50 Cent is breathing new life into Shreveport, Louisiana, after expanding his media empire and bringing a festival there.
Small businesses enjoyed long lines and sold-out menus following a successful turnout for the hip-hop mogul’s inaugural Humor & Harmony Weekend, KSLA reports. Held from August 8 to August 11, the festival aimed to raise money for underserved youth as part of 50 Cent’s (real name Curtis Jackson) G-Unity Foundation.
People from all over the country flocked to Downtown Shreveport’s Red River District to enjoy pop-up restaurant experiences, vendors, and events that amplified the city’s small businesses. Famous faces drew large crowds. Dave Chappelle served as a special guest at a comedy show. Artists like Master P, Da Baby, and Flo Rida hit the stage. And a celebrity basketball game saw Bow Wow, Andrew Johnson, and 2 Chainz battled it out.
“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 to benefit the G-Unity Foundation,” 50 Cent shared in a statement. “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 open for business, investment, and tourism. All Roads Lead to Shreveport. Thank you to all of the people who came out to support us for a great cause.”
The turnout was so big that by Sunday, August 11, the Shreveport Police Department (SPD) had to issue an official announcement about shutting down entry to the Red River District due to the dome having reached maximum capacity. Photos from the event show attendees standing shoulder to shoulder.
Local businesses saw a massive turn in profit thanks to the sudden population boost. One pizza shop was forced to close business for two days due to selling out its entire menu.
“Because we are not like them, this weekend has been PROFITABLE and PRODUCTIVE!” Pop N Pizza wrote on Facebook. “As of 10:34 pm, we are completely sold out and will resume our normal hours of operation on Tuesday! 🙌🏽🙌🏽”
“Humor Harmony, The POWER UNIVERSE we different we #1 @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” 50 Cent captioned a video of his stage performance.
The festival is just some of what 50 Cent has planned for his expanding business empire in Shreveport.
“As someone who has always believed in the transformative power of music, film, and television, I’m beyond excited to introduce the expansion of my G-Unit Film & Television through the launch of G-Unit Studios right here in Shreveport,” he told Billboard in April.
Establishing G-Unit Studios in Shreveport “is not just a business decision;
it’s a commitment to fostering talent, creating opportunities, and building a community that thrives through creativity and innovation. We see Shreveport as a beacon of inspiration and creativity,” he added.RELATED CONTENT: 50 Cent Was Almost Excluded From The 2022 Super Bowl Performance