Buy Kanye West's album to get 50 Cent to Stop Making Music

The New York Daily News is reporting that 50 cent has gone on the record saying he will stop making music (for himself), if Kanye West outsells him on 9/11. If you don't already know, the two are both slated to release their tentative third albums on September 11th. The decision has been hailed by Jay-Z, president of Def Jam, as a great day for hip-hop.

I agree. This thing is building so much buzz that I think it will actually divert some people from satisfyingly downloading their albums and actually picking up a copy to support the battle. But does 50 not understand that those comments only fuel his haters to pick up copies of Kanye's cd?

Kanye is definitely winning the battle in terms of buzz. His new single, "Stronger", is currently sitting at #3 on the iTunes download chart, while 50's latest Timbaland-produced track, "Ayo Technology", is at #10, while it hasn't even cracked the top 50 on Billboards Hot 100 singles chart, (where "Stronger" just managed to crack the top ten singles in the US). In terms of album pre-orders, Kanye's so far outdistancing 50 - but that could change in the weeks ahead.

In terms of respectability building up to the release of the albums, well, Kanye is winning in this respect as well. Kanye's held steadfast in the date for his album release, putting out two tracks: "Can't Tell Me Nothing", a buzz track that charted well given its level of promotion, and the aforementioned "Stronger". 50 on the other hand is on his fourth single with "Ayo", already bumping the album from a scheduled June release after his first two singles, "Straight to the Bank" and "Amusement Park", failed to make any real chart impact, even on the Hip-Hop/R&B tally. Even worse, his planned FIFTH single, "Follow My Lead" ft. Robin Thicke, which was supposed to come out in October to ride his album through the Christmas rush, just had its video leaked all over the net, completely screwing up the label's plans and promotions, (although the video does have a significant cameo from DUSTIN HOFFMAN. Not bad).

All in all, I know there's a bunch of 50 supporters out there, but this guy's a douche. My bet is that it will be a close call come September 11th, but even if he loses, he'll spin the results to try and strengthen the dude's pimpness, so in his mind, he can't even lose. Only time will tell. I'll keep you posted.