G-Unit Records
American record label founded by 50 Cent.
G-Unit Records is a Universal Music Group-owned American label, founded by rapper 50 Cent and his manager Sha Money XL on October 15, 2002. It replaced 50 Cent’s earlier imprint, Rotten Apple Entertainment. Until February 2014, Interscope Records handled its operations; afterward, distribution shifted to Caroline Records and Capitol Music Group. The label also launched a subsidiary, G-Note Records, focused on R&B and pop. Its flagship artist remains 50 Cent.
The label’s first release was 50 Cent’s debut album *Get Rich or Die Tryin’*, which hit number one on the Billboard 200 and earned a nonuple platinum certification from the RIAA. Its singles included “If I Can’t” and “21 Questions.” That success paved the way for other G-Unit artists. The group G-Unit—originally Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, and Young Buck—released their debut *Beg for Mercy* in November 2003. It sold 377,000 copies in its first week, eventually moving over 2.7 million units in the U.S. and earning double platinum status. Lloyd Banks’ solo debut, *The Hunger for More*, came out in June 2004, featuring G-Unit members and The Game; it debuted at number one and went platinum.
In early 2004, West Coast rapper The Game joined the label alongside Aftermath, and Spider Loc signed around the time of Young Buck’s *Straight Outta Cashville*. But a falling-out between 50 Cent and The Game made 50 Cent hesitant to add new artists. Later in 2005, Mobb Deep and M.O.P. were signed. That year ended with the *Get Rich or Die Tryin’* soundtrack, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and went platinum.
In 2006, G-Unit signed Young Hot Rod, and through Mobb Deep’s Infamous Records, Nyce and 40 Glocc. Mazaradi Fox joined in 2007. A rumored deal with Detroit rapper Trick Trick never materialized. In 2008, 50 Cent expelled Young Buck from the group but kept him on the label, leading to a public feud with diss tracks and a leaked phone call where 50 Cent claimed Buck owed him money. Buck said the call was over a year old. The feud cooled by late 2008.
50 Cent’s 2009 album *Before I Self Destruct* included the track “So Disrespectful,” targeting rivals like Jay-Z and former G-Unit artists The Game and Young Buck. That year, 50 Cent collaborated with Beanie Sigel, sparking signing rumors.
- Founded
- October 15, 2002
- Founders
- 50 Cent and Sha Money XL
- Field
- Record label
- Nationality
- American
- Known for
- Launching the careers of G-Unit group members and 50 Cent's debut album Get Rich or Die Tryin'
Lore & Background
G-Unit Records replaced 50 Cent's previous imprint, Rotten Apple Entertainment. The rap group G-Unit, then consisting of Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo and Young Buck, was signed to the label as a group, with each member also signed as a solo artist. The first album released on the label was 50 Cent's debut studio album, Get Rich or Die Tryin', which debuted and peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 and has been certified nonuple platinum by the RIAA. G-Unit's debut studio album, Beg for Mercy, was released in November 2003, selling 377,000 copies in its first week and eventually being certified double platinum by the RIAA. Lloyd Banks released his debut album The Hunger for More on June 29, 2004 through G-Unit, which also debuted and peaked at number 1 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Platinum in America.
Reader's Guide
G-Unit Records played a significant role in the early 2000s hip-hop landscape, serving as the platform for 50 Cent's massive commercial success and launching the careers of affiliated artists. The label's early releases, particularly Get Rich or Die Tryin' and Beg for Mercy, achieved multi-platinum sales and chart dominance, establishing G-Unit as a major force in the music industry. Over time, the label expanded its roster to include artists such as Mobb Deep, M.O.P., Spider Loc, and later Beanie Sigel, though internal conflicts led to the expulsion of Young Buck from the group in 2008. The label also ventured into comedy and R&B, signing comedians and launching G-Note Records. Despite disputes and roster changes, G-Unit Records remained active under Universal Music Group, with distribution shifting to Caroline Records and Capitol Music Group after 2014.
Did You Know?
- G-Unit Records was founded on October 15, 2002 by 50 Cent and Sha Money XL.
- The first album released on the label was 50 Cent's Get Rich or Die Tryin', which was certified nonuple platinum by the RIAA.
- In 2008, 50 Cent expelled Young Buck from the group but assured he was still signed to the label.
- The label launched a subsidiary, G-Note Records, which caters to R&B and pop.
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