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The Beast Is G Unit
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| The Beast Is G Unit | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| EP by | ||||
| Released | March 3, 2015 | |||
| Recorded | 2014–15 | |||
| Genre | Hip hop | |||
| Length | 22:23 | |||
| Label | G-Unit | |||
| Producer |
| |||
| G-Unit chronology | ||||
| ||||
The Beast Is G Unit is the second and final extended play (EP) by American hip hop group G-Unit. The EP was released on March 3, 2015, by G-Unit Records.[1]
Critical reception
[edit]| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic |   [2] |
| HipHopDX |  [3] |
| XXL | (XL)[4] |
The Beast Is G Unit received positive reviews from music critics. Homer Johnsen of HipHopDX said, "The G-Unit sound has changed for the better. There is no one specific musical style that they emulate, which is both refreshing, and interesting from a critical standpoint. In just over six months, the Unit has released two major EPs, while shaking off the rust and deciding on a new direction. Everybody shows up, and 50 doesn’t steal the spotlight. The Beast is G-Unit is a solid EP with the potential to inspire an equally effective studio LP. If 2014 was any indication, G-Unit won’t be settling down anytime soon."[3] Dan Rys of XXL said, "But if you’re craving some new G-Unit, the EP will satisfy that urge. There’s plenty of 50 Cent menace, Young Buck grit, Tony Yayo wildness and Lloyd Banks lyricism in these bars, while Kidd Kidd acquits himself well throughout. The production doesn’t follow the cut-and-paste, ratchet bounce sound that coats the hip-hop landscape around them, making the project stand out sonically from the pack."[4]
Commercial performance
[edit]The EP debuted at number 27 on the Billboard 200, selling 18,542 copies in its first week.[5]
Track listing
[edit]Credits adapted from the album's liner notes.[6]
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Ballin'" | MistrAdams | 4:33 | |
| 2. | "I'm Grown" |
| Honorable C.N.O.T.E. | 4:08 |
| 3. | "Bring My Bottles" |
| Swiff D | 3:14 |
| 4. | "Doper Than My Last One" |
| Ky Miller | 3:24 |
| 5. | "Boy Boy" |
| 4:09 | |
| 6. | "Choose One" |
| Ky Miller | 2:55 |
Charts
[edit]
Weekly charts[edit]
|
Year-end charts[edit]
|
References
[edit]- ^ "iTunes - Music - The Beast Is G Unit - EP by G-Unit". iTunes. March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
- ^ "The Beast Is G Unit Review by David Jeffries". allmusic.com. March 3, 2015. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
- ^ a b Johnsen, Homer (March 13, 2015). "G-Unit - The Beast is G-Unit". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- ^ a b Rys, Dan (March 12, 2015). "G-Unit Is Confident and Brash on 'The Beast Is G-Unit'". XXL. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
- ^ HipHopDX (March 12, 2015). "Hip Hop Album Sales: Drake, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
- ^ The Beast Is G Unit (booklet). G-Unit. 2015.
- ^ "G-Unit Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard.
- ^ "G-Unit Chart History (Digital Albums)". Billboard. [dead link]
- ^ "G-Unit Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "G-Unit Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "G-Unit Chart History (Top Rap Albums)". Billboard.
- ^ "Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums- Year-end Chart". Billboard. Retrieved December 9, 2015.
