: It sold over a million copies in its first week.
Sharebeast was one of the earliest platforms to provide a centralized hub for mixtape sharing. Founded in 2002, Sharebeast allowed users to upload and share mixtapes, often months or even years before their official release. When "The Massacre" dropped, Sharebeast became a go-to destination for fans looking to download the mixtape. The platform played a significant role in the mixtape's success, allowing users to access and share the content with a vast audience.
Another Scott Storch-produced smash that solidified 50's crossover appeal. "Piggy Bank":
His manager raised an eyebrow. "You sure that's a good idea? We could lose control of the narrative, and who knows what kind of damage it could do to your reputation."
"Apparently, they got busted for hosting copyrighted material without permission," his manager replied. "The feds are shutting down the site and arresting the owners."
The opening notes of "Intro" filled his ears, and Marcus was transported back to the early 2000s, when 50 Cent's rise to fame was in full swing. He listened intently, appreciating the production quality and 50 Cent's signature delivery.
But in August 2015, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) obtained a court order. The FBI seized Sharebeast’s domains, and the founder, Artur Sargsyan, faced hefty fines. The Massacre ZIP files vanished overnight – but not before millions of illegal downloads had undercut album sales.