by EminemBase » Mar 30th, '13, 21:20
It would probably look cool initially as it would be a strong contrast to his new look for the past few years and bring back that image, BUT... I wouldn't be happy with it. That would wear off and it would ultimately be a step backwards, which a great artist should never do...
Em even talked about that to some effect before - how artists lose their momentum by trying to re-create rather than get better, by talking about what they've done etc... which is what 50 Cent does when you look at it, so he's spot-on. As all 50 does is harp-back and try to re-create...
A great artist should always be moving forward, for better or for worse - it's what keeps their excitement and innovation alive, and if he tries to re-create his old self now... that's just a cop-out, it's easier than coming up with something new but it's a failure.
He created REALLY new rap with Relapse, even though he says it was 'going back to those days', that's very vague just in the sense - he was trying to be provocative again, but the rap style and how it sounded was 150% new and unlike anything I've ever heard in rap period... then with Recovery, he totally flipped the page again, comparing "Stay Wide Awake" to "Not Afraid" is like chalk and cheese, but with things like "Space Bound" - he re-imagined what he did, elevated himself to this kind of... 'adult rap' feel, where it feels powerful and rich and overpowering, and harsh...
So he's continuously moving forward, and I hope he continues.