HOUSTON – Rapper, actor, and entrepreneur 50 Cent is bringing his business mindset to Houston, this time focused on helping local students build futures beyond the classroom.
In an exclusive interview with KPRC 2 and his first local television interview in Houston, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson spoke about why he’s investing in Houston youth through his G-Unity Foundation and its G-Unity Business Lab program.
“Houston’s perfect for it, it’s built on entrepreneurship,” Jackson told KPRC 2.
The yearlong program selects more than 100 Houston Independent School District high school students to learn the foundations of entrepreneurship, including how to launch, manage, and financially operate a business.
Throughout the program, students work alongside mentors and coaches before pitching their business ideas during the “Hustle Tank” competition held at NRG Arena.
Students present their ideas directly to 50 Cent and a panel of Houston business leaders in hopes of gaining support and confidence in their entrepreneurial dreams.
50 Cent said one of the most valuable parts of the program is the confidence students gain throughout the process.
“I think that’s probably the biggest thing the program is offering them,” 50 Cent said. “A different kind of confidence.”
Students involved in the program say the experience is helping reshape how they view themselves and their future.
“In the end, we’ll look back and laugh because although it was hard at some point, it was worth it,” student Genesis Rodriguez said.
50 Cent also spoke candidly about relating to many of the students’ personal struggles, including growing up without both parents in the home.
“I had that in my background and experience, so I can relate to them on that level,” 50 Cent said. “It makes it easier for me to communicate with them.”
For 50 Cent, the mission goes beyond business pitches and competitions. He said the goal is to expose students to opportunities they may have never imagined and show them success is possible regardless of their background.
“I have every reason why you would not be successful in my background,” 50 Cent said. “If you want to make it, you’re going to make it.”
50 Cent said he hopes to continue expanding the program in Houston, calling the city “the right place for it.”