G-Note Records

Lore & Background

G-Note Records was established in late 2010 as a subsidiary of 50 Cent's G-Unit Records, following the earlier creation of G-Unit South, G-Unit Philly, and G-Unit West. Unlike those hip-hop-focused imprints, G-Note was designed for pop, dance, and R&B music. The first two artists signed were Governor and Hot Rod. The label's first official release was Hot Rod's single 'Dance With Me'. A second single, Governor's 'Here We Go Again', featured 50 Cent. In an interview with G-Unit Radio, 50 Cent explained that he created the label because 'there was a gap in the market' and that it served as a platform for artists to make all different styles of music, contrasting with the aggressive style expected from G-Unit artists.

In late April 2011, reports emerged that 50 Cent was in talks with DJ Pauly D about signing to the label for a three-album deal, later confirmed by DJ Whoo Kid in an interview with Shade 45. DJ Pauly D was officially signed to G-Note Records in early December 2011. The label also considered signing R&B singer Jovan Dais, Zimbabwean singer Gamu Nhengu, and singer Jeremih. Lea was dropped from the label at the top of 2013.

Reader's Guide

G-Note Records represents a strategic expansion of 50 Cent's G-Unit brand beyond its core hip-hop identity. By creating a subsidiary dedicated to pop, dance, and R&B, 50 Cent aimed to capture a broader audience and provide a home for artists whose styles did not fit the aggressive G-Unit mold. The label's early signings—Governor and Hot Rod—and its first singles established its presence in the pop and R&B markets. The signing of DJ Pauly D, a reality television personality and DJ, highlighted the label's crossover ambitions. Although the label's roster remained small and its output limited, G-Note Records illustrates the diversification of hip-hop moguls' business interests in the early 2010s. Its New York offices and connection to G-Unit Records gave it a foothold in the industry, but the label's long-term impact was modest, with only a few releases and artist changes documented.

Did You Know?

• G-Note Records was formed in late 2010 as a subsidiary of G-Unit Records.
• The label's first two signed artists were Governor and Hot Rod.