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G-Unit, an acronym for Guerrilla Unit[1] is a rap group founded by 50 Cent. The group first garnered a following in the underground New York scene 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, G-Unit's members have released solo albums.
G-Unit | |
|---|---|
| Origin | New York City |
| Years active | 2002 – Present |
| Members | 50 Cent Lloyd Banks Young Buck Tony Yayo |
History
G-Unit was founded shortly after 50 Cent (30) left Columbia Records. The rapper was interested in working with fellow Queens-based rappers, including Lloyd Banks & Tony Yayo.These rappers collectively established the group as a whole; however, there have been several "fallouts" between members, including Bang Em Smurf, Domination and Compton-bred rapper The Game. Later, the group enlisted Nashville rapper Young Buck.
50 Cent and Mike Morse each 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.
The G-Unit clique later released their debut album Beg For Mercy, on November 14, 2003. The album peaked at #2 on the Billboard charts and sold over 4 million units.
Controversy
- Before being signed, G-Unit were engaged in a feud with Ja Rule, Irv Gotti and the Murder Inc. camp. The group's main 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.
- G-Unit has had feuds with other rappers such as Fat Joe, Shyne, Nas, D-Block, Jadakiss and others. The group's most recent feud is with West Coast rapper and former member, The Game.
- Before the rapper officially released his debut album, 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks were arrested for possession of firearms.[2] Tony Yayo was also arrested and he spent over a year in prison for having a fake passport, and unregistered weapons. Since then, he has been on probation and required to avoid conflicts.[3]
- 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.
- 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's bodyguards dead. Tony Yayo was not associated with the shooting as it has been confirmed he was busy. 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.
- G-Unit has also been criticized for their feuds with DJs who play their rival's music. Tony Yayo was banned from a Miami radio station for his misconduct towards djs affiliated with Fat Joe in one interview. Young Buck created controversy when his entourage injured an Atlanta DJ over playing singles from The Game. This controversy has created a backlash against the rapper and the group. Many djs across the country are planning to boycott music associated with rappers who feud.
G-Unit Members
G-Unit Records Members
G-Unit Affiliates and Label mates
- Lil' Scrappy and *kyn thug - Joint deal with Lil' Jon's BME Recordings and G-Unit Records
- Freeway - Joint deal with Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella and G-Unit Records
- LL Cool J - Joint deal with Russell Simmons' Def Jam Recordings and G-Unit Records
Rumoured Signings
- Trick Trick - Shady Records-affiliated Detroit rapper Trick Trick has been linked with G-Unit. Sha Money XL, president of G-Unit Records confirmed to SOHH that the two parties had a conversation discussing a potential deal, but did not say the rapper was signed yet. There are rumors of him joining, and starting up G-Unit Midwest.
Former G-Unit Members
- The Game - Originally put into G-Unit by Dr. Dre, but when 50 Cent claimed The Game was being disloyal to the group, he was kicked out, causing a large feud between the two rappers.50 Cent Vrs The Game Beef
- Bang Em Smurf - Bang Em Smurf was locked up for weapons charges in 2002, with 50 Cent promising to bail him out with money from his own new record deal with Aftermath Records. Bang Em later claimed, however, that 50 never returned, and although he has dissed the rapper on several tracks, 50 has yet to mention or get involved in the beef.
- Domination - Quit the group to join his friend, Bang Em Smurf. The two rappers continue to diss 50 Cent and G-Unit to this day. The pair are now signed to Koch Records.
- Best Group - G-unit
Best Interactive DVD - Groupie Love
Best Music Groupie Love - Lloyd Banks
Discography
Albums
| Album cover | Album information |
|---|---|
 |
Beg For Mercy
|
 |
Locked & Loaded
|
Singles
| Year | Song | U.S. Hot 100 | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | UK singles | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | "Stunt 101" | 11 | 7 | 5 | 25 | Beg for Mercy |
| 2003 | "Poppin' Them Thangs" | 10 | 6 | 3 | 15 | Beg for Mercy |
| 2003 | "Wanna Get To Know You" (featuring Joe) | 13 | 8 | 5 | 21 | Beg for Mercy |
| 2003 | "Ride Wit' U" (Joe featuring G-Unit) | 56 | 22 | 3 | And Then... |
References
- ^ Houston Williams and Amanda Diva. "50 Cent's Ideal World Is "Peaceful", Rapper Explains Gorilla Unit". AllHipHop.com. Retrieved 2006-12-21.
- ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=1459
- ^ http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=3200
"G-Unity". Retrieved 2006-12-25. "Charity sponsorship". Retrieved 2006-12-25. "Miss jones". Retrieved 2007-01-10.