The Root 100 honoree Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson saw a monkey wrench thrown in his burgeoning film empire in Shreveport, La. The Louisiana House of Representatives decided to eliminate its $150 million tax incentive for TV and film production, eliminating much of the benefit that Fif hoped for when he established the G-Unit Film Studios in Shreveport.
Despite the barrage of negative reactions to the news, 50 Cent urged everyone to be patient, writing on Instagram, “This doesn’t feel good but it could be great for Louisiana, patience let’s see how it plays out.”
In another post, he added, “I know people in Shreveport are sick right now, stay positive everything happens for a reason. I want to thank you for supporting me with Humor Harmony having zero violent crimes for 16 days, believe it or not that made that event one of my biggest accomplishments.”
With that in mind, this felt like the perfect time to revisit all the moves the G-Unit boss has made this year and list out why he is on the 2024 The Root 100.
The Final Lap Tour
50 Cent ended his 103-city international tour in March, reminding the world that he’s one of the most popular and successful hip-hop artists of all time. According to Billboard, it became only the third rap tour in history to gross more than $100 million, joining the likes of Drake and Kendrick Lamar. This means Fif’s reach has not diminished much since he last released a studio album in 2014.
Shreveport investment
In April, the Queens rapper announced the launch of his G-Unit Film Studio in Shreveport, which he went in-depth on during his interview with Hot 97 two weeks ago.
His business relationship with the city began in November 2023, when the Shreveport City Council agreed to introduce legislation that would allow 50 Cent’s G-Unit Film & Television Inc. to lease Millennium Movie Studio as a base for his company, according to KSLA.
Although the move to house his film studio in Shreveport is meant to grow his entertainment empire, he’s also doing it to help the Shreveport community. Orville Hall, the Growth Advisor for G-Unit Film Studios, has also shared that they have plans to help families get mortgages and create media programs for high schools in the area.
“The Accomplice”
In September, decided to express his creative side in the form of a book titled, “The Accomplice.” This novel tells the story of a Black female Texas Ranger, Nia Adams, who is investigating the crimes of Desmond Bell, who was once a Vietnam vet who has turned to a life of crime.
Las Vegas residency
In October, the Queens native announced that he would be joining the likes of many other beloved Black artists by having his own Las Vegas residency. Titled, “In Da Club,” the G-Unit boss isn’t doing this residency just for charity, he’ll be getting a nice paycheck for his services.
According to TMZ, 50 Cent will be paid $15 million for the six-show residency at the PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. In a press release, he explained, “I always bring the energy, and Las Vegas is the perfect spot to create an unforgettable experience for my fans,” he wrote. “We’re talking big production, surprises, and the ultimate New Year’s Eve party for my Vegas residency.”
Upcoming TV and film productions
The hip-hop mogul announced several TV and film projects that will almost assuredly have his fans glued to screens across the country. This year alone he announced a series based on Eminem’s 2002 film, “8 Mile.” Infamously, Fif has been teasing a Netflix documentary about Sean “Diddy” Combs and his alleged crimes.
In a statement, 50 Cent and the director, Alexandra Stapleton, said, “This is a story with significant human impact. It is a complex narrative spanning decades, not just the headlines or clips seen so far. We remain steadfast in our commitment to give a voice to the voiceless and to present authentic and nuanced perspectives.”
