50 Cent Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Few artists exploded onto the music scene with the force of 50 Cent.
His discography charts a fascinating journey through early 2000s hip-hop and beyond.
Today, we're diving into 50 Cent albums ranked, primarily by the voices that matter most: the fans. This gives us a unique look at what many consider the best 50 Cent albums.
Later, we'll see how these records stack up based on current popularity data. Let's explore.
Ranking 50 Cent's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
1. Get Rich Or Die Tryin' (2003)
This is the iconic debut studio album from 50 Cent.
It was released in February 2003 through Interscope Records, Shady Records, Aftermath Entertainment, and G-Unit Records.
Eminem and Dr. Dre served as executive producers. They helped craft its signature blend of gangsta rap and R&B.
The album was a colossal success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, selling over 872,000 copies in its first week.
Singles like "In da Club" and "21 Questions" became global anthems. The album received widespread critical acclaim and is considered a classic of the 2000s.
Key tracks:
- In Da Club
- 21 Questions
Topping the fan-ranked list is hardly a surprise for Get Rich Or Die Tryin'.
This album didn't just introduce 50 Cent; it defined an era of hip-hop. Its raw storytelling and infectious beats cemented its legendary status.
2. Curtis (2007)
Curtis is the third studio album by 50 Cent.
It was released in September 2007. The album featured production from heavyweights like Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Timbaland.
Music writers noted 50 Cent's division between "hard" and "soft" songs on this record.
Curtis debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200. It sold an impressive 691,000 copies in its first week.
The album was highly anticipated, partly due to its famous sales competition with Kanye West's Graduation.
Key tracks:
- Ayo Technology
- I Get Money
Securing the second spot, Curtis demonstrated 50 Cent's ability to evolve while retaining his core appeal.
Fans often point to its star-studded collaborations and memorable hooks. It showed a broader artistic range that many listeners appreciated.
3. The Massacre (2005)
The Massacre marked 50 Cent's second studio album.
Released in March 2005, it continued his dominant run in music.
The album featured production from Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Scott Storch, among others. It also included guest appearances from artists like Tony Yayo and Jamie Foxx.
The Massacre debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. It sold a staggering 1.15 million copies in its first four days.
It spawned major hit singles such as "Candy Shop" and "Just A Lil Bit."
Key tracks:
- Candy Shop
- Just A Lil Bit
Coming in third, The Massacre is remembered by fans as a powerful sophomore effort.
It solidified 50 Cent's position at the top of the rap game. Its commercial success and chart-topping hits are undeniable testaments to its impact.
4. Before I Self-Destruct (2009)
Before I Self-Destruct is 50 Cent's fourth studio album.
It was released in November 2009. This album was his final solo release with Shady, Aftermath, and Interscope, excluding a greatest hits compilation.
The album was accompanied by a feature film of the same name. This film was available within the album's packaging.
Before I Self-Destruct debuted at number five on the US Billboard 200. It became 50 Cent's fourth consecutive top-five album in the country.
The lead single, "Baby by Me," was a notable track from the project.
Key tracks:
- Baby By Me
- Psycho
Ranked fourth by fans, Before I Self-Destruct is often seen as a return to 50 Cent's grittier roots.
Listeners who appreciate his darker, more aggressive storytelling frequently cite this album. The accompanying film also added a unique dimension to its reception.
6. The Kanan Tape (2015)
The Kanan Tape is a mixtape by American rapper 50 Cent.
It was released in December 2015. The project was made available via his community website ThisIs50 and on Datpiff as a free download.
The mixtape is named after his character, Kanan Stark, from the popular Starz drama series *Power*.
It features guest appearances from artists such as Boosie, Post Malone, and Young Buck. Production credits include London on da Track and The Alchemist.
Key tracks:
- I'm The Man
- Too Rich For The Bitch
At number six, The Kanan Tape resonated with fans who appreciated its direct tie-in to 50 Cent's successful acting venture.
Its mixtape format allowed for a rawness and immediacy. This often connects well with a segment of the fanbase looking for that street-level energy.
6. Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire To Win (2014)
Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire to Win is 50 Cent's fifth studio album.
The project was released in June 2014 by G-Unit Records and Caroline.
Notably, all 11 tracks on the standard edition were issued as singles prior to the album's official release.
The album features guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Trey Songz, Jadakiss, and Schoolboy Q, among others.
Animal Ambition debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200. This gave 50 Cent his fifth consecutive top-five album in the country.
Key tracks:
- Irregular Heartbeat
- Pilot
Animal Ambition lands at the seventh spot in our fan-based ranking.
Its thematic focus on prosperity and drive, coupled with a unique promotional strategy of releasing all tracks as singles, made it a distinct entry. Fans who appreciate thematic consistency and entrepreneurial spirit often highlight this work.
Have chosen your top album? Explore 50 Cent's complete discography here
50 Cent albums: A look at popularity data
While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.
This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.
Below is a ranking of 50 Cent's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Get Rich Or Die Tryin' | 2003 |
| 2 | The Massacre | 2005 |
| 3 | Before I Self-Destruct | 2009 |
| 4 | Curtis | 2007 |
| 5 | The Kanan Tape | 2016 |
| 6 | Animal Ambition: An Untamed Desire To Win | 2014 |
| 7 | The Complete G-Unit | 2019 |
| 8 | Bullet Proof | 2007 |
Quick FAQs about 50 Cent's albums
Q: What inspired the title Get Rich Or Die Tryin'?
A: The album title originates from a tattoo on producer Sha Money XL's arm. 50 Cent felt it powerfully represented determination, especially for working-class individuals striving for success.
Q: How did Dr. Dre contribute to Get Rich Or Die Tryin'?
A: Dr. Dre, alongside Eminem, was an executive producer for the album. He was instrumental in shaping its sound, aiming to combine gangsta rap with R&B elements, and 50 Cent recorded iconic tracks like "In da Club" during sessions with him.
So, we've explored the 50 Cent albums ranked from different angles.
Fan passion provides one narrative. Popularity data offers another snapshot.
The "best" 50 Cent album? That's always a personal call. It's often tied to the memories and moments these albums soundtracked in our lives.
Each record is a chapter in a significant musical story. What's your personal ranking of 50 Cent's discography? Which album truly stands out for you?