50 Cent Discloses Starz’s Payment Of $17K Per Episode For “Power” Series

50 Cent, rapper and executive producer behind the popular “Power” franchise, recently shared surprising revelations about his earnings from the show’s production. Despite the immense success of “Power” and its subsequent spin-offs, 50 Cent expressed dissatisfaction with his compensation in a candid interview with Vulture.

“Power,” which debuted in 2014, captivated audiences with its gripping narrative centered around James St.Cloud, a former drug dealer striving to escape a life of crime. The original series garnered significant viewership on Starz, spanning six seasons before concluding in 2020. The franchise expanded with “Power Book II: Ghost,” a direct sequel in 2020, followed by “Power Book III: Raising Kanan” in 2021, serving as a prequel to the original. The latest addition, “Power Book IV: Force,” commenced in 2022, representing an alternate sequel to “Ghost.”

As an executive producer and one of the creative forces behind the Power franchise, 50 Cent played a pivotal role in its success. Additionally, he lent his musical talents to provide the theme song and portrayed the formidable character Kanan Starks throughout all six seasons. However, the rapper-turned-actor recently disclosed startling details regarding his financial compensation from the show’s production.

During the interview with Vulture, 50 Cent expressed his dismay at receiving a mere $17,000 per episode for his multifaceted contributions. He highlighted the significant disparity between his earnings and the value he brought to the table as an actor, executive producer, and music creator. Comparing this compensation to his earnings from nightclub appearances, 50 Cent emphasized his deep passion for the show, stating that he willingly accepted the pay cut to bring “Power” to fruition.

Surprisingly, Starz, the network that ultimately aired “Power,” was not 50 Cent’s initial choice. He revealed that they approached several prominent organizations, including HBO, Showtime, Paramount, and Hulu, during the early stages of development. These entities either deemed the concept similar to existing projects or did not align with their requirements.

In hindsight, 50 Cent believes these companies regret their decision. Furthermore, he expressed frustration with the recurring process of auditioning for major carriers every two years when renegotiating, perceiving it as a reflection of racial bias. Despite the show’s undeniable success, 50 Cent claimed that platforms often overlook diverse content like “Power,” thereby undermining its recognition and awards potential.