Posted on September 4, 2007
In a war of egos it is difficult to declare a winner between successful rap artists Kanye West and Curtis James Jackson III, otherwise known as 50 Cent. It will be left to record sales to decide the winner of the musicians’ current battle and the future of 50 Cent’s music career. Both artists will release albums on Sept. 11. Kanye will be releasing Graduation and 50 Cent, Curtis.
The stakes of the competition were raised when 50 said, “If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on Sept.11, I’ll no longer [perform] music. I’ll write music and work with my other artists, but I won’t put out any more solo albums.” In response, Kanye commented it will “be a shame” for 50 to quit his solo career when Graduation sells more copies. So, which of these artists is all talk, and who will be laughing to the bank?
If past record sales are a main component of prediction 50 Cent has no competition. His debut album Get Rich or Die Trying was released in February 2003 and sold 872,000 copies in it’s first week making it the second highest selling rap album in history. Since its release the album has sold over 12 million copies worldwide and is seven times platinum. 50 was also the first artist since Ace of Base in 1994 to have the number one song and album of the year.
His sophomore album The Massacre had the second best opening week in record sales behind Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP with a staggering 1.14 million copies sold in the first four days of release. Currently the album has sold 9.8 million copies worldwide and is five times platinum.
Though Kanye may be known to cause a stir with explosive comments about George Bush and powerful songs like “Jesus Walks” and “Diamonds from Sierra Leone,” his record sales do not reflect the same explosive quality one might expect from such an outspoken artist. Kanye’s first two albums combined still fall short in record sales compared to just 50’s debut Get Rich or Die Trying. College Dropout, released in 2004, has sold 4 million copies worldwide and Late Registration, released in 2005, has sold 2.8 million copies in the United States. Together both albums have gone platinum five times, still not coming close to 50’s powerhouse releases.
However, it must be noted that Kanye beat out 50 Cents at the 2006 Grammy Awards by winning Best Rap Album. Also, current singles on the Billboard Pop 100 charts suggest Kanye has 50 beat. Kanye’s most recent single, “Stronger,” is on the charts at number four, while 50’s “Ayo Technology” is struggling at number 26. Kanye also has the top digital/mobile download and was featured in the HBO series “Entourage” Sunday, Aug. 26, providing him with even more public exposure.
But is the past a reliable factor for determining the future? Will 50 Cent’s nine bullets to the chest help him in this fight? Is it more likely that the stylish and Kanye will win over music fans with his cocky attitude and catchy ringtone? Regardless of the outcome for these artists, it’s important to realize there will be one overwhelming winner of this competition, no matter whose album sales sky-rocket higher — the music industry.
While fans are less motivated to buy music as illegal downloading becomes more accessible all the time, this healthy competition may draw more sales than previously expected. Dedicated fans and music lovers who are anxious to see one man win may be more prone to purchase an album than ever before. While some see the battle as childish and egotistical, the industry may see it as a way to save an otherwise disheartening year in sales.
While Tower Records shut its doors with a definitive slam ending an era of record store dedication, these rappers are breathing some life into a fading industry. Hopefully, it will be enough.
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