G-Unit

G-Unit

Company type	Hip hop group
Industry	Music
Founded	2001
Founder	50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks
Headquarters	New York City , United States
Products	Music albums, mixtapes, apparel

G-Unit—an abbreviation for Guerilla-Unit—was a hip hop ensemble from the United States, originally composed of East Coast rappers and longtime companions 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, and Lloyd Banks. After independently distributing several mixtapes in the early 2000s, they launched their first official album, Beg for Mercy, in 2003. This release achieved double platinum status from the RIAA by surpassing two million sales in the United States.

While Tony Yayo was incarcerated in 2003, the group welcomed Tennessee-based rapper Young Buck initially as a temporary member, later making his role permanent. Later that same year, Californian artist The Game joined to support his Aftermath/Interscope deal but was expelled in 2005 due to alleged disloyalty. Young Buck was dismissed in 2008 amid behavioral issues. That year also saw G-Unit's second and final studio album, T·O·S (Terminate on Sight), which featured the original trio exclusively.

In early 2014, both Yayo and 50 Cent declared the group's dissolution but soon reconciled, expanding G-Unit into a five-member lineup with Young Buck returning and the addition of Kidd Kidd from G-Unit Records. They performed at Summer Jam 2014 and released The Beauty of Independence EP—their first collective project after a six-year hiatus.

By 2018, Kidd Kidd departed from both the group and label to pursue a solo career; subsequently, Lloyd Banks and Young Buck exited due to conflicts with 50 Cent. In 2022, 50 Cent confirmed that G-Unit had permanently disbanded, emphasizing that no reunion would occur because of unresolved disputes.

Origins and initial phase (2001–2002)

The founding trio—50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, and Tony Yayo—grew up together in South Jamaica, Queens, New York City, where they began collaborating as rappers. After 50 Cent's contract with Columbia Records ended in 2000, they took an independent route by releasing multiple mixtapes between 2002 and 2003. Notable titles included 50 Cent Is the Future, God's Plan, No Mercy, No Fear, and Automatic Gunfire.

Breakthrough album and rise (2002–03)

Following the unsolved homicide of Jam Master Jay, Eminem signed 50 Cent to Shady Records under Dr. Dre’s Aftermath Entertainment and Interscope Records. This partnership led to the establishment of G-Unit Records, where Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo were also signed. Since Yayo was imprisoned during recording sessions, Tennessee rapper Young Buck was recruited both to the label and group. G-Unit made their debut on the remix of 50 Cent’s single "P.I.M.P.", which featured Snoop Dogg alongside Banks and Young Buck.

In November 2003, their debut studio album Beg for Mercy was released, showcasing guest appearances from R&B vocalists Joe and Butch Cassidy, with production credits including Hi-Tek, Dr. Dre, Scott Storch among others. Executive production was handled by 50 Cent. Due to Yayo’s incarceration, his contributions were limited to two pre-recorded tracks; however, his image appeared on the album cover despite not participating in promotional photoshoots. The album sold more than 3.9 million copies domestically and 5.8 million globally, earning quadruple Platinum certification from the RIAA.

Conflict with The Game and solo projects (2004–07)

During the making of Beg for Mercy, Los Angeles rapper The Game was signed to G-Unit by Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine from Interscope Records as a loyal affiliate of 50 Cent’s faction. Although The Game did not contribute to Beg for Mercy, he appeared in music videos for "Wanna Get To Know You" and "Poppin' Them Thangs", being referenced in the latter as well. He also featured on Lloyd Banks’ The Hunger for More and Young Buck’s Straight Outta Cashville. In 2004, The Game worked on his debut album under executive production by both 50 Cent and Dr. Dre; its singles "How We Do" and "Hate It or Love It" reached top-five positions on the Billboard Hot 100 chart—with "Hate It or Love It" peaking at number two behind 50 Cent’s "Candy Shop".

Tensions between 50 Cent and The Game intensified following the release of The Documentary in 2005 when 50 Cent publicly announced The Game’s expulsion from G-Unit due to claims that The Game failed to credit him on six tracks from the album. Although a brief reconciliation occurred during a press event on March 9, hostilities resumed with diss tracks exchanged throughout 2005 and into 2006.

In 2007, Tony Yayo alongside associate Lodi Mack assaulted Jimmy Henchman’s (The Game's manager) teenage son aged fourteen; this incident led to Lodi Mack’s arrest followed by a two-year prison sentence. Subsequently in 2009, Henchman arranged a contract killing targeting Lodi Mack; Henchman was convicted in 2017 and is currently serving two life sentences.

