In 2004, Young Buck did a superb job of bringing his Southern brand of hip-hop to 50 Cent‘s G-Unit records with his platinum-selling debut, Straight Outta Cashville.
But since the Nashville, Tenn., rapper had a disagreement with 50 Cent in 2008, his music career has declined and he continues to face financial troubles.
The IRS raided Young Buck’s home and he was forced to file Chapter 13 bankruptcy in August 2010. Throughout Young Buck’s ordeal, 50 Cent has bullied his former artist. Shortly after 50 Cent stated that Young Buck was dismissed from G-Unit, Young Buck pleaded with 50 Cent for help with his financial situation. 50 Cent embarrassed Young Buck by taping the conversation and releasing it to radio stations and hip-hop blogs.
50 Cent issued another low blow to Young Buck by filing a $10 million claim that states he breached his contract by releasing an album with Cashville Records. He also has filed a separate $171,000 claim against Young Buck which states that he loaned the rapper $300,000 in 2005.
However, Young Buck’s lawyer, Robin Joyce, says that G-Unit has purposely kept him in debt by shelving his projects and not allowing him to earn a living. Young Buck’s last G-Unit album was released in 2007 and sold 140,000 copies in the first week of its release.
Joyce has submitted a $500,000 budget for a new Young Buck album and says that 50 Cent must approve the project or release Young Buck from G-Unit.
But even if Young Buck is allowed to release a third album on G-Unit, he may not be around to enjoy the fruits of his labor. Young Buck was arrested on March 7 for gun possession and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. –a.r.
