What if I told you, you could go from a gangster to an entertainer to a mogul by the time you’re 30 years old and it only becomes better from here? What if I told you that you’ll be headlining Houston’s Livestock Show and rodeo in front of over 74,000 people?
Curtis Jackson, known as 50 Cent, rose from a challenging upbringing in South Jamaica, Queens, New York, to become a prominent figure in the music industry and entrepreneurship. Growing up amidst poverty and adversity, Jackson’s journey was marked by resilience and determination. Harnessing his experiences, he channeled his energies into his passion for music, crafting his unique style as a rapper and entrepreneur. Despite facing setbacks, including expulsion from high school, Jackson’s entrepreneurial spirit remained undeterred. He leveraged his musical talents to establish himself as a groundbreaking artist and later diversified his portfolio with successful business ventures, including record labels, investments, and ventures in fashion and entertainment. Jackson’s trajectory from his humble beginnings to global prominence exemplifies the transformative power of determination and perseverance.
50 Cent’s interest in Houston, Texas, extends beyond the boundaries of music and entertainment, delving into various business ventures and community initiatives. Drawn to the vibrant culture and thriving economy of the city, 50 Cent has demonstrated a keen eye for investment opportunities in Houston’s real estate market. His entrepreneurial ventures in the city include investments in commercial and residential properties, reflecting his commitment to capitalizing on emerging markets and fostering economic growth.
Additionally, 50 Cent has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts in Houston, supporting local charities and initiatives aimed at empowering underserved communities. Through his multifaceted engagement with the city, Jackson continues to leave a lasting impact, both economically and socially, solidifying his connection to Houston as more than just a geographical location but as a dynamic hub for opportunity and positive change.
In all honesty, it’s only right that he’s shown love by performing on one of the largest stages in the city…The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo!
As the signal was given for the lights to be turned off, the stage set under the enormous screens, fireworks, and LED lights blazed from the sides of the dirt and stage, countdown began for the moment we have all been waiting for, Curtis 50 Cent Jackson. A huge eruption of bass and, boom, the P.I.M.P from NYC comes out blazing with his chart-topping hit.
The 74,000+ crowd burst with excitement as he transitioned from his slick, all white suit into the persona we were introduced to, durag, tall tee, nostalgic New York fashion. The stage turned while he performed, “I Get Money” and a second later the “Hate It or Love It” chorus emerged through the background, making it suddenly as if we were back to the 2000s. Fast forwarding to “If I Can’t”, and then “Magic Stick”, 50 then transitioned into “Hustler’s Ambition”, a song about the driving factor in a lot of people’s lives who were getting it from the mud.
One thing was apparent, the stage command and performances were astounding as he made sure to hit every point of the Rodeo Stars revolving stage. He soon averted to the center into another quick change where he entered during the single “This Is How We Do”, transitioning into “What Up Gangsta”.
The unexpected, but surprisingly engaging burst of flames from the dirt around the stage complemented songs like Candy Shop. With every 808 bass reverb flames erupted and continued throughout the song like an audio recording when you hear a noise in the background.
“You know I have some guests right,” exclaimed 50 as the crowd erupted in confusion. Seconds later DaBaby bolted onto the stage decked out in western wear, performing “Rockstar” and “Suge” and his latest hit single “Shake Sum”.
This gave 50 time for a quick break before the pyrotechnics turned golden to invoke a wealth atmosphere for the single “Window Shopper”. Of course it wouldn’t be a performance without the one single everyone took lyrics from to try to get their partner at some point, “Best Friend” before transistioning into his chart-topper 21 Questions.
At one point in the show 50 disappeared backstage and a blue light filled the stadium and the dancers took over and performed to a Bollywood instrumental. As the beat for “Just a Lil Bit” merged with the eastern strings Jackson emerged back onto the stage wearing leather hoodie ensemble, paying homage to Dapper Dan.
Jackson’s show, much like the rest of his accomplishments, is well thought out. Leveraging his creative vision and business repertoire, 50 Cent has played a pivotal role in producing several successful shows that have captivated audiences worldwide. His production credits include acclaimed series such as Power and its succesful spin-offs as well as other hits like For Life and BMF. Through his production company, G-Unit Film & Television, 50 Cent has demonstrated a commitment to bringing compelling narratives to the screen, often drawing from his own experiences and insights to infuse authenticity into his projects. His innate understanding of quality storytelling and production are evident in his stage show solidyfying his reputation as a dynamic force in entertainment production.
50 Cent made sure to performe “Woo” in honor of Pop Smoke who tragically lost his life during a 2020 home invasion. He didnt end the show on a somber vibe bringing out fan favorite Flo Ridato perform “My House” and “Low”. The pyrotechnics grew as lasers shot from the stage to hits like “Ayo Technology” before he brought out his final guest Jeremih. The two performed their hit “Put It Down On Me” before Jeremih made his way over to a grand piano to play “Birthday Sex” alongside the crowd. What made this comical was during the set, the cameras quickly switched to the fans who were just as astounded by the singer’s dancer as she gyrrated on the piano. Normal for a 50 Cent show but this is the rodeo and there are children.
50 returned wearing an Astros personalized jersey with the single “Have a Baby by Me”. Then the MC’s told the crowd to use their phones to light the arena. What followed was “Many Men”, the song that officially made “Boo Boo” from Jamaica Queens a true gangster known now as 50 Cent. From getting shot 9 times and making a full recovery to becoming a moguls and busisneman performing on the rodeo stage, 50 showed the crowd Friday night anything is possible. It’s only right he finished that set with “I’m The Man”.
But that doesn’t mean the show was over. Cause one thing is for certain, what is a 50 show without dancing like it’s ya birthday? The NYC native went from his signature tank with the low brim to the all-white casual leather jacket before hopping on the back of a truck to be led out the arena. Yes, we were partying like it was somebody’s birthday!