50 Cent will release his next album on an indie label.
The ‘Candy Shop’ hitmaker has severed ties with Eminem’s Interscope imprint, Shady Records, after 12 years and will now be working with Caroline, a music distributor owned by Universal, starting with his album ‘Animal Ambition’, which is due out on June 3.
In a statement, the star said: "I recorded so many album quality songs that I’m going to put the Animal project out as my viral marketing plan and then [Street King] will come out after. [Animal Ambition] is about prosperity … ambition and prosperity."
The 38-year-old rapper has sold millions of albums for Interscope, including 15-million copies of his debut record, but the star’s relationship with the label has been difficult since 2009’s ‘Before I Self Destruct’, which failed to conquer the charts.
Its follow-up was delayed and the rapper complained on Twitter and threatened to leak an unreleased Dr Dre song. But despite the problems, 50 Cent insists he still owes Interscope one album and Eminem has wished his former protégé well, saying: "Shady simply would not be what it is without 50 Cent.
"I’ve developed a great friendship with 50 over the years, and that’s not going to change."
His move to an indie label is similar to the arrangement used by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis for ‘The Heist’, and Pet Shop Boys’ scheme for last year’s ‘Electric’ LP.
The rapper added: "I have had great success to date with Shady/Aftermath/Interscope, and I’d like to thank Eminem and Dr Dre for giving me an incredible opportunity.
"I’ve learned so much from them through the years. I am excited to enter this new era where I can carry out my creative vision."
50 Cent’s last UK hit was the 2012 single ‘My Life’, which peaked at number two at on the UK Single’s Chart.
50 Cent signs with indie label
