50 Cent Says He Took a Pay Cut to Help Build Power

Most fans know 50 Cent as a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and television producer. But many were surprised when he recently revealed how little he earned during the early seasons of the hit STARZ drama Power.

Speaking about the show's beginnings, 50 Cent said he was paid just $17,000 per episode despite taking on multiple key responsibilities behind the scenes.

According to the entertainment mogul, the decision wasn't about maximizing his paycheck—it was about making the project succeed.

More Than Just an Actor

While many viewers recognized him for portraying Kanan Stark, 50 Cent explained that his contributions extended well beyond acting.

He said he also served as:

• Executive producer

• Music supervisor

• Creator of the show's opening theme song

• Promotional ambassador for the series

Because Power was still a new project, he said he accepted significantly less money than he could have earned through other entertainment appearances.

"I took a pay cut to be there the entire time that I was on that show."

"I get paid more to go to the nightclub and wave."

Those comments highlight how committed he was to launching the series successfully.

Promoting the Series Personally

50 Cent also recalled how heavily the show's marketing depended on him during its early years.

He said television networks frequently expected him to appear during promotional interviews because his celebrity status helped attract audiences to the new series.

According to him, it wasn't until the third season that Power had built enough popularity to secure appearances without relying on his presence.

That growth reflected the show's increasing success and expanding fan base.

Omari Hardwick Eventually Became the Face of the Show

Although 50 Cent helped introduce audiences to Power, he acknowledged that actor Omari Hardwick eventually became the series' central star.

Hardwick portrayed James "Ghost" St. Patrick, whose character became one of television's most recognizable antiheroes.

50 Cent explained that his own role was to help launch the series before allowing the story and its lead cast to take center stage.

Why Accept Such a Small Salary?

The revelation raised an important question among fans:

Why would someone already famous agree to earn just $17,000 per episode?

In television production, compensation isn't always determined by fame alone.

New shows often operate with limited budgets, and producers sometimes accept lower upfront salaries in exchange for greater creative control, future opportunities, or long-term ownership.

For 50 Cent, helping build a successful franchise appeared to matter more than maximizing his initial earnings.

That strategy ultimately paid off.

Today, the Power universe includes several successful spin-off series and remains one of STARZ's most valuable television franchises.

Why This Story Matters

Beyond entertainment, 50 Cent's comments offer a lesson that resonates with entrepreneurs, creators, and business owners.

Sometimes the biggest opportunity isn't the highest paycheck.

Accepting smaller short-term rewards to build something with lasting value can create far greater opportunities over time.

Whether in business, media, or creative industries, investing in long-term growth often requires sacrifices at the beginning.

Key Takeaways

• 50 Cent says he earned $17,000 per episode during the early seasons of Power.

• He served as an executive producer, recurring actor, music supervisor, and theme song creator.

• He says he accepted lower pay because he believed in the project.

• Power later became one of STARZ's most successful television franchises with multiple spin-offs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did 50 Cent earn per episode on Power?

According to 50 Cent, he initially earned approximately $17,000 per episode while taking on multiple production and creative responsibilities.

Why did 50 Cent accept a lower salary?

He said he believed in the long-term success of Power and wanted to help build the series from the ground up rather than focus on immediate earnings.

What role did Omari Hardwick play?

Omari Hardwick portrayed James "Ghost" St. Patrick, the lead character who became the central face of the series.

Who created Power?

The series was created by Courtney A. Kemp, with 50 Cent serving as executive producer and playing a major role in developing and promoting the franchise.

Editorial Note

This article is based on public comments made by 50 Cent regarding his compensation during the early production of Power. Statements about his salary and responsibilities reflect his account of the show's development and have been supplemented with previously published interviews and reporting.

MAMA AWARDS 2025: Night 1 Highlights

Music Artists

November 29, 2025•2 min read

The MAMA Awards 2025 opened its first night with explosive stages, emotional speeches, and the biggest names in K-Pop taking home major honors.

One of the most celebrated wins of the evening was ENHYPEN, who claimed Fans’ Choice of the Year, proving once again how powerful and united their global fanbase, ENGENEs, truly are. The group received massive cheers both online and inside the venue as they accepted the award with heartfelt gratitude.

Meanwhile, Song of the Year went to one of the most unexpected yet iconic collaborations of 2025 — Rosé of BLACKPINK and Bruno Mars with their massive hit “APT.” The track dominated global charts, TikTok trends, and playlists for months, blending Rosé’s soulful tone with Bruno’s classic R&B magic.

Night 1 of the MAMA Awards set the tone for celebration, artistry, and world-class performances. With more categories still to be announced, fans are already calling this one of the strongest, most memorable MAMA seasons in recent years.

Stay tuned for Night 2 — the surprises are just getting started.

Jisoo of BLACKPINK Melts Hearts After Writing a Filipino Message for PH Blinks - Copy

K-pop superstar Jisoo of BLACKPINK once again proved why Filipino Blinks hold a special place in her heart. After their explosive back-to-back shows at the Philippine Arena, Jisoo posted a heartfelt message in Filipino, expressing her gratitude and joy after returning to the Philippines.

Her message reads:

“PILIPINAS. Para talaga akong bumalik sa kabataan ko — ang dami kong tawa at sobrang saya ko. Hindi ko malilimutan ang pink wave niyo. Maraming salamat sa pagbibigay sa amin ng napakagandang alaala. Mahal ko kayo!”

The post instantly went viral, with fans sharing how touched they were that Jisoo wrote in Filipino — a gesture that felt personal, intentional, and deeply warm.

Jisoo also shared behind-the-scenes memories, snapshots with the members, and moments from their Deadline Concert Encore in Manila.

Jisoo also shared behind-the-scenes memories, snapshots with the members, and moments from their Deadline Concert Encore in Manila.

The group has been on a successful run since releasing “Born Pink,” with hit singles like “Shut Down,” “Pink Venom,” and their massive world tour. BLACKPINK celebrated their 9th debut anniversary earlier this year, and despite global schedules, Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa continue to shine individually through their solo careers.

For Filipino Blinks, moments like this remind them why BLACKPINK remains not only a global powerhouse — but also a group with a genuine connection to the Philippines.

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Deadline Concert Encore in Manila.