Havoc advises Lil’ Kim about G-Unit partnership
Havoc Offers His Opinion About Lil’ Kim Possibly Joining G-Unit
The hip-hop landscape is witnessing yet another seismic shift. Just days after Lil’ Kim publicly hinted at aligning herself with 50 Cent’s G-Unit empire, rap veteran Havoc of Mobb Deep has chimed in with seasoned advice. Drawing from his own experience under the G-Unit umbrella, Havoc shares insights that may shape how the Queen Bee navigates this possible career pivot.
Lil’ Kim Embraces G-Unit on a Big Stage
During Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash 16 in Atlanta on Saturday, June 18, Shawty Lo—newly signed to G-Unit—welcomed Lil’ Kim on stage as a surprise guest. After performing “It’s All About the Benjamins,” Kim stunned the crowd with a bold announcement: “G-Unit South, that’s where it’s at… And I’m family too, down with the G-Unit camp. We got surprises for y’all.”
Her statement sparked immediate headlines and speculation. Was this a symbolic gesture, or the start of a new chapter in Lil’ Kim’s storied career?
Havoc’s Perspective: Stay True to the Music
In an interview with SOHH, Mobb Deep’s Havoc—who released Blood Money through G-Unit Records in 2006—offered heartfelt advice.
“If there’s any advice I can give, it’s nothing less than for her to keep making that good music that she’s always been making,” Havoc said. “I don’t even think she really needs that advice because she’s the queen.”
Havoc emphasized the importance of authenticity. When artists join a major movement like G-Unit, there’s often pressure to mold their sound to match the label’s image. For Lil’ Kim, her legacy is defined by bold lyricism and unmatched flair. So, staying true to her roots is crucial.
“I look at Lil’ Kim like a sister,” he added. “She embraced us, we embraced her. I appreciate her as an artist, for sure.”
From Foes to Family: G-Unit and Lil’ Kim’s History
Lil’ Kim aligning with G-Unit is surprising for some hip-hop heads who remember the early 2000s. Back then, she was often seen as one of the fiercest opponents of 50 Cent’s crew. The fact that she’s now potentially affiliating herself with G-Unit highlights how much has changed in hip hop’s dynamic political landscape.
According to Lil’ Kim, the turnaround came after a personal meeting with 50 Cent. That meeting helped her forgive and reset her perspective. The admiration is mutual. So, she’s publicly praised 50’s artistry and vision.
“That’s my baby, man,” she told Hot 97 in December. “I’m a big fan all over again… It’s gonna be crazy, that’s all I got to say. I’m loving his new stuff. The stuff we working on together is gonna be crazy… This time around it’s not gonna be just one song. It’s gonna be a whole movie behind it.”
A Power Move in the Making: G-Unit South’s Resurrection
50 Cent’s recent moves demonstrate that he’s once again in expansion mode. After years of controversy, internal feuds, and declining commercial returns, G-Unit is rebuilding. The most symbolic of these moves is resurrecting G-Unit South—a vision once put on hold after falling out with Young Buck in 2008.
With Shawty Lo now on board, 50 is using the Atlanta-based rapper as the cornerstone for his southern invasion. Additionally, Shawty Lo already had his D4L movement, so his version of G-Unit South comes with more infrastructure. Lil’ Kim’s involvement, though unofficial for now, could inject the brand with both nostalgia and fresh relevance.
Havoc’s Journey With G-Unit: A Look Back
Havoc knows firsthand what it’s like to be part of one of 50’s strategic power plays. After The Game’s infamous fallout with the crew in 2005, 50 Cent bolstered G-Unit’s credibility by signing Mobb Deep and M.O.P. Though M.O.P. never dropped an album under the label, Mobb Deep did release Blood Money in 2006—a gold-certified album that, despite mixed reviews, marked a milestone in the duo’s career.
Yet Havoc is the first to admit that not every G-Unit move leads to commercial or creative gold.
While the G-Unit affiliation brought Mobb Deep to new audiences, it also came with challenges. The label was undergoing a transition, and the music sometimes struggled to live up to fan expectations. That’s why Havoc’s advice to Kim—maintain your musical identity—is so vital. It’s a reminder that even amidst business alliances, the music has to remain true.
The Queen Bee and Queensbridge Connect Once Again
Lil’ Kim’s possible new alliance with G-Unit isn’t her first interaction with Mobb Deep. Just weeks ago, she made a surprise appearance during Mobb Deep’s first concert since Prodigy’s release from prison. The crowd erupted when Kim joined the group for her iconic verse on “Quiet Storm (Remix),” a collaboration that helped cement her legacy in hardcore hip hop.
That performance didn’t just delight fans—it signaled mutual respect and perhaps foreshadowed future collaborations.
“We’d love to get with her in the future and do another banging a** record like we did in the past,” Havoc said.
Havoc’s Current Focus: From Queensbridge to the Booth
Beyond advice and nostalgia, Havoc is staying busy this year. He recently co-produced “Welcome 2 Hell” on Hell: The Sequel, the debut EP from Eminem and Royce da 5’9” as Bad Meets Evil. Released just over a week ago, the track showcases Havoc’s enduring skills behind the boards.
He also contributed production to Raekwon’s “Your World & My World” from the March release Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, proving his reach spans generations and coasts.
Meanwhile, Mobb Deep is hard at work on their EP Black Cocaine, due this fall. With tracks like “Dog Shit” featuring Nas already out, the project marks their first official release since Prodigy’s return and is expected to reassert their place in hip hop’s elite.
What This Means for G-Unit’s Future
If Lil’ Kim formally signs with G-Unit, the label could gain more than just a legend—they could harness a cultural icon with mainstream appeal. With the rise of digital media, female rap’s renewed visibility, and Kim’s loyal fanbase, this partnership could deliver both chart-topping records and headlines.
50 Cent’s playbook has always been one of aggressive branding, strategic signings, and media savvy. By adding both Shawty Lo and Lil’ Kim to G-Unit South, he may be laying the groundwork for a more versatile and regionally expansive roster.
Final Thoughts: A Move Worth Watching
Havoc’s words echo a larger truth in today’s evolving music industry: artists must preserve their voice amid corporate maneuvers. As Lil’ Kim teeters on the edge of joining one of rap’s most storied collectives, she carries both the weight of her legacy and the promise of future reinvention.
Whether this partnership fully materializes or not, the conversation it’s sparked is already reshaping how we look at alliances in hip hop. And with veterans like Havoc offering guidance, the culture remains anchored in wisdom even as it forges into the future.