Second album and internal conflicts (2008–13)

On April 7, 2008, 50 Cent declared on New York's Hot 97 FM that Young Buck was no longer part of G-Unit, although he remained signed under G-Unit Records. This decision arose from concerns such as excessive expenditures, Young Buck's public allegations regarding unpaid royalties, and erratic actions including performing alongside former Cash Money associate Lil Wayne, while seemingly dissing 50 Cent on G-Unit tracks.

In response, Young Buck released the track "Taped Conversation" on June 17, 2008.

G-Unit’s sophomore album, T·O·S (Terminate on Sight), was launched on July 1, 2008. Following Young Buck's exit from the group, his contributions were limited to guest appearances on previously recorded material. By August 8, 2008, the album had sold approximately 507,000 copies in the U.S. The project included collaborations with reggae artist Mavado and featured production from notable names such as Swizz Beatz, Street Radio, Tha Bizness, Rick Rock, and Polow da Don.

Reunion and extended plays (2014–17)

Tony Yayo announced on February 20, 2014, that G-Unit had officially disbanded, citing personal disagreements with 50 Cent and announcing his retirement from music due to stress. Shortly thereafter, 50 Cent confirmed the group's dissolution amid internal tensions. Nevertheless, on June 1, 2014, G-Unit reunited at Summer Jam with the addition of Louisiana rapper Kidd Kidd. Their comeback was marked by the release of "Nah I'm Talkin' Bout."

Throughout June 2014, G-Unit dropped multiple remixes of popular songs by artists such as Drake and Trey Songz, along with an original track titled "They Talked About Jesus." On June 4, 50 Cent revealed plans for a new studio album slated for late November 2014, preceded by a mixtape. The EP The Beauty of Independence was released digitally on August 25, 2014.

Following this EP, G-Unit premiered videos for "Watch Me" and "Changes." The anticipated second EP transformed into splitting the album into two segments: The Beauty of Independence and The Beast Is G-Unit. Although initially expected in late October 2014, The Beast Is G-Unit was postponed to March 3, 2015. A deluxe edition of The Beauty of Independence arrived on November 10, 2014, featuring two additional tracks.

In August 2016, G-Unit unveiled The Lost Flash Drive, a collection of unreleased recordings.

Final endeavors and dissolution (2018–22)

On April 11, 2018, Kidd Kidd departed from both G-Unit and its label to concentrate on his own imprint, RLLNR Entertainment.

Earlier that year, on February 1, during the release of his single "Crazy" featuring PnB Rock, 50 Cent disclosed that he and Lloyd Banks were no longer communicating. By June, Banks publicly announced his exit from both the group and label via Instagram.

On September 2, 2020, during an Instagram Live session with DJ Whoo Kid, 50 Cent expressed a wish to erase all memories of G-Unit and its achievements. He attributed the group's downfall to inconsistent efforts from Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo while taking responsibility for their solo careers not reaching their full potential. At this point, only Tony Yayo and 50 Cent remained from the original lineup. On August 3, 2022, during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, 50 Cent confirmed he was no longer willing to "carry" the group forward and announced that no further G-Unit albums would be created—signifying the group's second official split.

Apparel brand

Launched in 2003, the G-Unit Clothing Company emerged from a collaboration between 50 Cent and Marc Ecko, the creator of Eckō Unlimited. This label features apparel and accessories influenced by the styles of 50 Cent and members of G-Unit.

G-Unity Foundation

The G-Unity Foundation Inc. was established by G-Unit as a public charity that awards grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to enhancing the living conditions of underserved and low-income populations.

Ja Rule

Prior to signing with Interscope Records, 50 Cent was involved in conflicts with rapper Ja Rule and his label, Murder Inc. Records. According to 50 Cent, the dispute originated in 1999 after Ja Rule saw him with an individual who had taken Ja Rule’s chain. Ja Rule attributed the tension to a video shoot in Queens, where he perceived 50 Cent’s jealousy of his local acclaim. A confrontation at a New York recording studio escalated when rapper Black Child stabbed 50 Cent, requiring four stitches.

Although the hostility appeared to have subsided, Ja Rule returned with the track "21 Gunz." In retaliation, Lloyd Banks and 50 Cent released "Return of Ja Fool" on Lloyd Banks' mixtape Mo Money in the Bank Pt. 4, Gang Green Season Starts Now. In an interview with MTV, Ja Rule declared that his album The Mirror would refrain from continuing past disputes, stressing an absence of bitterness.

