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Don't confuse Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson with the lead character of his movie, "Before I Self-Destruct," the recently released straight-to-DVD film packaged with his album of the same name.

While Clarence and Curtis do have a few things in common-in particular losing their mothers-it is the way they handled their hardships that distinguish them.

Curtis, the hip-hop artist and mogul, eventually used his shortcomings to fuel his pursuit of his art as expressed in the title of his 2003 Aftermath/Shady Records/Interscope debut "Get Rich Or Die Trying."

Clarence, on the other hand, found himself entrapped in a life of crime.

"I wrote a scenario that would allow me to show you someone who would regress to the point that nothing matters outside of their financial well being," 50 explained when he stopped by the Yahoo! Music office to perform songs from the album.

Watch the "Before I Self-Destruct" movie trailer.

Whereas movies are typically made before the music accompaniment is finalized, 50 tried a different approach. The songs on the "Before I Self-Destruct" soundtrack were created first and inspired the film.

The album's lead single has been successful in calling attention to the project. "Baby By Me" is comical on a casual listen. The chorus rings, "Have a baby by me baby, be a millionaire." But can this be a real 50 pick up line?

"Baby By Me" is actually a clever play on the classic hip-hop gold digger theme. Don't believe me? Take a listen to its companion track, "Do You Think About Me?"

On the latter, 50 belittles his son's mother for her unsuccessful attempt to receive increased child support. He argues that her focus on shopping sprees played a role in the demise of their relationship. He scoffs that her greed-filled motives backfired as the court actually reduced the amount of her payments.

50 Cent knows what buttons to push, and that doing so is great for album marketing.

Watch his Maximum Performance interview for more insight, including his philosophy on battling his detractors. Also, check out live versions of his songs "Baby By Me," "Do You Think About Me," and "Ok, You're Right."

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