50 Cent
Photo: Scott Gries/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — Thursday night was just a regular evening at the movies ... well, if you're used to seeing 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo at the theater! Fif held a screening of his film "Before I Self Destruct"; the movie shares a title with 50's new LP and they will be released together on November 16.

"I'm trying to be ahead of the curve because things are changing in music," 50 told the audience at the AMC Loews Kips Bay 15 theater in Manhattan on Thursday. Members of the audience included Red Café, Uncle Murda, radio personality Miss Info, DJ Jazzy Joyce and actor/MC AlBe Back.

For Fif, the "Before I Self Destruct" film "was an opportunity to show the cause and effect" of a good guy gone bad. Fif also said making a 90-minute film presented an opportunity to get more in-depth than a three-minute song.

50 stars as Clarence, a street-basketball superstar with enough promise to possibly make it to the NBA. When he injures his knee during a game, his hoop dreams are smashed and he's left to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. When Clarence and his genius pre-teen brother Chaka suffer the ultimate family tragedy, Clarence turns to the streets for salvation and money. He becomes a ruthless hitman for a local kingpin played by Clifton Powell. Lloyd Banks also has a role as Chaka's school teacher — yes, Banks appears in a dress shirt and tie, surprising the crowd with a character no one expected.

One hilarious moment during the screening came when 50 had to cry onscreen, and an audience member started to laugh. 50 himself yelled from his seat, "Shut up, n---a!" causing the entire crowd to laugh.

Also released with the album and film will be the documentary "2 Turntables and a Microphone," which explores the murder of Run-DMC DJ and 50 mentor Jam Master Jay. The trailer was shown at the screening on Thursday night as well.

"[Jam Master Jay's nephew] Phonz was working on that project for five years," 50 explained to MTV News a little over a year ago. "He came to me, and I shot my [interview] portion that's on the documentary. We met in Atlanta the first time and ended up shooting in Amsterdam.

"It's not a random act of violence," 50 also said about Jay's murder. "People just don't walk in your studio, shoot and kill you with several other people around, and no one knows anything. I believe the documentary sheds light on it — a little bit. It creates a clearer picture of what actually happened at that point. People just heard, 'Jam Master Jay got shot.' They don't understand the circumstances. [The film] creates some clarity."

For breaking news, celebrity columns, humor and more — updated around the clock — visit MTVMoviesBlog.com.

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50 Cent
Photo: MTV News

NEW YORK — The New York Yankees rolled down the Canyon of Heroes in the traditional World Series parade on Friday morning. The city is electric, basking in the glow of the team's 27th World Championship. Along with the 2009 team — featuring Derek Jeter, Johnny Damon, A.J. Burnett, Mark Teixeira, C.C. Sabathia and Hideki Matsui — Bronx Bomber greats from previous Series-winning teams, such as Reggie Jackson and Chris Chambliss, were on hand. Even Jay-Z rode a float with Alex Rodriguez. Jay is just one of many New York City-bred musical stars — also including Lady Gaga, Fabolous and Q-Tip — who have been raving about the Yanks.

However, one New Yorker who couldn't be in the city to see the parade is 50 Cent. He's in Miami promoting his forthcoming Before I Self Destruct LP. Still, Fif gave kudos to the team the Steinbrenners built.

"It's amazing," 50 said Thursday in New York. "It feels good. That Yankee hat is almost the New York City symbol — it's because the other teams don't win for us. We need the Mets and Knicks to step it up. Hopefully we could get some new talent to the Knicks and get things moving."

On Thursday night, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo capped a day of promoting the "Before I Self Destruct" film — which will be packaged with the album — at the AMC Kips Bay 15 Theater, where a screening was held. The Self Destruct album will be released digitally on Tuesday, while the physical copies arrive in stores on November 16.

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50 Cent
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The O.D.: A Mixtape Daily Exclusive

Not so fast. After Beanie Sigel and 50 Cent sat down for a joint interview with Philadelphia radio station Power 99 earlier this week, the streets thought Sigs signing with G-Unit was already a done deal. According to 50, they did talk about it, but still have a long way to go.

"I had a meeting with him today," 50 said Thursday. "First we gotta start with the music — where's the music? Then we have to get into what it would take to bring him over to G-Unit as a record company. You can't sign a deal in a conversation — it's a process. We'll see what happens."

Fif did note that he thinks Beanie is capable lyrically and looks forward to hearing what he has in his vaults.

"I would listen to what he has," Fif explained. "His skills haven't diminished. Nine times out of 10, he'll have something workable already on deck. When you're dealing with artists who have been established longer than you, it's a process. You have to figure out exactly where they are at before you commit to being a part of those projects, because they have habits and they've been conditioned for something different. You have to figure out exactly what that is before you dive in."

The Broad Street Bully isn't the only established MC Fif is thinking about extending an invitation to.

"I got artists who I'm looking at," he said. "A few of them aren't actively available for me to do different things with them. But I'm looking to sign new artists into the actual company."

