50 CENT - MASE TO LEAVE DIDDY'S LABEL FOR 50 CENT'S CAMP?

50 CENT is reportedly on the verge of signing a new rapper to G-Unit Records - SEAN 'DIDDY' COMBS' protege MASE.

Having already signed MOBB DEEP and MOP to his label in the past few weeks, the IN DA CLUB rapper reportedly has his eye on Bad Boy Records star Mase, who returned to the hip-hop world after originally quitting to become a Christian Minister.

Last week (ends12AUG05), Mase, real name MASON BETHA, graced the stage with YOUNG BUCK during a New York stop of the Anger Management Tour, and later in the week revealed he is working on new music and shopping for a new record deal.

Mase explained, "It seems at this point it's gonna be on G-Unit," adding that since his return to music, the only two people who have contacted him about a deal have been JAY-Z and 50 Cent.

He said, "When I came back to Bad Boy, they didn't want me to go where I wanted to go (with the music). They wanted me to do what was safe for them. I had to pretty much sabotage myself. Everybody knows who I am.

"I ain't going to be 50. I ain't gonna be USHER, but right in between."

Of Combs, he added, "He pretty much knows I don't want to be there. It's nothing personal, but I don't want to be there."

Combs tells MTV News of the potential move, "(50 Cent has) definitely got enough money to set everything right. 50 hasn't called me about signing Mase. If he's interested in signing him, we could always have a discussion. At the end of the day, I want everybody to be happy and where they want to be. But I'm available, I'm free, he's got my number."