It's one of hip-hop's biggest break-up as rapper and producer Gemini Major quits Cassper Nyovest's label Family Tree.

Gemini will now focus his energies on starting his own label.

While under Family Tree, he proved to be the go-to hitmaker in local rap and was responsible for Nyovest's hits like Fever, featuring StoneBwoy, Mmangwane, Skelm, Same Chair As Kanye and Super Ex, and My Heart featuring Diamond Platnumz.

In addition, Gemini sang on and produced Ragga Ragga, featuring Nadia Nakai, Riky Rick and Nyovest.

For Da L.E.S they collaborated on Lifestyle, So High and Saucin'. He produced Represent, Pressure and Switched for Nasty C as well as Riky Rick hit Sidlukotini.

Gemini will now run his stable in partnership with Fresh 2 Def, owned by rapper Da L.E.S.

Born Gilbert Kamoto in Malawi, Gemini moved to Durban in 2009 to pursue his music dream.

"It has been a great journey with special memories made and I'm thankful of all the opportunities, but now it's time to focus on other things and grow as an artist and brand," Gemini commented.

"The future is full of possibilities and I charge ahead with so much optimism and positive vibes. It's a matter of time before Rudebouy Major becomes a force to be reckoned with in the local music space. Watch out for us and all the new artists and collaborations we will unleash in the not- so-distant future."

Although a celebrated force in hip-hop, his repertoire spans R&B, house, dancehall, pop and gospel. His portfolio includes production used in shows like Gold Diggers.

Attempts to get comment from Cassper Nyovest proved fruitless yesterday.

Rati Mmolawa, one of the managers at Family Tree Records, confirmed that Gemini had left but refused to comment further.