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G-Unit

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G-Unit
File:G-Unit.JPG
Background information
OriginQueens, New York
Years active2002–present
Members50 Cent
Lloyd Banks
Young Buck
Tony Yayo

G-Unit (Guerilla Unit) is a popular rap music supergroup signed under Interscope Records. The group first garnered a following in the underground "street" scene in New York by independently releasing several mixtapes. The group's founder, Queens-based rapper 50 Cent, officially brought the group mainstream success by establishing it as a division at Interscope Records. Since signing to the label, many of G-Unit's members have released several successful solo albums.

History

G-Unit was founded shortly after 50 Cent departed from Columbia Records. The rapper sought interest in working with fellow Queens based rappers including : Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Bang 'Em Smurf, and Domination. These rappers collectively established the groups as a whole, however there have been several "fall outs" between members, including Bang 'Em Smurf. Later, the group would establish Nashville rapper Young Buck.

50 Cent gained solo success after jointly signing to Dr. Dre's Aftermath Entertainment and Eminem's Shady Records, collectively, divisions of Interscope Records. After the release of his album Get Rich or Die Tryin', 50 Cent and Sha Money XL founded G-Unit Records.

Controversy

Feuds with rappers

File:The Game and 50 Cent truce.JPG
50 Cent and The Game make short-lived public amends.

Before being signed by Eminem's and Dr. Dre's record labels, G-Unit was engaged in a feud with Ja Rule and The Inc. Records (formerly known as Murder Inc. Records).

G-Unit has had feuds with other rappers such as Fat Joe, Shyne, Nas, D-Block, and others. The group's most recent feud is with Compton based rapper The Game.

After gaining exposure in the mainstream, 50 Cent was interested in working with labelmate The Game who had been signed on by Dr. Dre. After the rapper's debut release, The Documentary, 50 Cent formally dismissed him from his G-Unit crew for alleged claims of "disloyalty."

50 Cent claimed proper credit was not given at the time of The Game's album release. During that dispute, a member of The Game's entourage was shot after a confrontation at Hot 97[1]. After the situation between them escalated, 50 Cent and The Game decided to hold a press conference to announce their reconciliation [2]. Many fans felt that the supposed feud, and particularly the incident at the radio station, was a publicity stunt designed to boost the sales of the two albums the pair had just released [3]. 50 Cent and G-Unit continued to feud with The Game, denouncing his street credibility in the media and claiming that without their support, he would not score a hit from his second album [4]. The Game, during a performance at the Summer Jam, launched a boycott called "G-Unot" [5].

Disputes with the police

As G-Unit's popularity grows, the issues with members and law enforcement increases. The rappers are frequently targeted by police due to the violence that occurs after concerts and promotions involving the group.

Before 50 Cent officially released his debut album, 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks were arrested for possession of firearms [6]. Tony Yayo was also arrested and he spent over a year in prison for a weapon charge. Since then, he has been on probation and required to avoid conflicts [7].

Young Buck was also arrested after a dispute at the Vibe Awards led to a man being stabbed. The incident occurred after Dr. Dre was assaulted by the man, and Young Buck rushed to Dr. Dre's defense. Young Buck is on probation for the incident [8].

Lloyd Banks and Young Buck were arrested while being on Eminem's Anger Management tour for weapon violations while making a stop in New York [9].

While attending a video release for labelmate Busta Rhymes, Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks had a heated exchange with producer Swizz Beatz. After Tony Yayo and his entourage left abruptly, a shooting had occurred leaving one of Busta Rhymes' bodyguards dead. The New York Police Department is currently investigating the incident. Since the death, Tony Yayo as well as Busta Rhymes have been tight lipped about the incident, forcing the police to subpoena the rappers to testify.

Discography

  • 2003 Beg for Mercy Certified: 2x Platinum (4 Million Worldwide); #2 US, #13 UK

Singles

  • 2003 "Stunt 101" #7 US; #2 UK
  • 2003 "Poppin Them Thangs" #4 US, #3 UK
  • 2003 "My Buddy" (video only single)
  • 2004 "Wanna Get To Know You" (feat. Joe) #3 US, #2 UK
  • 2004 "Smile" (video only single)

Notes

  1. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4129
  2. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4165
  3. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4129
  4. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/features/index.asp?ID=1070
  5. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4469
  6. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1459
  7. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3200
  8. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4477
  9. ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=4696
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