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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!

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Lesson MP3

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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

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ilya_style

Kazakhstan

PEOPLE LISTEN KENYE RULEZZZ!!!!!!!50 GOOD SINGER!!!BUT I THINK AKON THE BEST!!!!!I LIKE HIS SONGS!!!!!!ABOUT KENYE HIS SONG STRONGER BETTER THEN 50's STRAIGH TO THE BANK!!!!!!BUT THIS IS MY OPINION!!!