T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) is the second and final studio album by rap group G-Unit. It was the group's first album in five years since their previous album, Beg for Mercy.[1][2] The title of the album was originally announced to be Shoot to Kill and then Lock & Load, with the eventual name being Terminate on Sight.[1][3] The album was originally scheduled to be released on June 24, 2008, but was rescheduled to July 1.
Concept
The album's title has been acknowledged by HipHopDX who said "As the title suggests, they aren't exactly aiming for joy." In an interview with MTV, Tony Yayo revealed the reason behind the title saying that it "describes the aggressiveness."[4]
50 Cent commented on the method of songwriting and recording that the group are using. He said:
We ran through 18 records. But what I was doing at that point was I was allowing them to make the same effort that they would make for mixtape material, for the album. So we’ll put portions of that material that were made during that time span on the actual street. It’s not going to do anything but build momentum.[5]
In another interview with MTV, 50 Cent spoke about the album. He said:
It's like a spinoff – the sequel to Beg for Mercy. It was a statement towards the competition, towards other artists. Terminate on Sight is the version where you get more aggressive. This record embodies that. I kinda know where I need to go, because I tested the waters with the material I put out. I get to tell with the response to certain records where I need to be and chill out from other stuff.[6]
In an interview, Lloyd Banks talked about the album, calling it "aggressive" and a "good album for hip-hop".[7]
Music
Recording
During an interview, Spider Loc mentioned that G-Unit had recorded seventy to eighty tracks which could have appeared on the album.[8]
However, in a later interview with AllHipHop.com, G-Unit stated that there were eighteen possible tracks which could have made the final album.[5]
Terminate on Sight promotional posters.
In an interview with MTV, 50 Cent spoke about the steps before release. He said:
We gotta work with Em, that's it. Then we can be done with it. Production-wise, I captured what I needed. But I didn't want to not have Em's stamp on it. Before my work goes to the public, it has to pass the Eminem test, the Dr. Dre test – it's a few tests before we push them to the street. That's why they can expect a higher quality of music than from the usual artist.[9]
In an interview with ReverbNation, Lloyd Banks commented on the work ethic whilst recording the album. He said:
We were in the studio pushing each other. Literally by the time I got a verse done, Yayo would have his verse done. We’re damn near fighting to get in the booth. That’s what was missing. And it comes from feeling resistance for the first time. I look at it as a blessing, because it’s brought us back to where we started. Back to why we made music in the first place, and why people took a liking to it. People look at the success part and think it’s an accident. I want the fans and the critics to know first off, as much success that we’ve had, it never overshadowed the love and respect that we’ve had for the game. The love drives us.[10]
In an interview, Tony Yayo spoke about a track featuring Eminem, which is produced by Dr. Dre. He said:
"The track with Em is raw. Him And Fif are gonna kill someone's career with that, but I'll keep that to myself right now. I don't think ya'll gonna be ready for this track. I think it might push this nigga to kill himself when he hears this."[11]
However this did not materialize.
Production
Tony Yayo stated that the Timbaland and Swizz Beatz tracks are his "favourites", quoting them as "the standout tracks".[4] Tony Yayo has also confirmed that Ron Browz has produced for the album.[5]
In an interview with HipHopGame, G-Unit also stated that production was provided by some relatively new producers.[12]
T.O.S: Terminate on Sight received mixed reviews from music critics. At Metacritic, it has been given a score of 45 out of 100 based on 10 "mixed or average reviews".[13]
They also called "Kitty Kat" and "I Like the Way She Do It" "Down right awful".[24]AllMusic praised the lyrics on the album citing lyrics from the track "Piano Man":
They also positively commented on Tony Yayo's style saying "Yayo has never sounded so good, stepping his game up with a faster and more urgent style dropping wittier lines", citing his lyrics on the title track, "I kick Game like Pele and Beckham".[14]
ReverbNation have noted that "No Days Off" features a funky 1964 style baseline whilst maintaining the use of synthesized effects and have described it as "Instant riding music".[10] Similarly, they have said that "Kitty Kat" features an "irresistible island-flavored flow" whilst "The Piano Man" is dark and sardonic.[10] MTV stated that "The Party Ain't Over" is reminiscent of "I Get Money", and denounces talk of the group's demise.[25]
HipHopDX gave the album 2/5 calling "I Like the Way She Do It" "nothing short of embarrassing"[26] Nevertheless, they praised several tracks, calling "You So Tough" "easily the best track on the album" and praising "I Don't Wanna Talk About It" for its "Dope production". They also commented on the track "Ready Or Not" calling it "nice and menacing" and "the way the album should sound".[26]UGO gave it a B and called it "a satisfying G-Unit release."[27]Okayplayer gave it a favorable review and said, "The album lacks the soul and introspection that endear audiences to even the most hardened villain. There’s no remorse here; no second guessing themselves. Just day in, day out thugging, slinging, shooting and screwing. The members of G-Unit have elected to portray themselves as inhumane to the nth degree. And for the opportunity, they’d like to thank God."[28]Artistdirect gave it four stars out of five and said, " G-Unit have effectively found the balance between sex and war, and they're about [to] terminate the competition with extreme prejudice."[29]
IGN gave it a 7.6 out of 10 and said that the group did a "stellar job of picking beats"[30] DefSounds gave the album a 7.5 out of 10 and praised all its aspects, agreeing with IGN and calling the production "up tempo, gritty, rough but enjoyable" and commenting on the lyrics saying "the constant subliminals, catchy punchlines and the funny insults add to the enjoyment of the album". They note that the same subject matter is used throughout the album, however, saying the combination of "hot production, witty lyrics and constant disses" makes the tough talk "a success".[31] They concluded by saying
From start to finish this album offers energy, aggression, tough talk, and a bravado that only a member of G-Unit could embody. You'll be hard pressed to find someone who can hear this album and not find at least 5 songs that they like. This album is definitely a keeper[31]
Commercial performance
T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200 with sales of 102,000 copies in its first week.[32]
Young Buck is credited as a featured artist as he was not a G Unit member anymore at the time of the album's release.
Credited samples
"You So Tough" - Contains elements from "Pahle, Pahle Pyar Ki Mulaqaten" (Bakshi/Burman). Saregama Music United States BMI (admin by the Royalty Network, Inc.) Used by permission. Performed by Bappi Lahiri and Anjaan. Used courtesy of Saregama, Ltd by arrangement with The Royalty, Inc.
"No Days Off" - Contains elements from "On N Oublie Jamias" aka "Dawn Of Our Love" (Ahlert/Massoulier/Pop) EMI Blackwood Music, Inc./Bagtelle Societe (BMI). Used by permission. Performed by Herb Ohta & His Orchestra. Used courtesy of Universal Music Enterprises.
"Let It Go" - Contains elements from "Preciso Me Encontrar" (Filho). Universal Music-MGB Songs (ASCAP). Used by permission. Performed by Cartola. Used courtesy of EMI Brazil Records, Under license from EMI Music Marketing.
"Get Down" - Contains elements from "Spinning Wheel" (Clayton-Smith). EMI Blackwood Music, Inc./Bay Music, Inc. (BMI). Used by permission. Performed by Blood, Sweat & Tears. Used courtesy of Sony BMG Music Entertainment.
