Posted by Amarachi on Tue 03rd Dec, 2024 - tori.ng
According to him, Afrobeats wasn’t mainstream in the Western world at the time he was signed to G-Unit.
Rotimi
Nigerian-American singer, Rotimi has opened up on the reason he decided to leave rapper, 50 Cent’s record label, G-Unit.
Rotimi disclosed that he exited the label because the boss didn’t understand his style of music.
According to him, Afrobeats wasn’t mainstream in the Western world at the time he was signed to G-Unit.
Speaking in a recent interview with Adesope Live, Rotimi 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 added that he went on to become the first Afrobeats artist to work with Empire, who understood his vision.