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50 Cent at Macy's in New York City Thursday
Photo: MTV News

NEW YORK — 50 Cent got a chance to get up close and personal with the people, taking pictures with fans at Macy's in Herald Square on Thursday evening (November 5). His new cologne, Power by 50 Cent, is in stores now. Fif, dressed in a sports coat, addressed the crowd, telling them he always wanted to have his own fragrance.

"The fragrance Power was an idea I came up with," 50 said before the event started. "I wanted to offer confidence. I wanted to make something that smells like success. We went through a whole lot of different ideas. I created storyboards, things I felt was representation of power. It turned into the actual shape of the bottle, if you look at the top. The details on it might remind you of my favorite watches, Audemars Piguet or Hublot. I wanted it to be masculine, sexy, attractive. Prior to creating this actual fragrance, I had the opportunity to enjoy Creed; that was one of my favorite fragrances. That kinda inspired me."

Fif is coming out with a perfume for women soon, with Kim Kardashian as the spokeswoman. "I think she's amazing," he said with a smile. "She's done great things for herself and her brand. She's just someone who the public has taken an interest in. It's not gonna stop. It's kinda like what Paris Hilton has. [Kim] might not like that I make the comparison, but the two of them have an energy that it's difficult to describe where the interest is coming from, but it's amazing. And they're so far different from each other, it's interesting."

On Monday, the digital version of 50's Before I Self Destruct comes out, while the physical LP lands in stores November 16. Within the next week, the G-Unit General is shooting a video for his next single, "Do You Think About Me," while the clip for "Stretch" hits ThisIs50.com on Thursday night.

• 50 Cent

50 Cent in his "Baby By Me" video
Photo: Interscope

50 Cent talks a big game in his songs, relaying his tales from the street to his eager fans. And when you think "50 Cent music video," you'd probably expect a similarly tough take.

So what's with the family-man look in his brand-new clip for "Baby by Me," featuring Ne-Yo? We took the music video down to the folks waiting in Times Square to be in the "It's On With Alexa Chung" audience to see what they thought of the new V-neck-sweater-wearing 50 Cent.

"I like to see the softer side of 50 Cent — wearing the sweater, with the kids," Ryan said.

It seems like the people are ready to trade "50 Cent the badass" for "Curtis the family man."

For a handful of respondents, Kelly Rowland's role in the video was a highlight. "I haven't seen Kelly in a while," T'shawn said. "It's nice to see her out there, looking all sexy in her lingerie."

Even the bedroom shots seem to convey a kinder, gentler 50 Cent. And with Ne-Yo on the hook, the song itself definitely has the crossover effect.

"I've never actually liked 50 Cent, but this one really caught my attention," Josie told us. "I actually like this song a lot."

What do you think of 50 Cent's softer side? Are you happy to see Destiny's Child alum Kelly Rowland back on the scene? Let us know in the comments section below!

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50 Cent's <i>Before I Self Destruct</i>
Photo: Interscope

No more delays. 50 Cent is actually releasing his Before I Self Destruct LP earlier than expected. After the LP leaked last week, Fif called into satellite radio station Shade 45's "The Gomez Brothers" show on Saturday to announce that instead of November 23, he'd drop the album on November 16.

"I feel good that it was leaked in its entirety, in sequence, so people can hear my vision," said 50, whose "Baby by Me" video premiered on Monday. "Instead of pieces, where I would be like, 'Damn, I spent my time sequencing.'

"I'm pushing the record up, so the album release date is the 16th," he added. "I'm expecting [the album] to do good because of the response that I've heard on the Web. It's obvious they didn't expect me to write the actual things I wrote on the album. I don't know why. They're like, 'This sh-- is on fire.' I'm like, 'What are you surprised for, stupid?' "

50 also talked about Beanie Sigel and Jay-Z's falling out, which came to a head after Sigel released the dis track "What You Talkin Bout (I Ain't Your Average Cat)." Sig said that Jigga didn't take care of some of his Roc-A-Fella artists like 50 did for G-Unit.

"When they tell me you was [paying the Young Gunz] $1,250? A group?" Fif asked incredulously. "These n---as is staying in nice hotels. If a [girl] orders room service twice, you're done. You know what it is, it's traditional business. My business model comes from the curb, so I'mma take care of my n---as a little different, 'cause they my people.

"A lot of the times when I say, 'Jay is a cool punk,' don't get it f---ed up; he's a smart guy," he added. "You can't take away from him what he's done in the actual business and in the game. But since he lost to Nas, he hasn't competed. ... Every time somebody came, Beans went out in the front [line] with Jadakiss. [Jay] had the Cam'ron issues. Then when Cam came back and it was issues again, the Tru-Life deal was signed. And when Tru-Life got into an altercation with [Cam'ron], that one stopped. That's what stopped the Cam beef."

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50 Cent
Photo: MTV News

In his new video for "Baby by Me," which premiered Monday (November 2), 50 Cent meets an around-the-way Kelly Rowland and woos the singer, leading a life in suburban bliss before he realizes it's all make-believe.

