About this album
Where they were
Released in January 2002, '50 Cent Is the Future' marked G-Unit's emergence as a formidable force after 50 Cent's breakthrough with his debut album 'Get Rich or Die Tryin'' later that year. This mixtape served to solidify their growing reputation and showcased the chemistry between 50 Cent and his crew members, including Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo, as they navigated the competitive landscape of East Coast hip-hop.
Why it matters
The mixtape is significant for its role in popularizing the mixtape format as a marketing tool within hip-hop, setting the stage for G-Unit's commercial success. It helped establish 50 Cent and G-Unit as key players in early 2000s rap, influencing both the sound and business strategies of subsequent artists and labels.
Essential tracks
- "U Should Be Here" — This track opens the mixtape with a blend of melodic hooks and street-savvy lyrics, setting a confident tone for G-Unit's brand.
- "G-Unit Soldiers" — This anthem encapsulates the unity and loyalty of G-Unit, showcasing their camaraderie while asserting their dominance in the rap game.
- "Surrounded by Hoes" — The track features catchy production and braggadocious lyrics that reflect the lifestyle often glorified in gangsta rap, resonating with the audience's fantasies.
Release Date
January 1, 2002
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 U Should Be Here 3:33
- 2 Bump Dat (street mix) 3:06
- 3 The Banks Workout 4:01
- 4 Whoo Kid Kayslay Shit! 2:33
- 5 50 Cent Just Fucking Around 2:12
- 6 G-Unit Soldiers 3:06
- 7 Got Me a Bottle 2:52
- 8 Tony Yayo Explosion 2:44
- 9 Clue/50 1:30
- 10 A Lil Bit of Everything 4:09
- 11 Cut Master C Shit 2:57
- 12 Call Me 3:01
- 13 50/Banks 2:46
- 14 Surrounded by Hoes 2:10
- 15 G-Unit That’s What’s Up! 4:21
- 16 Bad News 4:19
