In a bold move to transform a Louisiana city, rapper 50 Cent is channeling millions into its rejuvenation efforts.
The entrepreneur is placing a significant wager on Shreveport, having already acquired 20 properties as part of a substantial $50 million initiative.
Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson has identified several business prospects in the city, with plans to introduce his G-Unit production studio to develop films, television shows, and other entertainment projects.
Local officials are optimistic that the emerging 50 Cent Economic District will generate employment and breathe new life into the once-thriving oil hub.
“In a relatively short time, I’ve developed a unique fondness for the people of Shreveport,” Jackson remarked on his new collaboration. “It feels like home to me, and it will eventually become home because there’s work I need to accomplish.”
In a show of support, Mayor Tom Arceneaux recently presented the rapper with a key to the city.
‘I’m excited about building those things,’ Jackson said at the ceremony. ‘I promise you, I’ll overdeliver with Shreveport.
‘I have programs and plans for the facilities, so you’ll be able to look at the things that are happening throughout the year, and it’ll be actively used in a different way.’
Rapper 50 Cent is investing millions of dollars in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana
Arceneaux, with the help of Jackson, is hoping to rejuvenate the city’s downtown by attracting investors and taking advantage of vacant spaces.
The plan would implement a two percent sales tax within the Red River District and portions of Texas Street, according to Keel.
Arceneaux estimates the project will generate at least a million dollars in capital expenditure or ten new jobs.
‘We haven’t had to spend a penny for it,’ Arceneaux said. ‘If we see a renaissance of downtown and the entertainment district all the boats will rise within he rising tide.’
Shreveport was named as the US’ fifth most ‘needy’ city in a 2024 Wallethub study.
The report compared over 180 US cities using 28 indicators of economic disadvantage, including child and adult poverty, food insecurity, uninsured rates, and more, to identify which areas need the most help.
Shreveport also has a crime rate of 53.34 per 1,000 residents per year, Crime Grade, more than double the national average.
But Jackson is not letting the city’s struggles hold him back.
The city has struggled with declining employment rates but will soon play host to the rapper’s G-Unit production studio for movies, shows, and other entertainment mediums
Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson purchased this building on 401 Spring Street in the city for $150,000
The city’s council approved a lease agreement between Stageworks Louisiana and his G-Unit Films & Television Louisiana LLC on March 25, 2025, according to the Shreveport Times.
The deal between Jackson and the city will be a 30-year lease with a 15-year renewal option.
The monthly rent will be $200, and his company will be responsible for operating and maintaining the facilities.
Jackson has purchased several properties in the area, with some above $1million, according to Keel.
Most notably he bought a $1,020,000 property on 301 Spring Street that includes multiple lots in the center of downtown Shreveport.
Another eye-catching move was the acquisition of another vacant lot for just $76,872.
Jackson placed a temporary dome on top but plans to make the hemisphere permanent.
Gerod Durden, CEO of the Durden property group, who works closely with Jackson, told KTAL that the rap artist is the largest private property owner in the city.
The business mogul, real name Curtis Jackson, has snapped up around 20 properties in the city
Shreveport, in the northeast part of the state, is among the neediest cities in the US
Most notably he bought a $1,020,000 property on 301 Spring Street that includes multiple lots in the center of downtown Shreveport
‘I’ve been told by several sources that he is,’ he said. ‘We’re in the range of 20 properties. We’ve secured some properties this week.’
Durden explained Jackson is putting locals first by hiring people within the city to support his business venture.
Orville Hall, the growth advisor of G-Unit explained to the outlet Jackson’s plan to receive more funding from the government.
‘What 50 is really doing is he is graciously let me, the city, the mayor, and the city council use him as leverage to say to the state “He started[investing]-would you contribute to Shreveport, to north Louisiana”,’ he said.
Shreveport is located 189 miles from Dallas and was once a booming oil town.
But the decline of the industry in the area combined with catastrophic job losses following the closure of the General Motors plant led to a dwindling population and a lack of opportunity.
Jackson hopes the next phase of his investment could target tourism to the city.
He described his involvement as an ‘honor’ at the key to the city ceremony.
‘As someone who’s always believed in the transformative power of music, film and television I’m really excited to show you the expansion of film and television through G-Unit Studio right here in Shreveport,’ he said.