The Beast Is G Unit
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Background and Recording
Development
Following a period of hiatus since their last group project in 2008, G-Unit announced their reunion in June 2014 during a surprise performance at Hot 97's Summer Jam at MetLife Stadium, marking the first time the core members—50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck—had united on stage in years, with affiliate Kidd Kidd joining them.[6] 50 Cent confirmed the revival's seriousness in subsequent interviews, emphasizing the organic reconnection driven by mutual respect rather than financial incentives, and revealed plans for new music to capitalize on the momentum.[7] A pivotal event in the reunion was Young Buck's return to the fold, having been ousted from G-Unit in 2008 amid disputes over finances and loyalty, compounded by his legal troubles including an 18-month federal prison sentence served from 2012 to 2013 for weapons charges related to a parole violation.[6] By early 2014, after his release, Buck reconciled with 50 Cent, citing a renewed sense of brotherhood that transcended past conflicts, which facilitated his reintegration into group activities leading up to the project.[6] The conceptualization of The Beast Is G Unit emerged directly after the release of G-Unit's preceding EP, The Beauty of Independence, on August 25, 2014, with 50 Cent describing the new effort as its aggressive counterpart and "second half" to build on the initial reunion hype.[6][8] This positioning highlighted a thematic shift toward raw intensity, contrasting the more reflective tone of the prior release while maintaining the group's signature street-oriented sound. Recording sessions for The Beast Is G Unit took place primarily throughout 2014, with intensive collaboration occurring at 50 Cent's mansion in Connecticut, where the members spent extended hours—often over 12 straight—laying down tracks in a high-energy environment that fostered spontaneous contributions from each artist.[6] These sessions involved a collaborative process where beats were sourced from various producers, and verses were refined collectively or individually during late-night bursts, ensuring the EP captured the group's reunited chemistry.[9] By late 2014, the lineup was finalized to include the original members—50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck—along with affiliate Kidd Kidd, solidifying the project's direction ahead of its 2015 launch.[6]Group Composition
The Beast Is G Unit features the reunited G-Unit lineup of 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and affiliate Kidd Kidd, marking a return to the group's core dynamic following the 2014 reunion.[10] This configuration includes the core four members alongside the newer affiliate Kidd Kidd, who contributed verses such as on "Ballin'," building on his appearances on the preceding EP The Beauty of Independence.[11] The EP emphasizes internal collaboration without external guest appearances on its main tracks, highlighting the unity of this roster.[11] 50 Cent anchored the project as the primary visionary and head of G-Unit Records, delivering lead vocals across all tracks while overseeing executive production to shape the EP's cohesive sound.[12] Lloyd Banks served as the primary rapper on select tracks, bringing his signature intricate lyricism and multisyllabic schemes that added depth to the group's storytelling.[10] Tony Yayo contributed featured verses infused with raw, street-oriented energy, drawing from his Queens roots to complement the ensemble's aggressive tone.[10] Young Buck's involvement marked his full return as a key contributor, providing prominent features that injected southern grit and motivational themes, reinforcing his role in the group's revival after years of label disputes.[13] Kidd Kidd added energetic verses, enhancing the group's dynamic with his presence on tracks like "Ballin'." This composition allowed each member to showcase distinct strengths—50 Cent's leadership, Banks's technical prowess, Yayo and Buck's visceral delivery, and Kidd Kidd's fresh energy—while collectively driving the EP's focus on resilience and comeback narratives.[14]Release and Promotion
Announcement and Singles
