Nigerian-American singer Olurotimi Akinosho better known as Rotimi has explained why he left 50 Cent's record label, G-Unit.

The afrobeats singer clarified that the label's leadership's ignorance of his musical approach was the main reason for his departure. According to him, afrobeats had not yet gained widespread acceptance in the Western music scene at the time of his signing.

Speaking in an interview, Rotimi said, “I was signed to G-Unit, but then in 2017/2018, Afrobeats was not mainstream in the United States. Davido and Wizkid had records that were gaining traction in Boston, New York, but it wasn’t mainstream at that time.

Afrobeats was big in the States, but they weren’t following it in LA. So, 50 Cent and I had a conversation. He was like, ‘What’s this sound you are trying to do?’ I said, ‘Bro, it’s Afrobeats.

I have a record called ‘Love Rhythm’ and it’s going to blow up. But if you don’t understand what it is, then I have to go somewhere else.’ He let me out of my deal because we disagreed on the creative process, Afrobeats.”

Rotimi noted that following his departure from 50 Cent's label, he became the first Afrobeats musician to work with Empire, a label that acknowledged and encouraged his creative vision.