Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson is making waves in Louisiana, not just as a rapper or filmmaker but as a real estate mogul. Recently, the chart-topping rapper has shifted his focus to Shreveport, Louisiana, where he’s quickly becoming one of the largest property owners in the city’s downtown area.
In a span of just a few months, Jackson has purchased over ten properties, spending nearly $2.5 million in cash to expand his empire.
His big move began on May 31, 2024, when he started purchasing properties totaling $2,398,122. The properties, some of which are historic and others vacant lots, Shreveport Times reports.
These include buildings like 401 Spring Street, sold for $150,000, and the notable 611 Texas Street, purchased for $250,000. His most significant buy was the 301 Spring Street building, which cost him over $1 million. All these purchases reportedly give Jackson the second-most number of properties in the downtown section of the city, with room to expand further.
Shreveport’s appeal isn’t solely based on its weather or architectural charm. Jackson’s move was heavily influenced by Louisiana’s attractive tax incentives for filmmakers. Louisiana offers significant tax credits for productions, making it a top destination for filmmakers, according to Wrapbook.com.
The Backlash
50 Cent recently addressed backlash over opening a G-Unit production studio in Shreveport with critics accusing him of choosing the location due to a “cheap deal.” Speaking to KMJJ’s Anthony “Big Ant” Simmons, the rapper recently dismissed the claims, explaining that Shreveport offered the infrastructure and tax incentives he needed.
“I’m spending $20 million this year in the same building they’re calling cheap,” 50 Cent said. “Find someone else who can do that.” He praised the city’s potential, highlighting his commitment to filming 80 percent of his productions there, which he believes will boost the local economy.
How He Paid For It All
Jackson, who has made a name for himself as a producer and director with his G-Unit Film & Television company, has made the Port City his base for G-Unit Studios, taking advantage of these incentives.
50 Cent’s investments are already showing signs of bringing more attention to Shreveport, with city officials excited about the potential ripple effect.
Downtown Development Authority representative Janie Landry told KTAL News, “The fact that we’re talking about it today shows the importance… It also shows to other potential investors the importance of downtown Shreveport.”
Jackson’s quick, market-value purchases signal to other investors that downtown Shreveport is ripe for business.
Landry noted, “I think overall it helps individuals that may be wanting to purchase a property in downtown Shreveport. They can say to themselves, ‘If Curtis Jackson wants to be in downtown Shreveport, then maybe I do too.’”
Many of the properties Jackson acquired had been vacant for years, and his investments are expected to breathe new life into the city’s downtown area. The potential for revitalization is exciting for city leaders who see Jackson’s involvement as a catalyst for more development.
Beyond real estate, Jackson is bringing his star power to the city through events like the Humor and Harmony Weekend, held at Shreveport’s Municipal Memorial Auditorium in August.
The four-day festival, hosted by Jackson and his G-Unity Foundation, attracted big names from comedy, music, and sports, bringing millions of dollars in economic impact to the city.
The festival featured concerts, talent shows, a sold-out comedy night, and a celebrity basketball game, showcasing Jackson’s ability to merge entertainment with community development. It was a major success, helping to put Shreveport on the national map.
Jackson remains highly aware of the impact he’s making. After the festival, he released a statement expressing his gratitude to the city and its leaders.
“I could not be more proud of the City of Shreveport and all the people who traveled to participate in our first Humor & Harmony Weekend,” the “Get Rich or Die Tryin’” chart-topper said. “None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux, the Shreveport City Council, Caddo Parish, SPAR, police and fire departments, my entire team, the army of local workers, volunteers, vendors and businesses, our generous donors and sponsors, and, of course, the friendly and welcoming people of Shreveport.”
He added, “While this weekend may have served as proof of concept for some, for me, it just confirmed everything I already knew. The City of Shreveport has officially earned its spot on the national scene as a place that is open for business, investment, and tourism. All Roads Lead to Shreveport.”
With Jackson’s growing influence in real estate, entertainment, and community engagement, Shreveport is quickly becoming a hotspot for both business and culture, and it seems the New York native’s investment is only just beginning.
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