theory - Why 50 Cent Finally Flopped

Curtis was back in the news this week discussing his new European club influenced album Black Magic. So I thought I’d take this opportunity to map out the reason his best album since Get Rich was his worst performance on the charts to date.

Back in 2002, 50 was the hottest thing in the streets. He was this ominous figure who survived nine gun shots. He was buzzing in the streets with Wanksta, and he had Eminem and Dr. Dre co-signing him. "Then In Da Club" came out and the music world was turned upside down.

By the time Get Rich or Die Trying dropped a few months later in 2003, the buzz was defining. Records were broken and 50 had “the game in a chokehold.” After several successful G-Unit releases, it was time for The Massacre. Candy Shop was released, and though it caught on, it was nowhere near the impact "In Da Club" had. The album was still successful, though, due to people simply wanting to hear the follow-up to a classic.

For Curtis, the Kanye West competition and fabricated beef helped propel 50 to platinum, but the first week numbers were nowhere near what he was used to.

This go-round, there was no initial buzz, no follow-up expectations, and nobody to create competition with. 50 had to rely on his material alone. Unfortunately, over a year of pushbacks, single changes, and early leaks led to Curtis Jackson finally flopping. Ironically, Before I Self-Destruct featured his best work since 2003.

Time will tell if Black Magic can succeed on its merits, or if 50 will fall on his face one again.