While some artists choose to upgrade their album with a re-release and others compile songs in a "best of" composition, some artists re-release to make a quick buck on what was already a successful piece of work.
After the success of 50 Cent's "The Massacre" in early 2005, he re-released the album with the suffix "Special Edition."
The "Special Edition" is the same as the first album but with the additional track, "Hate It or Love It," a G-Unit Remix. A DVD is included, packed with videos and a preview for his upcoming movie, "Get Rich or Die Trying," as well as clips of his videogame "Bulletproof."
The first track, "Intro," is comprised only of gunshots, which is a recurring theme in the composition. Likewise, 50 Cent's DVD also begins with a cartoon-style shootout in front of a self-referential candy shop.
The cartoon version of 50 Cent appears again in "Piggy Bank" in which a child plays 50 Cent's videogame in an arcade. Similarly, 50 Cent and Eminem play super heroes in "Gatman and Robbin," a song about having each others' backs.
Videos "Take Money" and "In My Hood" both portray street life in his hometown. Later, 50 creates a twist on the latter part of the DVD which includes a concert performance of "My Toy Soldier" and a club scene with G-Unit's first lady in the song "So Amazing." For some, these videos may be the highlight of the DVD because they are unadulterated entertainment, uncharacteristic of the rest of the DVD.
The DVD's 21 tracks become repetitious with themes of street life, money and women. Those who bought "The Massacre" won't miss much if they don't pick up the special edition.
It would have been a valuable addition to any hip-hop library if it had contained live concert videos and more variant themes. Instead, it is just a moneymaking ploy with the recycled title of a successful album.
