50 Cent Talks His Nickname, Giving Back and His New Series Fightland

50 Cent may be one of the most recognizable names in hip-hop, but before he became “50,” there was another nickname in the running and let’s just say it wasn’t nearly as marketable.

During a recent interview, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson jokingly revealed that his first nickname was “Boo Boo,” prompting plenty of laughs. Thankfully, 50 Cent stuck and the rest is history.

The Queens native also opened up about his longtime commitment to giving back to his hometown. Through his G-Unity Foundation, Jackson has invested in his community, including creating the Curtis Jackson Community Garden in Jamaica, Queens, a project inspired in part by his friendship with legendary entertainer and environmental advocate Bette Midler.

Jackson recalled meeting Midler through the New York Restoration Project, her organization dedicated to creating and maintaining green spaces throughout New York City. After learning more about the organization’s work, Jackson knew he wanted to bring a similar vision to his own neighborhood.

His connection with Midler even led to an amusing and unexpectedly expensive lesson in philanthropy. Jackson recalled attending one of the organization’s lavish fundraising events, where guests could pledge money toward planting trees. When cherry trees came up for auction at $2,500 each, he found himself holding one of the event’s bidding paddles.

The moment Midler asked who would take ten cherry trees, Jackson realized exactly how quickly $25,000 could disappear!

Still, the experience ultimately helped inspire an initiative that brought more green space to Jamaica, Queens. And Jackson couldn’t be prouder of the community garden that came from it.

50 Cent Enters His Fightland Era

Jackson is now turning his attention to his latest television venture, Fightland, a new Starz series that he executive produces. Set in London and featuring a predominantly British cast, the gritty family crime drama marks his first UK-based television production.

Jackson teased the series as raw, intense and packed with compelling characters, while joking about whether he might eventually appear on-screen. The only problem? His British accent needs a little work!

The powerhouse producer also revealed that comedy is the one genre he has yet to conquer—and he’s ready to change that. After joking with the host about using his industry connections, Jackson said he would love to develop a scripted comedy series next.

As for Fightland, Jackson promises plenty of intensity. Addressing questions about the show’s violence, he pointed out that boxing is inherently physical and compared the series’ gritty storytelling to other hard-hitting television dramas.

The series centers on the world of boxing, family and crime, with the stakes rising both inside and outside the ring. From intense training sessions to high-pressure fights, Fightland looks poised to deliver the kind of adrenaline-fueled drama that keeps viewers coming back.

With his fingerprints already all over television, documentaries and film, 50 Cent is proving that his entertainment empire extends far beyond music—and judging by his plans for comedy, this may only be the beginning.

Fightland airs Fridays on Starz.

(Photos by: Todd Owyoung/NBC)

The post 50 Cent Talks His Nickname, Giving Back and His New Series Fightland appeared first on Talking With Tami.

from Talking With Tami https://ift.tt/nvIYCXZ
via talkingwithtami