By Chris Richburg
New York-based rapper 50 Cent will wear two hats as he prepares to give fans something to hear and see with his forthcoming album and DVD, both titled Before I Self Destruct.
The Shady/Aftermath/Interscope CD will include the Scott Storch-produced lead single “Get Up” as well as contributions from Dr. Dre and Eminem, who will serve as producers and guests on the project.
According to 50 Cent, he wrote much of the material found on the Before I Self Destruct album, which is described as a darker and harder musical offering than 50 Cent’s previous effort, Curtis.
The 2007 release, which included the hit singles “I Get Money” and “Ayo Technology,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, selling more than five million copies worldwide.
In addition to new music, fans will be treated to a Before I Self Destruct DVD helmed by 50 Cent that will be included with the CD.
The rapper wrote, directed and starred in the 90-minute original feature-length film, which is a coming of age story centering on an inner city youth raised by a hardworking single mother.
“There will be some who will greatly identify with the characters and the situations presented and then there will be others who may be shocked at the struggles that go on in the inner city,” 50 Cent said of the feature, which marks his directorial debut. "I made the film for both groups."
50 Cent portrays Clarence, an aspiring basketball player who ends up working in a supermarket after his dreams of playing basketball fail to come to fruition.
After his mother is tragically gunned down, Clarence becomes consumed by revenge and takes up a life of crime to support his younger brother.
According to 50 Cent, the film version of Before I Self Destruct “captures the harsh realities that reflect so many communities today.”
The Before I Self Destruct movie follows 50 Cent’s previous movie outing with Hollywood icons Robert DeNiro and Al Pacino in Righteous Kill as well as his 2005 film debut in the semi-autobiographical Get Rich Or Die Tryin.’
50 Cent’s Before I Self Destruct album and DVD are slated to hit stores Dec. 9.
