50 Cent and G-Unit could possibly Head to Def Jam

Sha Money XL Takes Senior VP of A&R Role at Def Jam and Wants To Sign 50 Cent and G-Unit

At the peak of its dominance, G-Unit Records stood as one of hip-hop’s most formidable forces. Spearheaded by 50 Cent during his time with Interscope Records, the label boasted an all-star roster that included the G-Unit collective, Lloyd Banks, Tony Yayo, Young Buck, The Game, Mobb Deep, Olivia, and M.O.P. However, internal conflict—especially the high-profile fallout between 50 Cent and The Game—marked the beginning of the label’s unraveling.

Despite attempts to recover, G-Unit Records never regained its momentum. A failed rollout strategy in 2006, where 50 Cent delayed his own album in favor of promoting Banks and Buck, backfired. Banks’ album underperformed, and Buck’s project lacked proper support, derailing 50’s blueprint. Now, with G-Unit on the way out at Interscope, Sha Money XL has a plan. He likes the idea of 50 Cent and G-Unit leaving Interscope for a new deal with Def Jam. But there’s a lot going on with G-Unit.

Tensions Within G-Unit: Young Buck Frozen Out

By 2007, cracks in the foundation became visible. 50 Cent’s strained relationship with Young Buck led to the latter being held in contractual limbo. Public revelations confirmed that Buck had been feuding with 50 since 2006. The fallout culminated with Buck and The Game reconciling, as both artists sought creative freedom beyond G-Unit’s increasingly rigid structure.

50 responded by freezing Buck’s career, demanding a new album before releasing him from his deal. With no path forward, Buck has remained stuck, watching from the sidelines while other artists reshaped their careers.

Young Buck has resorted to mixtape releases and interviews to tell his side of the story. There, Buck often has choice words for his onetime mentor and friend.

Before I Self Destruct: The End of an Era at Interscope

While Buck remained shelved, 50 Cent was waging his own war with Interscope. After being under a four-album deal, 50 became increasingly frustrated with the label’s handling of his Curtis album. With his final Interscope project, Before I Self Destruct, failing to meet expectations, the rapper made it clear—he was ready to walk.

By the time of the album’s release in late 2009, G-Unit had essentially disbanded. Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo were let go from their Interscope deals, and longtime business partner Sha Money XL departed the label, leaving 50 as the sole G-Unit artist remaining.

The Search for a New Home: Def Jam Enters the Picture

In the aftermath, 50 Cent explored independent distribution options for G-Unit. However, the lure of a structured machine like Def Jam proved enticing—especially after former G-Unit executive Sha Money XL was appointed Senior VP of A&R at the historic label.

In interviews, Sha has made his intentions clear: Def Jam is entering a new era, and G-Unit may be part of it.

Sha Money XL’s Vision for Def Jam and G-Unit

Speaking to SOHH, Sha expressed a business-first mindset, separating himself from past beefs involving Rick Ross, a current Def Jam artist:

“I support every artist on the label. I had conversations with 50 about that… If I had to find Rick Ross a hit and I had one, it wouldn’t be for me to not give it to him. This sh*t is not about beef. Beef don’t make money.”

Sha has also spoken to 50 and his longtime manager Chris Lighty about potentially bringing both 50 Cent and Lloyd Banks to Def Jam. With Banks currently making noise off the momentum of “Beamer, Benz or Bentley” with Juelz Santana, the timing may be ideal.

“Banks has an amazing record right now, independently. If things work out, then yeah, I would love to see that happen.”

50 Cent’s Own Hints at Def Jam Ambitions

Last year, 50 made headlines when he hinted at wanting a leadership role at Def Jam, even going so far as to say he’d “get rid of all of them” if given the chance, referencing DJ Khaled and others. While that was said during one of his infamous rants, the idea of 50 taking an executive role in shaping Def Jam’s roster isn’t off the table.

Rebuilding G-Unit: A Strategic Opportunity

With Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo free agents, and Young Buck still contractually bound, 50 is in a rare position. He controls the rights to a label with legacy power and branding recognition. By reuniting with Sha Money XL, G-Unit Records could rise again under new management and energy.

Sha, for his part, is working aggressively to build a new roster. He’s actively working on Juelz Santana’s comeback, citing the Harlem rapper’s fashion-forward influence and street credibility. With Stat Quo also making waves under Sha’s Dream Big imprint, it’s clear that Sha is focused on revitalizing lyrical, street-centric hip-hop.

Sha Money and New York’s Revival

One of Sha’s main goals is helping bring New York hip-hop back to the forefront. As a Queens native mentored by Jam Master Jay, Sha views his Def Jam role as a full-circle moment:

“Coming from Queens, starting the whole sh*t for hip-hop on a platinum level… you take that legacy with Russell Simmons… and then you got me, who knows how to do it from a street level to a corporate level.”

He sees Juelz Santana and Lloyd Banks as the “young princes” poised to rule the next chapter of New York hip-hop. The viral success of “Beamer, Benz or Bentley” is just the beginning, and a potential G-Unit/Diplomats alliance would bring old-school flair with modern momentum.

The Internal Process: Lawyers and Logistics

While talks are in motion, Sha admits that internal business needs to be addressed before anything becomes official:

“It’s all about lawyer’s numbers and makin’ sense. [50] has other offers as well… I’m tryin’ to secure it, I’ll definitely tell you that right now. I would love that. I would love that whole sh*t over here.”

Conclusion: A New Chapter for G-Unit and Def Jam?

With 50 Cent eyeing a new label home, and Sha Money XL positioned to influence Def Jam’s next evolution, a G-Unit move is looking increasingly realistic. If the deal comes together, it would mark one of the biggest industry shifts of the year.

For fans of early 2000s hip-hop, a re-energized G-Unit—backed by a legacy label and executive familiarity—could signal a powerful comeback. Sha Money XL’s commitment to artistry over ego and 50’s hunger for real promotion and respect from a label make this the industry storyline to watch.

Whether they reunite at Def Jam or go independent, one thing is certain: the next move for 50 Cent and G-Unit Records is going to be strategic, bold, and potentially game-changing.