Afrobeats sensation Rotimi has shed light on the pivotal decision to part ways with American rapper 50 Cent’s iconic record label, G-Unit.
The singer revealed that the split was driven by creative differences, as the label’s boss didn’t fully grasp his unique musical direction.
Reflecting on his journey, Rotimi explained that when he was signed to G-Unit, afrobeats was still finding its footing in the Western music scene.
Speaking in an interview with Adesope Live, he shared, “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.”
Taking a leap of faith, Rotimi charted a new path, becoming the first Afrobeats artist to collaborate with Empire, a label that embraced and supported his vision.