By: Candace Amos
This week the world stood witness to two of hip hop’s heavy weights in the battle for marketing supremacy. In this corner we have the ever so smooth, beating making, self proclaimed Louie Vuitton Don, Kanye West and in this next corner we have the multi million dollar franchise producing, Evil Knieval of the streets, 50 cent. Both artists refused to back down upon hearing the other was releasing on the same date, 9/11.
The week started with Mr. West and 50 both performing on the VMA’s which took place at the Las Vegas Palms Casino. Each artist performed in their own suite which aired live to the audience. After seeing both performances, fans had to choose sides.
After the show, Kanye ranted in his usual fashion about MTV denying him the chance to open the award show, and going with Britney Spear’s instead (poor girl).
The war was fought through many battles, including the 9/11 showdown on BET’s, 106 and Park. Viewers tuned in to watch the titans battle it out on the stage. 50 killed, being the hometown favorite and Kanye had the crowd going crazy when he brought his big brother, Jay Z. However, viewers were frustrated when BET declared the over-hyped battle a draw.
Directly following the 6 o’clock airing of the showdown, I had the opportunity to meet Mr. West at a party during NYC’s fashion week which celebrated the debut of Alexis Phifer’s (West’s fiancé) new clothing line, Ghita. I waited in the VIP area expecting to see a bunch of unfamiliar faces when Kanye walked into the room ever so smoothly; rocking the same velour jacket and gold linked chain he sported earlier on 106 and Park stage. He seemed confident and unphased by the day’s events. You really couldn’t tell him nothing!
With all that being said who came out on top? According to results posted on Billboard.com, the winner of the race was clear, no recount necessary. Kanye West massacred 50 with a total count of 957,000 copies of Graduation to 50 Cent’s 691,000 copies of Curtis. Ouch! I guess it’s time for 50 to start planning that good ‘ol retirement party.
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