The Massacre Turns 20: Revisiting 50 Cent's Imperfect Blockbuster Album

It's hard to believe, but 50 Cent's seminal album The Massacre is now 20 years old. Released on March 3, 2005, the album was one of the most highly anticipated rap releases since 50's mentor Eminem's The Eminem Show. At the time, 50 Cent was at the peak of his powers - a dominant force in hip-hop with the aura of an unbeatable champion.

Following the massive success of his 2003 debut Get Rich or Die Tryin', 50 Cent had become a true cultural phenomenon. He was a charismatic, beguiling figure - one part Hollywood star, one part ruthless gangster. The hype and mythos surrounding him was at an all-time high when The Massacre arrived.

However, the album, while still a major commercial success, did not quite live up to the insurmountable expectations set by its predecessor. The Massacre sold an incredible 1.15 million copies in its first week, but it lacked the cohesive vision and undeniable anthems of Get Rich or Die Tryin'.

One key factor was the involvement of The Game, who was brought into 50's G-Unit camp around this time. The Game's own album The Documentary, released just two months before, has gone on to be considered a classic, while The Massacre feels a bit more scattershot. Tracks like "How We Do" and the original version of "Hate It or Love It" that featured 50's contributions were missed.

The Massacre also saw 50 Cent trying to cater to every possible demographic - there are street anthems, radio singles, love songs, and more traditional gangsta rap all packed into its 22 tracks. This led to an album that, while containing many highlights, felt a bit schizophrenic in its approach.

Tracks like "Candy Shop" and "Just a Lil Bit" were straight-up pop hits, moving away from the rawer sound of Get Rich. Meanwhile, songs like "Ski Mask Way" and "I'm Supposed to Die Tonight" didn't quite have the same level of infectious hooks.

But even with its flaws, The Massacre remains an important album in 50 Cent's discography and a testament to his unparalleled dominance at the time. It was the pinnacle of his cultural ubiquity - a true blockbuster that cemented his status as one of the biggest stars in the world.

20 years later, The Massacre may not be remembered as 50's finest work, but it's still a fascinating snapshot of a true phenomenon at the height of his powers. It's an imperfect album, to be sure, but one that captures the spirit of an artist who was, for a brief moment, untouchable.