Curtis Jackson, the rapper widely known as “50 Cent” visited the White House and Capitol Hill on Wednesday to open doors for minority small business owners in the spirits industry.
“He wants all of the businesses whether Black, white or brown to have an opportunity in that industry,” civil rights attorney Ben Crump shared as he accompanied Jackson on the Hill.
Not only a rapper, Jackson is a critically acclaimed screenwriter and actor who has made waves in the film industry through shows like “Power” and “BMF” and has become an entrepreneur in music, media, spirits and fashion.
Last month, Jackson opened his own in-house production facility, “G-Unit” at a location in Shreveport, Louisiana.
“From the gritty narratives of the streets to the compelling stories that define our era, G-Unit has always been more than just entertainment; it’s a platform for voices that need to be heard, stories that need to be told,” Jackson said in an interview with Billboard. “Bringing G-Unit Studios to 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 shared that same perspective on June 5 with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R), Rep. Troy A. Carter (D) and Rep. Nikema Williams (D) while discussing his ventures in the liquor industry through trade company Sire Spirits.
Jackson said he has faced discrimination in the luxury liquor industry and claims he was overcharged $6 million by supplier Suntory Global, formerly known as Beam Suntory.
“Changing the company name from Beam Suntory to [Suntory Global Spirits] without correcting what was done to my brands [Branson Cognac] and [Le Chemin Du Roi] doesn’t fix the problem and lacks honor,” Jackson posted on Instagram. “I attempted to resolve the matter, not once, but twice. Now the legal process will play out publicly for everyone to see what really happened and how [Suntory Global Spirits] would rather spend millions to protect and conceal criminal conduct instead of doing the right thing.”
Jackson’s attorney Craig Weiner claimed Suntory’s Chief Commercial Officer, Julious Grant, committed fraud causing Jackson to overpay on taxes, insurance, customs and commissions.
“We are committed to helping Mr. Jackson demonstrate the true power of not just his television acumen, but also the power of the consumers to make corporate America allow a seat at the table for hard-working Black entrepreneurs,” Crump who is also representing Jackson released in a statement.
The celebrated civil rights attorney said the artist and businessman is working to open doors for entrepreneurs of color.
“[Jackson] was here today trying to blaze trails, knock down barriers and say just like you want generational wealth for you children, we want generational wealth for our children,” Crump later continued.
Black Americans represent 12% of alcohol consumers across categories, but they make up just 7.8% of the sector’s labor force, 2% of executives in the industry, and 0% of acquisitions, according to Pronghorn, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity within the spirits sector.
Jackson and his team visited the Hill with hopes to help drastically improve statistics for minorities in the spirits business. He left feeling like that goal was successfully accomplished.
“This is exciting for me, I got to meet with both sides today,” said Jackson. “The response I got makes me feel like there are bright things ahead of us.”