In September 2014, 50 Cent announced via social media the development of The Beast Is G Unit, positioning it as the aggressive "beast" counterpart to the group's prior EP The Beauty of Independence, which had been released earlier that year to mark their reunion.[15] This reveal built anticipation by framing the project as the second half of a conceptual pairing, emphasizing G-Unit's return to hard-hitting street rap.[16] The official release date was confirmed on January 27, 2015, for March 3, with the EP distributed through G-Unit Records and Caroline Records, allowing fans to pre-order and receive an instant download of the track "Bring My Bottles."[17][3] Pre-release hype intensified in early 2015 through social media teasers from 50 Cent, including updates on Twitter about the project's progress and its role in revitalizing the group's dynamic.[18] The lead single, "I'm Grown," was released on February 26, 2015, showcasing the full G-Unit lineup—50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and associate member Kidd Kidd—over a production by C.N.O.T.E., with lyrics asserting maturity and dominance in the rap game.[18] An official music video directed by Eif Rivera followed on March 3, 2015, coinciding with the EP's launch; it features the group in opulent environments like luxury cars and mansions, performing collectively to highlight their unity and lavish lifestyle.[19][20] To further promote the project, G-Unit shared the teaser track "Ballin'" on SoundCloud on March 2, 2015, just one day before the EP's release, allowing fans an early listen to the upbeat, boastful cut produced by MistrAdams.[21][22] No additional official singles were issued from the EP, though the earlier video for "Bring My Bottles"—featuring 50 Cent and Tony Yayo, directed by Bread Films—continued to circulate as key promotional material, having premiered on December 28, 2014, to sustain momentum leading into the launch.[23]Marketing Strategies
The marketing for The Beast Is G Unit emphasized a digital-first strategy, prioritizing accessibility on major streaming platforms to capitalize on the growing shift toward online consumption in 2015. The EP was made available for exclusive streaming on services like Apple Music and Spotify upon its March 3 release, enabling immediate global reach to fans without relying solely on physical retail. Physical copies, limited to CDs, were distributed through online retailers such as Amazon, appealing to collectors while keeping production costs low.[3] A key component of the promotion was a social media blitz led by 50 Cent, who utilized his substantial Twitter following—over 10 million at the time—to generate buzz through direct fan interactions, teaser posts, and behind-the-scenes video clips from recording sessions. This approach included the reveal of the EP's cover art on January 20, 2015, via social media channels, which quickly amplified anticipation among hip-hop audiences. 50 Cent's personal engagement on the platform, including responding to fan queries and sharing snippets, fostered a sense of community and urgency leading up to the launch.[24] Tie-ins extended the campaign beyond music into merchandise, aligning the EP with the G-Unit Clothing line through bundled offerings that combined digital downloads or physical copies with apparel items like hoodies and tees featuring the group's branding. Rather than a full-scale tour, promotion focused on targeted events in major markets, including listening sessions and performances in New York, to energize local fanbases and media coverage without the overhead of arena-level logistics.[25] Overall distribution was handled independently under G-Unit Records, with support from a 2014 exclusive worldwide deal with Universal Music Group via Caroline Records, which provided logistical backing and playlist placements while allowing creative control and avoiding a heavy traditional major label involvement—leveraging 50 Cent's longstanding Interscope connections for enhanced visibility.[26][27]Music and Lyrics
Production Style
The production of The Beast Is G Unit embodies a gritty, menacing return to G-Unit's classic early-2000s hardcore hip-hop sound, blending New York boom-bap elements with occasional southern influences for a raw, unpolished edge.[9] The EP features rip-roaring beats characterized by sinister piano riffs, heavy bass lines, and minimalistic sampling that evoke the group's origins in Queens street rap, while incorporating club-oriented rhythms to maintain an aggressive, high-energy vibe across its six tracks.[28] Producers like MistrAdams on the opener "Ballin'," Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. on "I'm Grown," and Swiff D on "Bring My Bottles" contribute to this darker, harder aesthetic, prioritizing menacing atmospheres over glossy polish, with in-house efforts from engineer Ky Miller handling multiple cuts including "Doper Than My Last One" and "Choose One."[9] Sonic hallmarks include boom-bap drums and DJ scratching that nod to mid-1990s hip-hop, as heard in "Doper Than My Last One," alongside subtle autotune on vocals to add a modern trap-tinged layer without overshadowing the hardcore foundation.[28] Tracks average around 3-4 minutes, allowing for concise builds that emphasize punchy, synth-light arrangements focused on rhythmic drive rather than elaborate orchestration, creating a cohesive yet varied palette that highlights the group's chemistry through overlapping ad-libs and call-response flows.[29] The recording process involved collaborative sessions where members like 50 Cent, Young Buck, and Tony Yayo refined beats collectively, often starting from individual contributions before layering group vocals to capture live-like intensity and mutual energy.[9] This approach underscores a deliberate shift toward ensemble dynamics, using production to amplify interpersonal interplay over isolated solo performances.[29]Thematic Content
