(AllHipHop News) The end of an era has occurred. 24 hours after Dr. Dre and Eminem recreate the iconic 2002 XXL cover with Jimmy Iovine instead of 50, 50 Cent has announced he and G-Unit Records has left Interscope Records and signs with Caroline/Capitol/UMG.
The deal places 50 Cent and G-Unit Records in Caroline Records, the independent service division of Capitol Records, making 50 Cent an independent artist for the first time in over 13 years. Former boss and current friend Eminem spoke on 50’s new signing in a press release statement:
Both myself and Shady Records are grateful to have had the chance to play a part in 50’s career. Shady simply would not be what it is without 50 Cent. I’ve developed a great friendship with 50 over the years, and that’s not going to change. We know 50 will have success in his new situation, and we remain supporters of both him and G-Unit.
50 Cent’s first project scheduled to be released through his new label will be his highly anticipated and often delayed album Animal Ambition which is set to be released June 3RD. The album can be pre-ordered on March 18th and those who do will receive two new tracks. 50 Cent will release a song and video each week until the June 3rd release date.
50 Cent has a long history with almost signing with Capitol Records. Back in 2001, Capitol Records A&R Joe “3H” Weinberger attempted to sign 50 Cent, but was denied by Capitol Records execs over 50’s aggressive persona. Back in July of 2010, Capitol Records’ National Director of Urban Promotion, Craig Davis announced that 50 Cent and G-Unit Records had already signed to Capitol Records. However, less than a week after that announcement, 50 Cent released a statement calling Davis an “idiot” and saying “out of nowhere he comes out, and you can tell he’s drunk or some sh*t.”