50 Cent at Manchester Arena review

Image: 50 Cent

50 Cent arrived at the Manchester Arena with high expectations from a sold-out crowd. The rap superstar came in tow with his group, G-Unit – short for Guerrilla Unit - for a night of nostalgia following a five year absence from Manchester.

Colin Francis and CJ iDJ were tasked with warming up a crowd that was anxious to see the main attraction. The duo offered a selection of house hits from the get-go to try and generate energy within the attendees, it was particularly memorable when CJ pointed out a lone female seductively dancing on the higher tier of the arena.

Some classic rap-hits were later played, including Biggie Smalls’ 'Juicy' and 2Pac’s 'California Love' to point towards some of the grass roots of gangsta rap. It felt like a lifetime but before long, 50 Cent and co touched down on the illuminous stage.

They opened with ‘What Up Gangsta’ and ‘I Get Money’, the latter of which may have been an ironic nod to 50 filing for bankruptcy back in July. You wouldn't have guessed it given the beaming smile the rapper wore on his face throughout.

They powered through a set list that was a mix of old and new tracks but it was quite obvious that the former proved more favourable within the capacity crowd.

The intensity of the performance led to Fiddy taking a swift break, where he returned donning a bulletproof vest, similar to the one he is shown wearing at the end of ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’’.

Meanwhile, G-Unit interacted with the crowd throughout, which was humorous and light-hearted, who said gangsta rappers can’t have fun?

Although, given that the newer tracks didn’t hit home as hard as the old, you certainly found yourself head-bopping along with the lively cohort on stage.

Tracks such as ‘P.I.M.P’, ‘Candy Shop’ and ‘In da Club’ particularly rolled back the years, bringing back memories of 50’s infamous rise to prominence in the early noughties.

A devoted fan of that rise was shown on the screen above the stage, the member of the crowd displayed his G-Unit tattoo that he has across his arm.

Overall, 50-Cent delivered a unique appeal that leaves you wanting more of his debauchery-laden lyrics. So much so, that a bra was thrown at him during ‘I’m Grown’.

He reaffirmed his love for hip-hop before exiting, a love that was reciprocated for him from the fan faithful in attendance.

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