Rotimi: Why I left 50 Cent’s G-Unit

Rotimi opens up on leaving 50 Cent’s G-Unit label

Afrobeats star Rotimi has shared the reasons behind his decision to part ways with G-Unit, the record label owned by American rapper 50 Cent. In a candid interview, he revealed that creative differences, particularly over his musical style, led to his departure.

Rotimi joined G-Unit during a period when Afrobeats was still finding its footing in the Western music scene. Although the genre was gaining traction in some parts of the United States, it was far from mainstream. This disconnect, he explained, became a central issue during his time with the label.

Why Rotimi left G-Unit

Speaking to Adesope Live, Rotimi reflected on the challenges of being an Afrobeats artist in a market dominated by hip-hop and R&B. He described how, between 2017 and 2018, Afrobeats began to grow in popularity in cities like Boston and New York. Artists like Davido and Wizkid were gaining recognition, but the genre had not yet achieved widespread success across the U.S.

“In 2017/2018, Afrobeats wasn’t mainstream in the United States,” he explained. “Yes, it was big in some places, but not everywhere. For example, LA wasn’t following it the way New York or Boston was.”

This divide created tension within G-Unit. Rotimi recounted a pivotal conversation he had with 50 Cent, during which the label head struggled to grasp the essence of his sound.

“50 Cent asked me, ‘What’s this sound you are trying to do?’” he shared. “I told him, ‘It’s Afrobeats. I have a record called Love Rhythm, and it’s going to be big. But if you don’t understand what this is, then I might need to go somewhere else.’”

Mutual decision

Ultimately, the disagreement over the direction of Rotimi’s music led to a mutual decision to part ways. Despite their differences, Rotimi emphasized that the split was amicable.

“He let me out of my deal because we couldn’t align creatively. We simply didn’t see eye-to-eye on Afrobeats,” Rotimi said.

This decision marked a turning point in his career. It allowed him to fully embrace his Afrobeats identity and find a label that supported his vision.

New ground with Empire

Following his departure from G-Unit, Rotimi made history as the first Afrobeats artist to sign with Empire, a record label known for its innovative approach and artist-friendly model. Unlike G-Unit, Empire understood Rotimi’s vision and the growing global appeal of Afrobeats.

“The team at Empire saw what I wanted to do,” he said. “They understood the potential of Afrobeats and supported me in bringing that vision to life.”

This partnership proved fruitful. Under Empire, Rotimi released Love Rhythm, a hit single that showcased his talent and solidified his place in the Afrobeats movement.

Global rise

Rotimi’s journey reflects the broader rise of Afrobeats as a global phenomenon. Once considered a niche genre, Afrobeats now commands massive audiences worldwide. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have achieved international success, winning awards and performing on global stages

Reflecting on this evolution, he expressed pride in being part of the movement. “It’s amazing to see how far Afrobeats has come,” he said. “Back when I started, we were fighting for recognition. Now, it’s everywhere.”

Lessons

His experience offers valuable insights into the challenges of navigating the music industry as an artist with a unique sound. His story underscores the importance of staying true to one’s artistic vision, even when it means making difficult decisions.

Leaving G-Unit was not an easy choice, but it was necessary for him to grow as an artist. By aligning himself with a label that believed in his potential, he paved the way for a successful career in Afrobeats.

Looking ahead

Today, he continues to blend Afrobeats with his R&B roots, creating music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His journey from G-Unit to Empire illustrates the power of perseverance and the importance of finding the right creative partners.

As Afrobeats continues to rise, Rotimi’s story serves as a reminder that understanding and embracing cultural diversity can lead to incredible success. For Rotimi, leaving G-Unit was not just a career move; it was a step toward fulfilling his destiny as a global Afrobeats star.

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