The lyrical content of The Beast Is G Unit centers on themes of street resilience and success, particularly evident in the track "Ballin'," where members boast about rising from adversity to financial dominance and lavish lifestyles. Tony Yayo exemplifies this with unassailable confidence, emphasizing a gritty ascent that underscores the group's enduring street credibility.[30] This narrative reflects a broader motif of overcoming obstacles through hustle and determination, positioning G-Unit as symbols of triumphant survival in hip-hop's competitive landscape.[31] Maturity in the rap game emerges as another key theme, notably in "I'm Grown," where Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo assert their evolution beyond youthful antics, tying personal growth to accumulated wealth and status. The track critiques superficial claims of maturity, suggesting that financial success signifies a hardened wisdom gained from years in the industry, rather than mere age.[31] Party excess is highlighted in "Bring My Bottles," with Young Buck's verses reveling in club indulgence and hedonistic demands, portraying a lighter side of triumph where success enables unapologetic celebration.[30] Competitive boasts dominate "Doper Than My Last One," as Lloyd Banks affirms his authentic New York roots and superior output, warning imitators against regional appropriation.[31] The EP's tracks also illuminate G-Unit's group dynamic, with "Boy Boy" showcasing loyalty amid rivalries, as Tony Yayo references unwavering allegiance to fallen comrades like "Frank Lucas put[ting] flowers on Bump[']s grave every Tuesday / That's loyalty."[32] This reflects the collective's comeback narrative, emphasizing solidarity against external threats and internal betrayals in the rap world.[30] Influences from the 2000s mixtape era permeate the lyrics, evoking braggadocio and direct competitor warnings reminiscent of early group efforts, akin to D-Block's raw, unpolished style.[31] Overall, these elements craft a narrative of reclaimed dominance, blending introspection with aggression to reaffirm G-Unit's legacy.Critical Reception
Initial Reviews
Upon its release on March 3, 2015, The Beast Is G Unit received mixed initial reviews from hip-hop publications, with praise centered on the group's collaborative energy and a return to their aggressive roots, though critics noted a lack of fresh ideas. XXL highlighted the EP's confident and brash tone, crediting the strong interplay among 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, and Kidd Kidd for recapturing the swagger of G-Unit's early 2000s breakthrough, particularly through high-energy tracks like "Ballin'" that emphasized club-ready bravado and raw aggression in verses from Buck and Yayo.[30] The review lauded 50 Cent's leadership in allowing members space to shine, fostering cohesion that evoked the unit's classic dynamic without overshadowing individual contributions.[30] In contrast, RapReviews assigned the EP a score of 5 out of 10, criticizing its formulaic approach and failure to innovate beyond dated gangsta rap tropes, describing it as sounding more like a LOX or D-Block project than a true G-Unit effort due to inconsistent flows and overreliance on auto-tune and money-themed hooks.[31] The outlet pointed to a lack of the raw group chemistry that defined the crew's heyday, with 50 Cent's limited verses and production choices failing to unify the tracks into a compelling whole, though it acknowledged standout moments like Banks' sharp lyricism on "Doper Than My Last One."[31] Other outlets echoed this divide; for instance, a review on HotNewHipHop's affiliate site praised the EP's gritty street anthems and vivid bars as a solid return to form for the veteran crew, emphasizing the menacing energy on cuts like "Bring My Bottles," but lamented the scarcity of 50 Cent's presence, which diminished the project's overall impact and left some tracks feeling underdeveloped.[33] Coverage was relatively sparse, reflecting the EP's short format and independent release, with most assessments confined to rap-centric sites rather than broader music critics.[30][31]Retrospective Assessments
