G-Unit Records Inks New Deal With EMI

Looks like Lloyd Banks and Tony Yayo will be making more of an impact with their rap hits as a result of the recent union between G-Unit Records and EMI Label Services.

G-Unit, formerly part of the Interscope Records family, has joined forces with the music company. The new deal will exclusively distribute and promote 50 Cent’s label under the EMI umbrella. Lloyd Banks’ third solo effort, H.F.M. 2 (Hunger for More 2), due November 23, will be the first release to reap the benefits of the new partnership. Yayo’s as-yet-untitled sophomore album will follow in early 2011.

Lloyd Banks spoke about the merger, namely the employees’ gusto surrounding his new album. “It’s refreshing to see the EMI staff excited about my project; they have the passion and energy I haven’t seen in a while,” he said in a statement.

With the additional push EMI has to offer, Mike Harris, the label’s EVP/general manager, feels the artists on the roster will continue cementing their names in the hip-hop landscape. “We are delighted to join forces with G-Unit and artists who are truly marquee names in hip-hop,” he stated. “G-Unit is a huge force. Lloyd Banks knows how to deliver a lyrical punch and his single has already generated huge anticipation for the album. Tony Yayo is a totally unique talent, and ‘Pass the Patron’ already has the hip-hop world buzzing about his album coming out next year.”

–Georgette Cline