Afrobeats star Rotimi has opened up about his decision to leave American rapper 50 Cent’s record label, G-Unit, revealing that their differences stemmed from a lack of understanding of his musical style.

In a candid interview with Adesope Live, Rotimi explained that during his time at G-Unit, Afrobeats was not yet mainstream in the United States, and 50 Cent didn’t fully grasp the genre’s potential.

Rotimi recalled that when he introduced his Afrobeats sound to 50 Cent, the rapper was initially confused about the style. “Afrobeats was big in the States, but they weren’t following it in LA,” Rotimi shared. “I told 50 Cent, ‘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.’”

The disagreement led to the termination of his contract, with Rotimi acknowledging that he needed a label that believed in his vision. He eventually signed with Empire, becoming the first Afrobeats artist to work with the label, which embraced his musical direction.

Rotimi’s decision to part ways with G-Unit was a pivotal moment for both him and the Afrobeats genre. His move not only reflects his confidence in his artistic identity but also highlights the growing global presence of Afrobeats music.

For Fans: Rotimi’s journey serves as an inspiring story of staying true to one’s creative vision, even when it means challenging the norms of mainstream music.
For the Industry: This episode raises important questions about the role of labels in shaping the careers of artists from genres outside the Western mainstream.

What are your thoughts on Rotimi’s decision to leave G-Unit for Afrobeats?

Do you think labels like G-Unit should have embraced Afrobeats earlier, or was the timing simply not right?
How significant do you think this moment was in the international rise of Afrobeats?
Are there other artists you believe have made similar bold moves in shaping their musical futures?

Let’s hear your take on this creative clash and its impact on the music industry!