What did Sam Jenkins say about 50 Cent? Rapper continues to buy properties in Shreveport despite state politician's concerns

According to a report by The Shreveport-Bossier City Advocate dated December 18, 2024, State Senator Sam Jenkins expressed concern over 50 Cent buying multiple assets in Shreveport. As per Yahoo Finance's report in September 2024, 50 Cent invested in more than 10 properties in Shreveport, becoming the second-largest property owner in the city's downtown area.

The Intro rapper and his hip-hop group G-Unit have leased Millenium Studios in Shreveport and are eyeing other properties in the region. Commenting on the same, State Senator Sam Jenkins said that the deal concerning Millenium Studios "has been made and should be honored."

Jenkins mentioned that as a state senator and private citizen for downtown Shreveport, he's asking that the city slows down a little bit, adding "Let’s try to see what else is out there.” The state senator mentioned:

“I'm just simply saying, let's just be careful how far we go and begin to look at some performances based upon what we've already pledged or promised to do."

Jenkins continued:

“This is about the city and the responsibility of the city and city council those people make sure that they are answerable to our citizens about what we're doing with those assets down there."

While the Baby by Me rapper has leased Millenium Studios, he has expressed interest in the Red River entertainment under the Texas Street Bridge and has a pending lease for the former Expo Hall/Stageworks.

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"Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport"- 50 Cent comments on state senator's remarks

Shortly after Sam Jenkins' interview was released, 50 Cent took to Instagram on December 20, 2024, to express his views on the state senator's comments concerning his properties in Shreveport. Posting a snippet from Jenkins' interview, Cent stated in the caption:

"Sam Jenkins must not want things to turn around in Shreveport. Who would not do a deal to wait for a imaginary deal to come 😳? Or maybe he just lacks faith in me, what do you think ?"

In a now-deleted follow-up post, Cent posted pictures of some of the properties he purchased in Shreveport with the caption:

“This is phase ll I just bought the Le hall building +4 other properties down town. It appears to be upsetting people, but I don’t understand why nothing was active. Dr king said people from Shreveport were very peculiar!”

By citing Dr. King, the Many Men rapper was referring to Martin Luther King Jr's "I Have a Dream" speech delivered in 1963 in Washington, which was one of the Southern cities where systematic racism and segregation between Black Americans existed.

Moreover, in his interview, the state senator said that his comments weren't specific to 50 Cent and that he worked to help the rapper as well as the city. Jenkins mentioned that he helped Cent via the recently completed special legislative session including supporting film tax credits.

According to a November 24 report by HipHop DX, Louisiana was going to remove the financial incentive for film and TV productions, which required a 40% reduction in expenditures. This put Cent's investments in Shreveport at risk. However, the Louisiana Senate Committee eventually voted to retain the tax incentive by lowering the cap to $125 million from $150 million.

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In other news, KSLA News reported on December 20, 2024, that 50 Cent shared images of a new restaurant with the news portal, that he is set to open in Shreveport. The news portal reported that the restaurant is a partnership with R&B singer Keith Sweat and is called Harlem Pizza.

Additionally, Cent's realtor Gerod Durden said that some of the rapper's newly acquired properties will be open for business in 2025.