Rotimi, the multi-talented Afrobeats star and actor, has shed light on his decision to part ways with 50 Cent's G-Unit Records—a move driven by creative differences rooted in the rise of Afrobeats.
In a candid chat on Adesope Live, Rotimi revealed that his departure was spurred by 50 Cent’s inability to grasp the essence of Afrobeats at a time when the genre was just beginning to make waves in the West.
“I was signed to G-Unit, but then in 2017/2018, Afrobeats was not mainstream in the United States,” he said, reflecting on the early days when only a few trailblazers like Davido and Wizkid were breaking barriers in cities like Boston and New York.
While Afrobeats was gaining ground in pockets of the U.S., Los Angeles remained indifferent to the sound. Rotimi recalled a pivotal conversation with 50 Cent:
“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.’”
Understanding the importance of creative alignment, 50 Cent released Rotimi from his contract. This decision allowed him to pivot towards Empire, a label that embraced his vision and supported his evolution.
Reflecting on his journey, Rotimi stands as a testament to the transformative power of Afrobeats, boldly carving a path in an industry that once questioned the genre’s viability.
