The publicity that accompanies The Massacre, 50 Cent's second album, states that he is "still pushing the parameters of hip hop and once again controversy comes with the territory". Given that 50 was given a rough ride at his appearance at last year's Reading Festival - he left the stage prematurely under a hail of bottles - it's easy to see why the PR machine grinds into such enthusiastic gear with this release.

Still, spin is one thing but listening to this it's hard to see how the rapper can claim to be pushing the envelope with such material as appears on Massacre. There's the obligatory gun-toting imagery - the album's artwork is adorned with photos of 50 armed to the hilt, and the LP probably features more gunfire noise throughout than anything released to date, not least on the almost reflective I'm Supposed To Die Tonight. There's also a lot of the usual stuff about "bitches" and "hoes". And having lots of money. And living in fear.

So what's groundbreaking? Well, not much, actually. The redeeming aspect of this album is that there are some decent grooves to be heard. Under the guiding hands of producers Dr Dre and Eminem, both of whom have a keen ear for starkly constructed melodies, 50 has come up with some decent catchy tunes - thanks to some smart sample choices - and the more notable include This Is 50, Outta Control and In My Hood. Others, like Candy Shop - a less-than subtle duet with Olivia about the joys of "licking lollipops" and "hitting the spot" - are what we've come to expect from 50.

Controversial? Predictable, more like.