Afrobeats artist Rotimi has disclosed the reasons for his departure from 50 Cent's G-Unit record label. In an interview on Adesope Live, he cited creative differences, particularly concerning his Afrobeats genre, as the primary cause. He explained that, upon joining G-Unit in 2017/2018, Afrobeats lacked substantial Western market penetration.
Rotimi recounted a conversation with 50 Cent regarding his musical style, but the rapper and head of the label did not seem to grasp his artistic direction.
“He didn’t fully understand my music style,” Rotimi stated, mentioning that this disconnect affected his creative expression.
Ultimately, Rotimi decided to leave the label in search of a platform that resonated with his vision and could more effectively support his Afrobeats career.
He said: “I was signed to G-Unit, but then in 2017/2018, Afrobeats was not mainstream in the United States. Davido and Wizkid had records that were gaining traction in Boston, New York, but it wasn’t mainstream at that time.
“Afrobeats was big in the States, but they weren’t following it in LA. So, 50 Cent and I had a conversation. He was like, ‘What’s this sound you are trying to do?’ I said, ‘Bro, it’s Afrobeats.
“I have a record called ‘Love Rhythm’ and it’s going to blow up. But if you don’t understand what it is, then I have to go somewhere else.’ He let me out of my deal because we disagreed on the creative process, Afrobeats.”
He reported securing a new contract with Empire, marking a pioneering collaboration as the first Afrobeats artist with the label.