Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson has never shied away from controversy, and in a recent interview, he revealed that a behind-the-scenes feud nearly derailed his hit series Power. The rapper-turned-producer, who also starred as Kanan Stark, described the conflict as a tense moment that tested both his resolve and his rising influence in Hollywood.
“It Got Real Ugly, Real Fast”
When Power debuted on Starz in 2014, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning Jackson recognition not just as a music mogul, but as a serious player in television. Yet, according to Jackson, not everyone in the industry supported his success. “There was someone powerful who wanted me out,” he told The Breakfast Club. “They didn’t like that a rapper — especially me — was running a top-rated drama. They tried to make a few calls, tried to kill the show quietly.”
While Jackson didn’t name the individual, insiders have speculated that tension arose with an A-list actor who was briefly considered for a guest role in the show’s second season. Jackson explained, “It was ego. They couldn’t handle being on my set. They thought I was some music guy pretending to do TV. But I’d been building this thing from day one.”
Behind-the-Scenes Tension
Crew members recall heated exchanges during early production meetings, particularly over creative control. Rumors circulated that the actor had contacted Starz executives to raise concerns about “unprofessionalism” — a claim Jackson denies. “They tried to paint me as the problem,” he said. “But I was protecting Power. That show was my baby. Nobody’s gonna tell me how to raise my kid.”
For a brief moment, the conflict threatened to halt production mid-season. Jackson responded by connecting directly with fans. “If you’ve got the people, the suits can’t stop you,” he said.
No Regrets, No Apologies
Five years later, 50 Cent remains unapologetic. “I don’t do fake peace,” he said. “If I’m right, I stand on it. People think I start beef for attention — nah. I just don’t bow down when I know I’ve built something real.” He added that the experience reshaped his approach to Hollywood’s power dynamics: “In music, I fought the labels. In TV, it’s the same — just suits with better lighting. But you can’t let them think you need them more than they need you.”
Turning Conflict Into Growth
Rather than weakening the franchise, the feud strengthened it. Power ran for six seasons and gave rise to several spinoffs, including Power Book II: Ghost, Raising Kanan, and Force. Jackson’s production company, G-Unit Film & Television, has since expanded into streaming projects and new ventures.
“I turned that feud into fuel,” he said. “Every time someone told me I couldn’t do something, I built another show.” When asked if he’d ever reconcile with the celebrity at the heart of the conflict, Jackson smiled: “If they ever say sorry, maybe. But me? I don’t regret a thing. You can’t build an empire by being polite.”
If you want, I can also create a short, punchy version for online readers that highlights 50 Cent’s resilience and how the feud fueled the Power empire.