Cam'ron to replace 50 Cent at Interscope Records

By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer

Many critics of 50 Cent credit most of his commercial success to the work of Dr. Dre and Eminem. They are legends in the game and some feel as if 50 Cent rode their names to the top. Like many giants before him, 50 Cent has crushed under his own weight.

Ever since his album, Curtis, did not live up to expectations, 50 declared all-out war on Interscope Records. He said all the buzz he ever had he created. Once he dissed Interscope, Interscope dissed him. During his feud with Rick Ross, 50 Cent boasted that he might come over to Def Jam.

Following the release of Before I Self Destruct, it was clear the love affair was over. Last month, 50 Cent announced he and his crew had moved to EMI Records. Now that he is no longer a part of the Interscope family, it will be harder for 50 Cent to land those collaborations with Eminem and the ever-busy Dr. Dre. It's clearly time for someone else to move into his shoes.

Throughout his career, Cam'ron has been under the shadow of a bigger name. Even when he had his biggest hits, "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma," Cam was still in the shadow of Ja Rule. Much like Ja Rule, Cam'ron became embroiled in a high-profile feud with 50 Cent. Early in 2007, 50 Cent made fun of the artists signed to independent labels. He said all artists on indie labels are washed up and Cam'ron, at the time, an independent artist did not appreciate the comments.

50 Cent, at the time, was preparing for Curtis and was still celebrating the success of The Massacre. It did not seem as if a slump was in his near future. But, things seemed bleak for Cam'ron, as his own crew sided with 50 Cent over him and he disappeared from the public eye. Two years later, Cam'ron returned with, what some say, was the best album of his career, Crime Pays. Following the release of the album, Cam reunited with his crew and 50 Cent considered signing to an indie label.

Now, 50 Cent records for EMI Records and Interscope Records agreed to an exclusive distribution deal for the Cam'ron-owned Diplomat Records. Finally having a major label behind them, Cam also will have the production of Eminem and Dr. Dre on his music. G-Unit out, Diplomats in at Interscope Records.