"Fiddy" vs. Mr. West

“Hip-hop is the only sport of music. Rock artists aren’t thinking about each other to that extent. And these are like the championship moments.”- Kanye West

Selling 957,000 albums in the opening week alone has made Graduation, Kanye West’s junior album, the highest-selling album in 2007. While 50 Cent only sold 691,000 albums in his first week, I guess it is clear to say that Kanye is clearly the “champion.”

Having two idolized hip-hop artists battle head-to-head for the best opening week is the most effective marketing scheme yet. This generation has become so accustomed to burning and downloading music that albums have not been receiving their full recognition. Personally, I had no intentions of buying Kanye’s album, but when I found out that he would be competing with 50 Cent for the best-sold album on its opening week, I was compelled to buy it. Lyrically, I think Kanye is a better rapper and a producer. This marketing idea was most likely conjured up by the record companies soley for sales, and it worked. It even brought individuals such as myself (a broke college student), into stores to support the better artist.

50 Cent was quoted saying that, “If Kanye West sells more records than 50 Cent on September 11, I’ll no longer write music.” If only that were true, but 50 Cent is known for starting beef with other rappers for publicity. Some rappers sell because of lyrics and talent, others use publicity to boost their image because they lack in the lyrical department. 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Trying album will remain a cd that I continue to listen to, but since making that album his style has not changed. He is all about making “club bangers” in order to get money. He saw how much money he received from Get Rich or Die Trying, and stopped trying. He stuck with what he knew, which is why every album after that album sounds the same.

Kanye West was quoted saying, “My biggest inspiration and biggest competition is Justin Timberlake…50 Cent isn’t even on my level. So why should I worry about him?”

I feel that you cannot compare Kanye and 50 Cent, because Kanye makes ‘good’ music, but I cannot say the same for 50 Cent. Mr. West continues to appeal to his audience by exceeding their expectations on every album he drops. Graduation is his best album to date, he features artists such as Mos Def and Chris Martin (Coldplay) showing the variety he has to offer on this album. If you are able to listen to an album from beginning to end without skipping a track, then as an artist you have achieved your goal in being a great MC. The only argument 50 Cent fans make against Kanye is that he is “so cocky.” However he has every right to be! Everyone is already thinking it, so why can’t he say it? To me the scrutiny he receives makes his music that much interesting because in reality he is amazing and that is why I will continue to support him and his music.

In conclusion, I think this was well put together marketing plan, a set up. I feel as though 50 cent and Kanye West, have nothing against each other in reality. These rappers both make it appear as though only one artist could be left standing. The tactics were well thought out and I admire them both for being shrewd businessmen.