Capitol Hill visit includes meeting with lawmakers and the Congressional Black Caucus regarding black entrepreneurship.
He may not have been “In da Club,” but rapper Curtis Jackson, better known as 50 Cent, paid a visit to Capitol Hill on June 5 to meet with lawmakers and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) regarding the issues of black entrepreneurship and minority representation in the alcohol industry.
Mr. Jackson posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he was meeting with the CBC to discuss how Japanese beverage company Suntory has “damaged my business,” referring to Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Brut Champagne. There is a legal dispute between Suntory and Mr. Jackson.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump accompanied Mr. Jackson, whom he described as “relentless” in his fight against Suntory, in a statement ahead of the Capitol Hill visit
“Mr. Jackson’s journey has been a testament to how much a determined individual can succeed through hard work and vision, and yet he still must contend with the oppression that comes from being a minority business owner,” Mr. Crump said.
“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.”
During a press conference outside the Capitol, Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) noted that Mr. Jackson met with both Democrat and Republican leadership and the House rank-and-file, “demonstrating that the color of the economy is green and making sure that that green makes it into all communities.”
“Mr. Jackson is one of the most successful Black entrepreneurs in America,” said Mr. Crump.
The luxury spirits market “is void of having any black leadership at the table,” he lamented, adding that Mr. Jackson is about economic opportunity for all, regardless of race.
Mr. Jackson said he had a “great experience” on Capitol Hill, meeting with lawmakers of both parties to “talk about economic opportunities for everybody, and it’s really exciting.
“The response makes me feel like there’s bright days ahead of us.”
Images of Mr. Jackson’s meeting and taking photos with lawmakers circulated on X.
“Guess who I got to see! One of my favorite republicans! He doesn’t want to become 25 cent,” posted Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.).
“I’d still love you if you flipped burgers at Burger King @50Cent, I used to do that myself! Thanks for the photo, great to meet you!” posted Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.).
“Couldn’t join 50 Cent ‘In Da Club,’ but was happy to welcome him to Capitol Hill today. I’m glad to be a part of greater dialogue on advancing the Black Wealth Agenda by increasing support for minority-owned and small businesses,” posted Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio).
This is not Mr. Jackson’s first foray into the political arena.
In a March 26 post on X, Mr. Jackson predicted that former President Donald Trump would win in November.
“I think Trumps [sic] gonna be president again, but I’m not gonna say that,” he posted.
In January, he criticized California over the state’s legislation that uses taxpayer money to fund health care for illegal immigrants.
In 2020, he initially endorsed President Trump before reversing himself.
Carly Mayberry contributed to this report.
