Curtis, 50 Cent’s third studio album, received generally mixed reviews from music critics but still achieved significant commercial success upon its release. Debuting at number two on the US Billboard 200, the album sold 691,000 copies in its first week, marking his third consecutive top-five album in the country.

The album’s release coincided with fierce competition from Kanye West’s Graduation, and the ensuing chart battle between the two was celebrated as a “great day for hip hop” due to the record-breaking performances of both albums. Curtis was propelled by hit singles like “Ayo Technology,” which peaked at number five on the Billboard Hot 100, and “I Get Money,” which reached the top 20.