Jay-Z vs. 50 Cent on 09/11/09: Quality or Quantity?

September 11th 2001.
The historic date that saw the rise & fall of NY, in two very separate ways.
Bush knocked down the towers that day, Jay's stock rose to unprecedented heights with his multiplatinum release, The Blueprint.
Fastforward to 2009, and the game is fucked up. Specifically 50's game. Noticing Lil' Wayne's multiple album push backs, yet heavy first week numbers of The Carter III, it appears that Curtis is determined to do the same. Following Weezy's blueprint of push backs, it almost appears that he was waiting for something, or someone.
Enter Hovito...
Above pic from "Heart of The City" Tour afterparty in Toronto @ Lobby
Sept 11 2009 is the date set for the highly anticipated Bluprint III album, and what better way to get a buzz, than piggyback off HipHop's top cheese? He's done it before, and lost, to Kanye West with his subpar album, Curtis.
What's really blowing me away tho, is his need for conflict. His need for competition. It's not good enough to compete with himself, a battle he has been losing with every follow up album after Get Rich, Or Die Trying; but he must find another Roc member to go head to head with.
Lets be real, 50 has put up monster-like numbers in the past, and Jay never really even makes #1 singles, but always has approx 10 #1 albums (based on release date, week ending sales).
If Iceberg Slim was to lose to Ferrari F-50, it would be a massive shot to Jay's ego, but whos counting? Who reeeeally is counting? Better yet, what really counts?
Quality or Quantity?

In the end, 50 said he'd retire if he lost to Kanye...and initially he did lose. However worldwide sales go to 50, and he sold more overall. Perhaps thats the loophole that has kept his from sticking to his word.
I emplore the reader to stop killing hip hop by watching the numbers. Watch the classics. Watch the mood music, word to Buddens. What music is timeless, what music has depth, what music has a relevant story to tell. It could very well be 50.
I wouldn't bet on that though.
I've heard 50 stans say that the reason Kanye had bigger 1st week numbers is because people want to hate on 50, and are destined to see him fail. This made them go out and support Kanye. Nigga, you right.
With that being said, do you think anything will be different this time? Do you think the public's perception of 50 has become more favourable? Do you think more people like 50 than Jay?
IF perceptions & opinions haven't changed, the outcome shouldn't either.
He previously (Top of '09) mentioned he was going to piggyback the wave that was Eminem's album., dropping right after. Didn't happen. Instead he found a new wave to piggyback, & this one bears the same familiar stripes of controversy. He came in the game being addressed by Hov @ Summerjam, lets see what the exit looks like.