Popular Afrobeats star Rotimi has opened up about his departure from 50 Cent’s G-Unit label, attributing it to creative differences and a lack of understanding of Afrobeats by the label’s boss.
In a recent interview with Adesope Live, Rotimi explained that during his time with G-Unit, Afrobeats had not yet achieved mainstream success in the United States, particularly in Los Angeles, where the label was based.
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 places like Boston and New York, but it wasn’t mainstream yet.”
Rotimi revealed that his creative vision clashed with 50 Cent’s understanding of his music style.
“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.’”
Following their discussion, 50 Cent released him from the deal, allowing Rotimi to pursue his vision elsewhere.
Rotimi later signed with Empire, making history as the first Afrobeats artist to collaborate with the label, which he credited for understanding and supporting his creative direction.
Since then, Rotimi has emerged as a key figure in the global Afrobeats movement, blending his unique sound with the genre’s growing popularity worldwide.
