| Thoughts of a Predicate Felon | |
| Type: | Studio |
| Artist: | Tony Yayo |
| Cover: | Thoughts of a Predicate Felon.jpg |
| Recorded: | 2004–05 |
Thoughts of a Predicate Felon is the debut and only studio album by American rapper Tony Yayo. It was released on August 30, 2005, through G-Unit Records and Interscope Records. Recording sessions took place at Sound One, at Integrated Studios, Sony Music Studios, G Unit Studios, Sound On Sound and Right Track Recording in New York, at 54 Sound in Detroit, at Encore Studios in Los Angeles and at Joi Studios in Atlanta. Production was handled by Focus..., Eminem, Black Jeruz, DJ Khalil, Domingo, Havoc, J. R. Rotem, LT Moe, Megahertz, Punch, Ron Browz, Sam Sneed, Sebb, Studio 44, and Sha Money XL, who also served as co-executive producer. It features guest appearances from fellow G-Unit members 50 Cent, who also served as executive producer, Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Olivia and Spider Loc, as well as Eminem, Obie Trice, Jagged Edge, Joe and Kokane.
In the United States, the album debuted at number two on both the Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts with 215,000 copies sold in its first week.
The album produced three singles, "So Seductive", "Curious", and "I Know You Don't Love Me", and one promotional single "Drama Setter", as well as three music videos for "So Seductive", "Curious"/"Pimpin'" and "I Know You Don't Love Me" starring G-Unit.
"With 50, he has the notoriety of hit records. I actually wrote 'Seductive' before he wrote 'Candy Shop'. [That's why] you hear him say 'so seductive' [in the 'Candy Shop' intro]. 50, he plays a big part in all our albums. I feel like we can stand on our own cause we're writing all our material," Tony told SOHH.com. "50, he just adds on. I love to hear 50 get on a record. I love the way 50 rides the beat. I did 'Seductive', 50 came on it and I was like, 'I gotta keep him on it' cause it sounds ten times better with him on it."
The album was delayed and highly anticipated, due to Tony Yayo's time in prison.
The songs "So Seductive" and "Live By The Gun" were featured in the 2005 Xbox video game . Tony Yayo appears in the video game providing his own voice and likeness and is a playable character in arcade mode.
The album received generally positive reviews from music critics. Some critics noted that the album had stellar production but thought that Tony's vocals and lyrics were not up to par. Writing for Rolling Stone, Christian Hoard said: "With the exception of a few complete duds, Felon is a solid stopgap, although it may also mark the moment when designer bullet holes start to go out of fashion".
| Chart (2005) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian Albums (ARIA)[1] | 72 |
| Australian Urban Albums (ARIA)[2] | 12 |
| Chart (2005) | Position | |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard 200[3] | 152 | |
| US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)[4] | 52 |