T·O·S (Terminate on Sight)

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."

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.

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.

In an interview, Lloyd Banks talked about the album, calling it "aggressive" and a "good album for hip-hop".

Recording

During an interview, Spider Loc mentioned that G-Unit had recorded seventy to eighty tracks which could have appeared on the album. However, in a later interview with AllHipHop.com, G-Unit stated that there were eighteen possible tracks which could have made the final album.

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.

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.

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."

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". Tony Yayo has also confirmed that Ron Browz has produced for the album. In an interview with HipHopGame, G-Unit also stated that production was provided by some relatively new producers.

Reception

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".

The track "Straight Outta Southside" is a tribute to Sean Bell who was killed by police in New York City. The song features elements from N.W.A's track entitled "Straight Outta Compton".

AllHipHop noted the aggressiveness on "Straight Outta Southside" quoting Lloyd Banks' lines:

Fuck tha Police with a HIV Carrier

No Vaseline and an M-16

They also called "Kitty Kat" and "I Like the Way She Do It" "Down right awful". Allmusic praised the lyrics on the album citing lyrics from the track "Piano Man":

I'm a work of art

A ghetto version of Mozart
I move the keys
They call me the 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".

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". Similarly, they have said that "Kitty Kat" features an "irresistible island-flavored flow" whilst "The Piano Man" is dark and sardonic. MTV stated that "The Party Ain't Over" is reminiscent of "I Get Money", and denounces talk of the group's demise.

HipHopDX gave the album 2/5 calling "I Like the Way She Do It" "nothing short of embarrassing" 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". UGO gave it a B and called it "a satisfying G-Unit release." 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." 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."

IGN gave it a 7.6 out of 10 and said that the group did a "stellar job of picking beats" 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". 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

Sales

The album debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 with sales of 102,000 for the first week. In its second week in the US, the album sold 36,000 copies, landing it at number 9. In the third week in the US the album slipped to number 24, selling 21,200 copies. In its fourth week in the US the album sold 13,881 copies, bringing the four-week total to around 173,081 in the US. As of February 2010, the album has sold about 275,000 copies in the US.

Tracks listing

Credited samples

Personnel