G-Unit Records
| Company type | Record label |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Predecessor | Rotten Apple Entertainment |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | 50 Cent |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | 50 Cent (Founder, principal artist) |
| Products | Music recordings |
| Owner | Universal Music Group |
| Parent | Universal Music Group |
G-Unit Records is a United States-based music label owned by Universal Music Group. Established in 2003 by the rapper 50 Cent, it was initially distributed through Interscope Records until February 2014, after which distribution shifted to Caroline Records and Capitol Music Group. The label also created a subsidiary, G-Note Records, which concentrates on R&B and pop genres. Its principal artist remains 50 Cent.
2003–2005
Following his 2002 contract with Interscope Records, 50 Cent launched G-Unit Records in 2003, succeeding his former label, Rotten Apple Entertainment. The label signed the hip-hop group G-Unit—comprising Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck—both collectively and as individual performers. The inaugural release was 50 Cent's debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin' (2003), which included contributions from G-Unit members. This album debuted atop the Billboard 200 chart and earned nonuple platinum certification, driven by popular singles such as "If I Can't" and "21 Questions."
G-Unit's first group album, Beg for Mercy (2003), sold 377,000 copies in its opening week and has surpassed 2.7 million sales in the U.S., achieving double platinum status and six million worldwide.
Lloyd Banks released his debut solo album, The Hunger for More (2004), featuring fellow G-Unit artists and executive production by 50 Cent. The album entered the Billboard 200 at number one and received platinum certification.
In early 2004, West Coast rapper Game joined the label, followed by Spider Loc around the time of Young Buck's Straight Outta Cashville release. After tensions arose between Game and 50 Cent, new signings slowed down. Subsequent additions to the roster included Mobb Deep and M.O.P.
G-Unit Records concluded 2005 with the release of the Get Rich Or Die Tryin' soundtrack, showcasing much of its artist lineup. The soundtrack peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and achieved platinum certification.
2006–2009
In 2006, G-Unit Records broadened its artist roster by signing Young Hot Rod, Nyce, and 40 Glocc—the latter two in collaboration with Mobb Deep's Infamous Records. Mazaradi Fox joined the label in 2007. Although Detroit rapper Trick Trick was rumored to be signing, no official deal was finalized.
By 2008, internal disputes became evident, particularly between 50 Cent and Young Buck, resulting in Buck’s removal from G-Unit while maintaining his contract with the label. This conflict sparked several diss tracks and public controversies, including a leaked phone call that exposed financial disagreements. The feud appeared to diminish by late 2008.
In 2009, 50 Cent released his fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct, which included tracks aimed at rivals like Jay-Z as well as former G-Unit members Game and Young Buck. That year also involved collaboration talks and rumors about signing Beanie Sigel. During promotions, 50 Cent confirmed that Game, Young Buck, Spider Loc, and Young Hot Rod were still signed to the label, whereas M.O.P and Mobb Deep had departed. Additionally, the label expanded its diversity by signing R&B singer Governor and officially welcoming Beanie Sigel in November 2009.
2010–present
At the beginning of 2010, 50 Cent broadened G-Unit Records' scope beyond music by signing comedian Young Jack Thriller, who initiated a weekly podcast on YouTube and co-hosted G-Unit Radio on Shade45. Additionally, 50 Cent explored the possibility of adding European R&B artist Jamelia to the label, aiming to enhance its lineup with female talent similar to Olivia. Although affiliated, Beanie Sigel opted against a formal contract, while Young Buck released several diss tracks aimed at 50 Cent and other G-Unit members.
50 Cent revealed intentions to recruit and cultivate fresh talent, placing a strong focus on artist development. Beanie Sigel later confirmed that a signing was expected following his tour commitments. During this period, adult film actor Brian Pumper pursued a contract but was ultimately declined by G-Unit. Tony Yayo disclosed ongoing collaborations with Lil B and Danny Brown; the latter was in negotiation but had yet to finalize an agreement. Rumors circulated about R&B singer Mýa potentially joining the roster, while Lloyd Banks confirmed that Havoc from Mobb Deep was in discussions for a deal.
On August 13, 2010, Lloyd Banks announced a limited distribution agreement within North America between G-Unit and EMI, which would apply exclusively to releases by Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo. In March 2011, Shawty Lo entered negotiations and subsequently signed with G-Unit Records; however, it was clarified that his label D4L would be distributed through G-Unit rather than him as an individual performer.
