English, baby!

50 Vs. Kanye

Date: Nov 26 2007

Themes: Music

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

It’s been a while since there was a good rap rivalry. Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. tragically died because of their rivalry, but their distaste for one another pushed them and added to their fame.

Recently, rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent released their albums on the same day. The weeks before the release date saw a lot of trash talking between them. Some people believed they were the next great rap rivalry.

But others thought it was just guerrilla marketing. Nothing creates interest like conflict. With CD sales dropping, a healthy rivalry might be a good business decision. Listen to Devan and Beren talk about it.

3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Devan

Beren

Devan: So are on team 50 or team Kanye?

Beren: Dude, I’m totally on…team Kanye! I hate to admit it. The dude is a little arrogant...

Devan: He’s so arrogant! But 50 Cent, how arrogant was that saying that if Kanye outsells him he’s going to retire? Has he made a public statement yet now that Kanye outsold him?

Beren: No, they totally had a face off. Did you hear about the battle? It was at the MTV Video Awards? They came head to head and they talked about it. They both got on stage. It’s just basically a publicity stunt for both of them.

Devan: Alright.

Beren: I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re, like, guest rapping on each other’s albums.

Devan: So they’re like buddies drinking a bottle of champagne.

Beren: Exactly. 50’s not gonna retire. Kanye’s never gonna retire. Even though some wish he would…

Devan: So do you think that helped Kanye sell more albums by all the poeple that wanted 50 Cent to retire or do you think it was just genuine Kanye fans.

Beren: Genuine Kanye fans. My mom’s a Kanye fan.

Devan: Your mom’s a Kanye fan?

Beren: Yeah, totally!

Quizzes

Go Super to take Quiz

Lesson MP3

Go Super to download full lesson MP3

Go Super to Ask Ebaby! teachers your questions!

The iTEP^® test

Sponsored by

Schedule an iTEP^® test and take the official English Practice Test.
Take Now >

Discussion

Devan asks Beren which side she’s on, 50’s or Kanye’s. She hesitates and then admits she’s on Kanye’s side even though he’s a little hard to like sometimes.

But Devan points out that 50 is just as arrogant. He said he’d retire if Kanye’s album sold more copies.

It did. He didn’t.

Beren notes that the rivalry has been good for both artists. Although she believes that Kanye actually has more fans.

Do you think 50 and Kanye are actually rivals? Can you think of a time when rivalry pushed you to succeed?

Comments

1 through 20 of 79
Next >
1 2 3 4

Shaluunge

United Kingdom

I side with 50 cent because his song is very Nice If I didn’t hear His Song I don’t think I’m happy where ever I’m hah lol 50 cent

connect with Me shaluunge10hotmail.com

okezsoke

Hungary

After 2pac and notorius died rap music died.

Nanynha66

Brazil

Rivalry can be healthy sometimes.

Ahshan

China

mimixoxo

Japan

i prefer Kanye, although my little sis is a huge HUGE 50 cents's fan. hahaha

Diloo

Germany

i like both of them and will buy boths albums ! :D:D

gunitgirl

Germany

they both make really good music but i like Fifty much more than kanye

basheerktptb

India

I hope your next steps at earliest

basheerktptb

India

I received your mail

Thanks

Basheer

cactus001

China

I like

lishulin

China

I like English very much but my English not good.Who can help me .

daisy_ou

China

very good

^Hate_to_love^

Ukraine

as for me 50 Cent and West are both cool, cause i like their music, but some songs of 50 Cent are boring to listen to as for me, so i think Kanye gonna win the selling of albums.