CPYU 3-D Review

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Song and video:
"In Da Club" by 50 Cent

 

Background and summary

This single release from the 26-year-old rap sensation 50 Cent (real name Curtis Jackson) charted at #1 and spent weeks in heavy rotation on MTV and Top 40 radio. The song is featured on his debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin (over 4 million sold since February 2003 release). The Queens, N.Y., native is intimately familiar with the "thug life." He never knew his dad, his mom was murdered while selling drugs when he was only eight, he started selling crack and heroin when he was 12, and in 2000 he was shot nine times at close range⦡mp;#128;?including a shot to the face.

 

Discover: What is the message/worldview?

  • The lyrics and video to this party/dance anthem chronicle the creation of an indestructible rapper - a sort of "hip-hop Frankenstein" - by Shady/Aftermath label owners Dr. Dre and Eminem. 50 Cent calls it "the supa-nigga video."
  • The video flutters back and forth between the creation and testing of the rapper in a lab, and intimate party scenes shot in a club.
  • The club scenes portray elements synonymous with hip-hop braggadocio including alcohol consumption, which is glorified and portrayed as a necessary element for a good party: "We gon'sip Bacardi like it's your birthday ... you can find me in the club, bottle full of bub."
  • Males are portrayed as lusty beings driven by their hormones. Females are visually and lyrically objectified as "hoes" (whores) and "bitches" who serve as outlets for male sexual pleasure and satisfaction. At one point in the song, 50 Cent unapologetically states his sexual intentions: "I'm into having sex, I ain't into making love/So come give me a hug if you into getting rubbed ... and the hoes they wanna f___."
  • The materialistic excess of hip-hop life is an aspiration 50 Cent boasts he's achieved: "My money on my mind ... My flow, my show brought me the dough ... My crib, my cars, my pools, my jewels." The message is that this is his salvation from his former life of ghetto crime.
  • The posturing is backed up by 50 Cent's in-your-face "mess with me and I'll take you out" attitude. That attitude is backed up in a video scene of 50 Cent and his two sidekicks (aka "G-Unit") shooting at human-shaped targets at a handgun range.

 

Discern: How does it stand in light of the biblical message/worldview?

  • The lyrical and visual content present a life of sinful excess as one viewers should aspire to. This is contrary to the Biblical message since it promotes conformity to sin, rather than to the will of God.
  • Humans are made in the image of God and realize their created potential when life is lived under the protection and provision of God's law. Our primary created purpose is not to glorify the world, the flesh and the devil, but to bring glory to our Creator.
  • We are to flee from sexual immorality. Men are not to treat women as sexual objects. Instead, they are to be treated with dignity and respect. Husbands are to love their wives as Christ loves His church.
  • Violence is not a means to conflict resolution.
  • Lasting satisfaction and redemption are not found in sexual conquests or material/worldly pleasures. Instead, redemption is found in Christ alone. His followers are called to "seek first" his Kingdom.

 

Decide: What do I do with it?

  • Poverty, violence and drugs are very real problems in our culture. The church must do more than wave a condemning finger at those who take 50 Cent's road to "redemption." The church must address the physical and spiritual needs of the poor and oppressed.
  • The portrayals of humanity - particularly females - powerfully influence the way the emerging generation views themselves and others. The church must exercise its prophetic influence by proclaiming God's order and design for males, females and sexuality.
  • The church must face its great unaddressed sin - materialism.
  • While "In Da Club" is standard fare for all ages in today's world, it's not one kids should be singing, watching, dancing to or living. As entertainment, the song and the album should be dropped "in da garbage."

 

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                                                                     ©2003, The Center for Parent/Youth Understanding