The Game

In early 2005, tensions ignited between The Game and G-Unit over issues of allegiance and creative credit concerning The Game's debut album, The Documentary. 50 Cent accused The Game of disloyalty for declining to participate in G-Unit’s conflicts and collaborating with rival artists such as Nas and Jadakiss. The Game contested 50 Cent’s assertion that he contributed five songs to the album.

The situation escalated when The Game confronted 50 Cent at Hot 97’s studio, resulting in gunfire and injuries. Despite a brief press event announcing reconciliation, hostilities persisted as The Game initiated a boycott named "G-Unot" and released diss tracks including "300 Bars and Runnin'". In response, 50 Cent produced the "Piggy Bank" video mocking The Game alongside other adversaries.

Both parties issued further mixtapes: The Game’s Ghost Unit and Stop Snitchin, Stop Lyin, countered by G-Unit’s responses featuring Spider Loc’s derogatory remarks. The feud intensified following an alleged assault by Tony Yayo on the son of Czar Entertainment CEO Jimmy Henchman, prompting The Game’s track "Body Bags". G-Unit retaliated with "We on Some Shit," aimed at Czar Entertainment, Cam'ron, and Fat Joe.

By June 2010, The Game expressed willingness for a G-Unit reunion, garnering fan support online. Ultimately, the prolonged rivalry concluded by late 2016.

Fat Joe

50 Cent targeted Fat Joe due to his collaboration with Ja Rule on "New York," responding with "Piggy Bank" as an attack. Fat Joe countered with tracks like "My Fofo" and later "Victim," reportedly directed at 50 Cent, alongside a feature on Rick Ross' Mafia Music remix. Meanwhile, 50 Cent and Tony Yayo continued their feud through "I Run NY."

At the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, Fat Joe accused 50 Cent of being a "snitch," referencing police presence at the event. During their performance, 50 Cent and Tony Yayo responded with censored expletives targeting Fat Joe and Terror Squad. Tony Yayo claimed Fat Joe avoided direct confrontation.

Fat Joe announced he would no longer engage personally, delegating responses to his associate Pistol Pete and the crew Kill All Rats (K.A.R), who subsequently disrespected G-Unit members and affiliates through their releases. Fat Joe also insulted Lloyd Banks, Spider Loc, and Young Buck.

The rivalry extended into 2007 via interviews and affiliates’ comments. In 2008, 50 Cent issued the mixtape Elephant In the Sand, mocking Fat Joe's album The Elephant in the Room, which featured Fat Joe on its cover. Fat Joe and K.A.R. answered with their mixtape Gay-Unit hosted by Fat Joe.

The conflict ended in 2012 when 50 Cent approached Fat Joe at the BET Awards to reconcile in tribute to Chris Lighty, founder of Violator Records. They subsequently appeared together on stage during a tribute segment.

In 2014, Fat Joe provided DJ Kay Slay with a track titled Free for his final album, granting full creative control. Kay Slay included a verse from 50 Cent without prior consent; however, Fat Joe approved this collaboration as a positive step for hip-hop unity. That same year, Tony Yayo publicly stated there was "no beef" remaining with Fat Joe.

Cam'ron

The conflict between 50 Cent and Cam'ron originated during a call-in segment on Hot 97, where Cam'ron challenged 50 Cent's authority over releases at Koch Records. In response, 50 Cent asserted he had partial influence and referred to Koch Records as the "industry graveyard." Cam'ron pointed out that Jim Jones' album achieved sales similar to those of Lloyd Banks, despite Dipset operating under an independent label compared to G-Unit's major label support. 50 Cent replied by highlighting Lloyd Banks' superior financial status relative to Lil Wayne and Jim Jones, minimizing the importance of sales numbers. The exchange intensified when Cam'ron mentioned the disappointing sales of Mobb Deep's Blood Money, prompting the radio station to terminate the call.

Discography

Studio albums

• Beg for Mercy (2003)
• T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) (2008)

Extended plays

• The Beauty of Independence (2014)
• The Beast Is G Unit (2015)

Awards

• Vibe Awards
  • 2004 - Best Group of The Decade

In popular culture

• Appeared in an episode of MTV's claymation series Celebrity Deathmatch, titled "Where's Lohan?", featuring a fictional battle between 50 Cent and The Game.

External links

• G-Unity Foundation