50 Cent - Get rich or Die Trying

Released on Feb. 6, 2003, Get Rich or Die Tryin’ arrived at a interesting time for hip-hop. New York City was still the dominant force in rap, with established superstars like JAY-Z, DMX, Ja Rule, Nas and others thriving at the forefront of the culture and selling millions of records. Although hailing from the East Coast himself, 50 Cent, who developed a slight vocal drawl as a result of catching a bullet to the face, was able to build a following across the board and transcend regional borders due to his knack for catchy hooks and refrains.