Over 25 million albums sold, two sold out world tours, and more #1 singles than billboard can chart. It's safe to say that 50 cent and G-unit are permanent staples in the world of hip hop. In early 2003 hip hop fans everywhere flooded the stores to get their hands on, the mostly highly anticipated hip hop album since "All eyes on me" or "life after Death". Get rich or die trying, sold an amazing 500,000 copies in just 24 hours, surpassing all sales projections and hopes (they only expected him to sell gold in a week). But 50 wasn't done, after ousting the R&B/Rap songstress, Ja rule, and crushing Murder inc. 50 debuted his crew and record label, G-Unit, releasing a string of muti-platinum hits through 2003 and 04.

Ok, so why am I writing this article? What happened? Well, that's a good question, but it's not really what happened, it's what didn't.  Since the beginning of 2005 every G-Unit release has done poorly in sales, with the exceptions of 50's" the massacre" and Game's the Documentary" (which was a joint venture between Dre and 50). G-Unit has no platinum plates for 05 and 06, which have some fans asking, "Could the movement be over?" Last year we saw the additions of MOP, MOBB DEEP, and the bad boy preacher himself, Mase. But unfortunately for G-Unit and 50, they haven't produced any results. In fact, they have proven to be more hassle than what their worth, MA$E for example, Signed with 50 last year, but has yet to drop a album due to his contractual woes with Bad Boy. MOP has been shelfed, for reasons still not cited, and MOBB DEEP latest LP has yet to touch Gold (lets not forget about Olivia getting drop).

So whats a gangsta to do? In a interview conducted in last months VIBE, 50 expressed his frustrations with the lack of sales, he stating in reference to G-Unit's music, "it was held to standards, its still quality material, so the person that picks it up isn't totally disappointed about it, there was something about our execution of the marketing of the project that didn't connect properly. The music itself was up to par, so it can't damage the brand." Or can it? In 2006 it was rumored that 50 was preparing to drop an album to increase sales in the last quarter. But was halted by Eminem, who recently stated in last month's VIBE that he didn't drop a album due to the "smell of failure" surrounding the industry right now.

Whether it's the smell of failure or a lack of connecting, the fact is, G-Unit ant selling. So as we wait on 50's next move, what can we expect?  Well look forward to G-Unit clothing toping $200 million, a new Buck album,  MA$E getting dropped, and hopefully a new 50 album. Because after all, 50 did say "This is chess/this an't checkers, these are warning shots/ after your next move I'll give you all I got"