By Hardcore Critic
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Four years ago, Young Buck was one of the hottest topics of discussion in urban media, as the Tennessee rapper was trying to release his third studio album. Unfortunately, the publicity was not coming from the upcoming album. Instead, his feud with 50 Cent, which had lasted for two years, had finally hit the media.
At the time, 50 Cent was preparing for the release of T.O.S. (Terminate On Sight), the second album from G-Unit. Once the issues with Young Buck were made public, 50 Cent removed him from G-Unit and continued recording the album without him. Previously, he had been “the most loyal nigga on G-Unit,” Young Buck began making moves for himself.
Young Buck established his own record label, Ca$hville Records, in 2007 and established a distribution deal with RED. Unlike the other G-Unit members, Tony Yayo and Lloyd Banks, Young Buck did not have a previous personal relationship with G-Unit. Before he found a home at Interscope Records, 50 Cent was searching for a label home, much like other unsigned artists. When he met with current hip hop mainstay, Cash Money Records, 50 Cent met Young Buck and added him to his G-Unit group, so when he landed his record deal, Young Buck was included.
With a chance to release an album of his own, Young Buck did not disappoint, delivering a series of hits throughout 2004, after standout appearances on 50 Cent’s “P.I.M.P. (remix)” and Beg For Mercy, G-Unit’s debut album. By 2005, Young Buck was a platinum rapper and one of the biggest names in the game. While the exposure came from being a part of G-Unit, the fans stayed because of his own talent. Young Buck was easily a fan favorite and fans could not wait to hear more from him as the G-Unit record label began expanding.
G-Unit, while expanding, turned off many popular rappers, as 50 Cent was engaged in several feuds, with many rappers teaming up against him. Still signed to G-Unit, Young Buck established his own record label and soon made peace with Jadakiss, who had been feuding with 50 Cent for two years, at the time. Jadakiss was not the only bridge Young Buck built, as he made amends with Game, admitting he did not know him very well. These moves angered 50 Cent and the two began feuding throughout the promotion of the second Young Buck album, Buck the World.
One year later, Young Buck broke his silence and the feud with 50 Cent began. For well over a year, Young Buck repeatedly dissed his boss, until attempting to broker peace in an effort to leave the label. Despite his best efforts, 50 Cent would not free Young Buck and he would not allow him to release an album. Young Buck returned to the mixtape game, which has kept himself relevant through the five years he has endured without releasing an official studio album. While relevant, the biggest news stories regarding Young Buck have been all related to crime. Finally free from G-Unit Records, what does the future hold for Young Buck?
