In some maybe not-so-surprising news, 50 Cent has announced his departure from the Shady/Aftermath/Interscope umbrella. This comes after a couple of years of numrous delays and setbacks with his Street King Immortal album and it looks like, for the time being, that LP has been scrapped altogether. Instead, Curtis has joined into an independent venture with Caroline/Capitol/UMG and will be dropping Animal Ambition on June 3. Starting March 18, fans will be able to pre-order the album and will receive two tracks upon doing so. Following that, a new song and viddeo will be released each week leading up to the Animal Ambition.

“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,” 50 Cent said via press release. “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.”

Eminem also released a comment, stating, “both myself and Shady Records are grateful to have had the chance to play a part in 50’s career. 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. We know 50 will have success in his new situation, and we remain supporters of both him and G-Unit.”

Despite all the animosity and tension that began to brew between 50 and Interscope towards the end, Chairman Steve Berman says they respect Curtis’ decision. “50 Cent is, and always will be, a marquee artist for us at Interscope/Geffen/A&M,” Berman noted. “We respect his decision to pursue this new venture and the next chapter in his career, and wish him nothing but the best.  He will always be a part of our family.”

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