Over the decade following its 2015 release, The Beast Is G Unit has been reevaluated as a swan song for G-Unit's classic lineup, encapsulating the brief 2014-2015 reunion that revitalized the group after years of internal strife and inactivity.[34] This perspective highlights the EP's role in closing a chapter for the collective, as 50 Cent confirmed the group's second disbandment in 2022, citing exhaustion from carrying the roster and a desire to avoid further collaborations.[34] Reappraisals among fans have shown gradual improvement, with the EP earning a 2.65/5 average based on 14 user ratings on Rate Your Music as of 2023.[35] On Album of the Year, it holds a user score of 60/100 based on 14 ratings as of 2025. This reassessment underscores its significance as the endpoint of G-Unit's active phase, preceding an indefinite hiatus. Culturally, the EP's timing aligned with 50 Cent's pivot toward television production, exemplified by his executive role on the Starz series Power, which premiered in 2014 and increasingly diverted his focus from music to a burgeoning multimedia empire.[36] This transition not only sidelined group activities but also amplified 50 Cent's broader legacy beyond hip-hop, with Power becoming a cornerstone of his post-music success.[37]Commercial Performance
Sales Figures
The EP achieved modest commercial success upon its release, selling 17,639 pure copies and a total of 18,542 equivalent album units in its first week in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan data reported by industry outlets.[38] This figure included contributions from digital downloads and streaming equivalents, reflecting the growing influence of on-demand audio services in 2015.[38] Despite its initial performance, The Beast Is G Unit did not attain any major certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) or equivalent bodies in other markets.[39] Revenue streams were predominantly driven by digital platforms, with the project initially distributed exclusively through iTunes and other online retailers, limiting physical sales to a small fraction of overall units. Subsequent earnings continued to rely on streaming royalties and catalog downloads, aligning with G-Unit Records' independent distribution model via Caroline Records, though no long-term sales figures or certifications have been reported.[26]Chart Achievements
The Beast Is G Unit achieved moderate success on several music charts following its March 3, 2015 release, reflecting G-Unit's enduring fanbase in the independent and R&B/hip-hop genres despite the group's hiatus since 2008. In the United States, the EP debuted and peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard 200, marking the group's first charting project since T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) seven years prior. It also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart, underscoring its strong performance in the independent sector, and No. 3 on both the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Top Rap Albums charts. Internationally, the EP entered the UK Official Hip Hop and R&B Albums Chart at No. 8, with a peak of No. 8 for the week of March 8, 2015, and demonstrating modest appeal in the British urban music market.[40] It experienced minor chart entries in Canada, peaking outside the top 100 on the Canadian Albums Chart, and in Australia, where it briefly appeared on the ARIA Urban Albums Chart without reaching the top 50. These limited international placements highlighted the EP's primarily domestic focus amid G-Unit's independent distribution model. On the singles front, the lead track "I'm Grown" garnered attention through its music video, though it did not achieve significant chart success on Billboard rankings. This streaming and visual-driven performance aligned with shifting consumption patterns in 2015. For year-end tallies, The Beast Is G Unit did not rank in the top 100 of major album charts, and no specific year-end positions were reported for 2015, contributing to sustained streams of G-Unit's overall catalog in the years following, particularly after 2015 as digital platforms boosted legacy hip-hop consumption.[41]Track Listing and Credits
Standard Edition Tracks
The standard edition of The Beast Is G Unit, released on March 3, 2015, by G-Unit Records, comprises six tracks featuring the core group members 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson), Lloyd Banks (Christopher Lloyd), Tony Yayo (Marvin Bernard), Young Buck (David Brown), and Kidd Kidd.[11] The EP has no deluxe edition or additional tracks beyond this lineup.[4] Writing credits are primarily attributed to the G-Unit members, with specific contributions noted per track where documented.[22] Producers vary across the project, drawing from in-house and external talents associated with the group.[9]| No. | Title | Duration | Producer(s) | Writer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | "Ballin'" | 4:33 | MistrAdams | Mistradamus, Kidd Kidd, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, 50 Cent[11][22] |
| 2 | "I'm Grown" | 4:08 | Da Honorable C.N.O.T.E. | 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Kidd Kidd, Tony Yayo[11][9] |
| 3 | "Bring My Bottles" | 3:14 | Swiff D | 50 Cent, Young Buck, Swiff D[22][11] |
| 4 | "Doper Than My Last One" | 3:24 | Ky Miller | Lloyd Banks, Ky Miller[22][9] |
| 5 | "Boy Boy" | 4:09 | !llmind, G-Koop, Jake One | 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, Kidd Kidd[22][11] |
| 6 | "Choose One" | 2:55 | Ky Miller | 50 Cent, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Kidd Kidd[9][11] |