Afrobeats star Rotimi has opened up about the reasons behind his departure from American rapper 50 Cent’s G-Unit record label.
In an interview with Adesope Live, Rotimi cited creative differences as the primary reason for his exit, particularly over his Afrobeats style.
He explained that when he joined G-Unit in 2017/2018, Afrobeats had not yet achieved mainstream popularity in the Western music scene.
Rotimi recalled a conversation with 50 Cent about his sound, but the rapper and label head remained unconvinced.
“He didn’t fully understand my music style,” Rotimi shared, adding that the disconnect hindered his creative process.
Rotimi chose to leave the label to find a platform that aligned with his vision and could better support his Afrobeats journey.
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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 said he found a new home with Empire, becoming the first Afrobeats artist to collaborate with the label.
