In a candid new interview, actor and musician Rotimi revealed the real reasons behind his departure from 50 Cent’s G-Unit record label. The Nigerian-American artist, who initially rose to fame with his breakout role on the hit series Power, has built a diverse career in both acting and music. His time at G-Unit was marked by promise, but Rotimi explains that it was ultimately his desire for artistic freedom and growth that led to the split.
Rotimi first signed with 50 Cent’s label in the early 2010s, attracted by the opportunity to work alongside the hip-hop mogul. At the time, G-Unit was seen as a powerhouse in the music industry, with 50 Cent still riding high off the success of Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and other major releases. For Rotimi, it was a chance to break into the music scene while leveraging 50 Cent’s experience and resources.
However, over the years, Rotimi’s vision began to diverge from the direction of the label. In his interview, he explained that while 50 Cent offered valuable mentorship, their musical tastes and career goals were ultimately not aligned. “I’ve always been someone who wants to create in a way that’s true to who I am,” Rotimi said. “When you work with someone like 50 Cent, there’s a lot of pressure to conform to a certain sound, a certain image. And after a while, I realized that I needed to find a space where I could grow as an artist, not just as a product.”
One of the most significant challenges Rotimi faced was the label’s focus on commercial success over artistic expression. Despite his own musical talents and growing fanbase, he felt restricted by the pressure to produce mainstream hits, especially in a landscape dominated by the rapid rise of trap music and digital streaming culture.
“There was a lot of pressure to create music that would fit into a specific box,” Rotimi recalled. “I wanted to explore different genres, tell different stories, and go deeper into my roots. But the label was pushing me towards the mainstream. That’s when I knew it was time to make a change.”
His departure from G-Unit was amicable, with Rotimi acknowledging 50 Cent’s role in helping him get started in the music industry. But, as the artist’s vision evolved, so did his need for autonomy. “50 is a legend, and I have nothing but respect for him. He helped me establish a platform, but I realized I had to create my own lane,” Rotimi stated.
Since leaving G-Unit, Rotimi has found success with a more independent approach to his music career. His 2023 album The Beauty of Becoming marked a significant shift towards Afrobeat and R&B influences, genres that allowed him to connect more deeply with his Nigerian heritage and explore different aspects of his artistry. He’s also found new collaborations with independent producers and emerging talent, allowing him more creative control over his sound.
The artist’s career in acting has also flourished, with Rotimi’s role as Andre Coleman in Power making him a household name. He’s since expanded his filmography, securing roles in major films and series. But through it all, his passion for music remains central to his identity.
Looking back, Rotimi sees his decision to leave G-Unit as a pivotal moment in his career. “It wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t something I took lightly,” he admitted. “But it was about being true to myself. When you’re in an environment that doesn’t fully support your vision, it’s easy to get lost. I had to step out on my own to find my path.”
For now, Rotimi is focused on the future—both as a musician and an actor—ready to build a legacy that reflects his authenticity. “I’m excited about what’s next,” he said with a smile. “This is just the beginning.”
source: thenationonlineng.net