C
urtis “50 Cent” Jackson is pouring significant capital into Shreveport, Louisiana, aiming to revive the city’s film and entertainment scene. The rapper‑turned‑businessman announced in 2023 that G‑Unit Films and Television Inc. would set up shop there, following the success of the Starz series *Power*. His commitment, he told Billboard, is “not just a business decision” but a pledge to the community, calling Shreveport a “beacon of inspiration and creativity.”

    Jackson’s investments have already earned him the city’s key and positioned him as Shreveport’s largest private property owner, with roughly twenty properties under his name. In early 2024 he signed a lease for downtown’s Millennium Studios, though the building has struggled with flooding and has yet to see active production. A separate lease at the StageWorks Louisiana building—valued at $200 a month with a 15‑year renewal option—will transform the space into an entertainment and sports hub.

    The rapper’s real‑estate spree includes a $1.02 million downtown lot and a $76,872 vacant parcel where he erected a temporary dome, with plans for a permanent “G‑Dome.” He also purchased multiple downtown lots for over $1 million. These acquisitions have sparked the creation of the “50 Cent Economic District,” a downtown zone that will impose a 2 % sales tax in select areas. The district is projected to generate revenue by 2027, but Mayor Tom Arceneaux remains optimistic that downtown’s renaissance will lift the entire city.

    Jackson’s influence extends beyond property. In 2024 he hosted a four‑day charity event, “Humor and Harmony,” drawing celebrities such as Dave Chappelle, Flo Rida, and 2 Chainz to Shreveport. The event highlighted his broader vision for the city’s cultural scene. G‑Unit Studios is reportedly developing a show called *Shreveport Justice*, featuring local law enforcement and community figures, and a live‑studio‑audience format that could become a staple of the city’s new entertainment lineup.

    Shreveport’s economic decline is stark. Once a booming oil town, it now ranks among the nation’s most needy cities, with a population of just 186,000 and a murder rate slightly above Washington, D.C., according to CDC data. The city’s leaders and residents are watching Jackson’s multimillion‑dollar commitments closely, hoping they will create jobs and attract fresh capital. Whether his plans will deliver on that promise remains to be seen, but the city’s officials are eager to see the potential benefits of his investment.