"This video is great," 50 told MTV News during the filming of the clip. "Chris Robinson came up with a great treatment for it. It's obvious I wasn't in a hurry to make the music video until I found the right treatment, the right idea, to bring it to life."

The visuals start off with 50 meeting Rowland, the video's leading lady, in the street, and the two hit it off. Soon, 50 is in a snazzy suit and coming home from his 9-to-5 to the ex-Destiny's Child singer and his three kids. The pair even share a steamy bedroom scene.

But after all the promises 50 raps about on the song, he soon discovers he was actually daydreaming. Rowland is a taken woman, and the kids are hers by another man. A high-price car then pulls up to whisk 50 away, echoing the song's refrain: "Have a baby by me, baby, be a millionaire."

The video was shot between New York and Los Angeles and also features Ne-Yo, who sings the tune's chorus. His part was filmed in the Big Apple, and 50 shot his scenes out on the West Coast.

Rowland was recruited for the video after 50 ran into her at the Los Premios MTV awards in Los Angeles. The rapper approached the singer about the role, and hours later, she was on set ready to go.

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50 Cent
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

If at first you don't succeed, try, try (and try and try and try) again.

It took five attempts before 50 Cent and producer Polow Da Don could finally lock into a studio session together for the G-Unit superstar's "Baby by Me" track, but once they connected, their chemistry was instant. Polow said Fif knew right away they had a hot one on their hands.

"He came in the studio, we had some time set up — we had, like, five sessions; the other four fell through," Polow told MTV News. "The fifth one, we got together, he came in and that was the first joint I played him. He said, 'That's a hit record.' "

The Atlanta-based beatsmith said Fif only needed 20 minutes to craft the track. The song is the lead single for 50's forthcoming album, Before I Self Destruct, and features Ne-Yo on the hook. Polow said he and 50 settled on a hook for the song but after sending the track over to Ne-Yo, the songwriter reworked it into its current incarnation.

"We had the record done," Polow said. "What's so crazy [is] we had a different hook on it. We went back and forth with the hook, but then we sent it to Ne-Yo and he wrote his own hook and that was that."

"When [50] first sent me the joint, I was like, 'You don't need me for this,' " Ne-Yo told MTV News recently during the video shoot for the song. "I thought the beat was hot, what he was talking about was hot — I just tried to add to the hotness."

There are two versions of "Baby by Me," one featuring Ne-Yo and another with newcomer JoVan Dais. But despite the syrupy single, 50 has said his next album will be his most aggressive yet, even more so than his debut.

"Before I Self Destruct is absolutely harder than Get Rich or Die Tryin' or other projects in between," 50 said.

• 50 Cent

50 Cent's <i>Before I Self Destruct</i>
Photo: Interscope

Well, at least 50 Cent knows people are dying to get their hands on his album. Unfortunately, Fif definitely didn't want fans to hear his new music this early.

On Wednesday (October 28), 50's Before I Self Destruct leaked almost a month before its planned November 23 release date. There has been no comment from 50 or Interscope Records as of press time.

For the most part, Self Destruct is the rugged, gangsta, hardcore hip-hop Fif has said is missing from the game. The album opens with a song called "The Invitation," which tells the firsthand story of a drug baron who loses a friend in a shooting but bounces back and gets retribution and grows even more menacing. "You want some? Come get some," 50 says bluntly on the chorus. "N---a, it's murder one when you see my gun/ I just squeeze and squeeze till the whole clip done/ You just bleed till the cops come."

"Death to My Enemies" isn't any less harsh. "Boy, I'll put your body in my bag," Fif sings along to a deranged melody. Later, the listener is left to dissect whether he is throwing a jab at Lil Wayne or referencing the infamous crack haven from the film "New Jack City." "This ain't the Carter, n---a, this is Sparta/ It's harder, I'll die, I'll be a martyr/ Respect me like your father."

On the very next record, there is no need to infer anything. 50 gets very blunt on "So Disrespectful," calling Young Buck a drug addict and the Game jealous. "C'mon, Game, you'll never be my equal," he raps. "Your homies shoot doors, my n---as shoot people/ See me, I'm what you're never gonna be/ I'm in that tax bracket you're never gon' see.

"I ain't know he f---ed with more dope than B.G./ Plus a n---a sip more syrup than Pimp C," Fif continues on the track. "Man, keeping these mutha----as rich ain't easy/ Especially when a n---a wanna stunt like Jeezy/ And his CDs didn't sell like his CDs/ Man that n---a blew all his chips on them breezies/ Mad cause the world won't treat him like Weezy."

"Psycho" features Fif's family member Eminem. "I'm a psycho, a sicko, I'm crazy," 50 declares on the hook. " ... You wanna see me shot up, locked up, cage me/ I'll come back bigger, stronger and angry."

Em checks into the psych ward, rapping, "Man, these are average raps, I'm keeping the savage batch hidden/ A can of whup-ass with the Shady-Aftermath lid/ You pop the top, it's like opening vats of acid/ Beat the Octo-Mom to death with a Cabbage Patch Kid."

Other guests on the album include R. Kelly and Ne-Yo.

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