Lea Sunshine affirmed her signing with G-Note Records after touring alongside G-Unit and featuring on Hot Rod’s debut single. Mid-2011 saw former Young Money affiliate Kidd Kidd join G-Unit, followed by O.T. Genasis signing after capturing 50 Cent’s attention through performance footage. In December 2011, Jersey Shore personality DJ Pauly D secured a three-album deal with G-Note Records. That same month, 50 Cent dropped the mixtape The Big 10, showcasing Kidd Kidd, Precious Paris, Tony Yayo, and debuting new signee Paris.
Struggles with Interscope continued; in 2012, 50 Cent cited unsatisfactory financial terms as a source of conflict amid declining sales figures. By April that year, Young Buck re-entered talks with G-Unit after being ousted in 2008, expressing hope for either rejoining or proceeding independently.
In February 2014, G-Unit Records parted ways with Interscope to operate under Caroline Records, a division within Capitol Music Group. On November 8, 2016, Uncle Murda officially signed with G-Unit Records. Early in 2018, Kidd Kidd exited both the group and label; Lloyd Banks followed suit later that year.
G-Note
Established in 2010, G-Note Records serves as a subsidiary specializing in R&B and Pop genres. Notable artists included Governor and Hot Rod—both initially signed under G-Unit Records. Lea Sunshine briefly joined in early 2011, followed by DJ Pauly D in December 2011; however, both eventually departed from the label.
Current acts
| Act | Year signed |
Releases under the label |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Cent | Founder | 5 |
| Tony Yayo | 2003 | 1 |
| Uncle Murda | 2016 | — |
Former artists
| Artist | Duration with the label |
Releases while signed |
|---|---|---|
| G-Unit | 2003–2018 | 2 |
| Lloyd Banks | 2003–2018 | 3 |
| Young Buck | 2003–2008, 2014–2024 | 2 |
| The Game | 2003–2006 | 1 |
| Olivia | 2003–2007 | — |
| Spider Loc | 2005–2011 | — |
| Mobb Deep | 2005–2008 | 1 |
| Lil Scrappy | 2006–2008 | 1 |
| Kidd Kidd | 2011–2018 | — |
| Rotimi | 2015–2018 | 1 |
Discography
| Performer | Album Title | Album Information |
|---|---|---|
| 50 Cent | "Get Rich or Die Tryin'" (in collaboration with Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment) |
|
| G-Unit | 'Beg for Mercy' |
|
| Lloyd Banks | 'The Hunger for More' |
|
| Young Buck | 'Straight Outta Cashville' |
|
| The Game | 'The Documentary' (alongside Aftermath Entertainment) |
|
| 50 Cent | "The Massacre" (with Shady Records and Aftermath Entertainment) |
|
| Tony Yayo | 'Thoughts of a Predicate Felon' |
|
| G-Unit Records | 'Get Rich or Die Tryin' |
|
| Mobb Deep | 'Blood Money' (with Infamous) |
|
| Lloyd Banks | 'Rotten Apple' |
|
| Lil Scrappy | 'Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live' (in partnership with BME) |
|
| Young Buck | 'Buck the World' |
|
| - | Performer | Album Title | Album Information | - | G-Unit | T·O·S (Terminate on Sight) |
* Released: July 1, 2008 * Peak chart position: #4 U.S. * Certification: Gold (RIAA) |
- | Lloyd Banks | H.F.M. 2 (The Hunger for More 2) (distributed by EMI) |
* Released: November 22, 2010 * Peak chart position: #26 U.S. |
- | 50 Cent | Animal Ambition |
* Released: June 3, 2014 * Peak chart position: #4 U.S. |
- | G-Unit | The Beauty of Independence |
* Released: August 25, 2014 * Peak chart position: #17 U.S. |
- | G-Unit | The Beast Is G Unit |
* Released: March 3, 2015 * Peak chart position: #27 U.S. |
|---|
See also
References
- Articles with short description
- G-Unit Records
- 50 Cent
- G-Unit
- 2003 establishments in New York City
- Companies based in New York City
- Contemporary R&B record labels
- Gangsta rap record labels
- Hardcore hip-hop record labels
- Universal Music Group
- Labels distributed by Universal Music Group
- Music production companies
- Music publishing companies of the United States
- Record labels based in New York (state)
- Pop record labels
- Publishing companies established in 2003
- Record labels established in 2003
- American hip-hop record labels
- American companies established in 2003
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment